ACT Grants in Lucknow
How Lucknow-based founders and MSMEs can access ACT Grants, with routing through ROC Kanpur and UPSIDA (UP State Industrial Development Authority).
What is the Act Grant? — Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow is among India's most active metropolitan MSME ecosystems, with established lender networks, incubators, and institutional investor presence. Uptake of central programmes such as ACT Grants is meaningfully higher here than in peer markets.
Uttar Pradesh's One District One Product programme has certified 75+ district products and UP's MSME Policy 2022 offers capital subsidy, interest subvention, and stamp-duty exemption. For Lucknow applicants, this creates a stackable incentive environment where ACT Grants can be paired with UP MSME Policy 2022, ODOP (One District One Product), and UP Startup Policy 2020 for maximum benefit.
Grant disbursal under ACT Grants for Lucknow-based enterprises follows the central nodal agency workflow, with milestone-based tranches. Enterprises incorporated in Uttar Pradesh can additionally leverage UP MSME Policy 2022, ODOP (One District One Product), and UP Startup Policy 2020 as a state-side top-up, coordinated through UPSIDA (UP State Industrial Development Authority).
The ACT Grant programme supports social entrepreneurs who are building technology-led solutions to real social problems — in areas like education, health, climate action, and women's entrepreneurship.
Unlike a business loan, this is a grant — the money does not have to be repaid and you do not give up any ownership of your organisation in exchange.
It is specifically designed for early-stage businesses and social enterprises that are focused on creating measurable positive impact.
Benefits of the Act Grant
Non-Repayable Financial Assistance
Non-dilutive grants that do not require you to give up equity or pay back interest.
Seed Funding
Awards typically range from ₹5 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs based on the proposed solution.
Elite Mentorship
Guidance from industry experts to refine your growth strategy.
Networking
Access to corporate partners, investors and startup funding resources.
Demo Day Exposure
Opportunities to pitch to impact investors and stakeholders.
MSME Support
Alignment with the MSME Act to support regulatory ease and compliance.
Eligibility Criteria for the Act Grant
Open to women entrepreneurs and gender-diverse leadership teams.
Education, Health, Environment, or Women Entrepreneurship.
Primarily early-stage with a viable MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
Technology-driven solution with potential for large-scale impact.
Targeted towards Indian startups solving Indian social challenges.
Must have valid startup india certification and registration.
Documents Required for the Act Grant Application
Business Profile
Company website link, product/service details and pitch deck.
Founder & Team Details
CVs highlighting experience and roles.
Financial Proof
Last 6 months of bank statements and ITR (if applicable).
Registration Proof
MSME Certification and DPIIT Recognition.
Innovation Narrative
Proof of Concept (PoC) or working prototype demo.
Compliance Docs
Proof of business registration (Pvt Ltd/LLP).
How to Apply for the Act Grant
Drafting the Plan
Document Compilation
Portal Submission
Selection & Mentorship
Technical Evaluation
Drafting the Plan
Document Compilation
Portal Submission
Technical Evaluation
Selection & Mentorship
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for the Act Grant
Apply for the Act Grant today and access the funding and mentorship you need to scale.