Startup Shakthi Women Incubation Program , MABIF

• Women founders and students aged 18-50 at idea or product stage seeking agri-incubation.

About this scheme

Startup Shakthi is a cohort-based incubation programme by the Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum (MABIF), designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs at the early idea stage. The programme targets aspiring founders from across India , including students, SHG members, homemakers, and working professionals , who have a business idea but need structured support to validate, build, and scale it.

The programme delivers a structured curriculum covering business model development, idea validation, market insights, and compliance and registration support. Participants move through the cohort together, building both their ventures and their peer network simultaneously. Market access and networking opportunities are integrated into the programme design, giving participants exposure to buyers, industry contacts, and potential collaborators relevant to their sectors.

A core component of Startup Shakthi is its funding access support , selected participants receive guidance on identifying and applying for grants, government schemes, and other funding sources suited to their stage and sector. While Startup Shakthi itself does not disburse a direct cash grant, it actively facilitates the pathway for women founders to unlock external funding.

MABIF's focus on agribusiness incubation means the programme is particularly well-suited for women building ventures in agriculture, food systems, rural enterprise, and allied sectors, though the programme is open to ideas across all sectors. The cohort model and orientation session create an early community among founders, which is especially valuable for first-time entrepreneurs navigating the early stages of the startup journey.

Who can apply

• Open to women aged 18 to 50 years
• Early-stage entrepreneurs with a business idea , students, SHG members, homemakers, and professionals are all eligible
• Open to applicants from all regions across India
• No sector restriction; agribusiness and rural enterprise ideas are particularly encouraged given MABIF's focus
• No prior business experience or registration required at the application stage

Benefits & funding

• Startup Shakthi does not disburse a direct cash grant.
• Selected participants receive structured support in identifying and accessing grants, government schemes, and funding sources relevant to their idea and stage.
• The programme also provides business registration and compliance support.

Frequently asked questions