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NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

XCITE Rural Business Incubation Programme

Backs rural entrepreneurs in eastern India with mentorship and a milestone-linked grant up to ₹5 lakh.

A Pre-Screening Committee reviews every application first; outcomes are an interview invite, a conditional proceed with seven days to clarify open points, or a rejection letter within 14 working days of the deadline. Shortlisted applicants get a 30-45 minute interview with the RBIC Incubation Committee, scored on an eight-criteria, 100-point rubric; a minimum aggregate of 50 is needed for selectio

XCITE backs enterprises across 25 sectors that drive rural prosperity, spanning agriculture and allied activities, off-farm livelihoods, value chains and crafts, and rural-applied technology like clean energy and financial inclusion. It gives particular weight to GI-tagged and heritage industries, rural supply chains, women- and tribal-led ventures, and last-mile market solutions.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.5 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.6 months
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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