Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS)

The Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS) is a Tamil Nadu government initiative supporting SC and ST entrepreneurs with financial assistance, including capital subsidies and interest support. It also offers training to enhance business skills, aiming to reduce economic barriers, create employment, and promote self-reliance among marginalised communities.

Here are the key objectives of AABCS:

• Promote economic development by enabling SC/ST communities to actively participate in the state's business landscape
  

• Encourage entrepreneurship through structured financial support and access to essential resources
  

• Create employment opportunities by helping beneficiaries set up businesses that generate local jobs
  

• Improve the quality of life for marginalised groups by fostering self-reliance and reducing dependency on wage-based work
  

• Bridge social and economic gaps by offering equal access to government-backed enterprise support

Starting a business can feel overwhelming when costs are high and support is limited. Here, the AABCS Scheme provides essential tools to help you succeed with ease:

• Financial Support

Receive a capital subsidy of 35% of your project cost, up to ₹1.5 crore, and a 6% interest subsidy on loans for machinery and equipment

• Inclusive Eligibility

There is no formal education requirement; eligibility is based on your business idea and SC/ST status

• Support for New and Existing Enterprises

Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing one, the scheme supports both

• Sector Coverage

The scheme applies to businesses in manufacturing, services, and select trading activities

• Mandatory Training

You will receive entrepreneurship training before any subsidy is released

• Direct Bank Disbursement

Subsidies are credited directly to your loan account, ensuring transparency and timely access to funds

• No Collateral Requirement

You do not need to provide any property or assets as security for loan approval

The selection process for the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme ensures that eligible SC/ST entrepreneurs receive support through a transparent, district-led approval system. 

Here's how it works:

• Ownership and Community Criteria

Only enterprises that are 100% owned by individuals from SC/ST communities are eligible. The business can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or company, as long as it is legally recognised and profit-oriented.

• District-level Screening

The District Level Sanctioning Committee (DLSC), chaired by the District Collector, is responsible for reviewing and approving applications. This committee, which also operates under the NEEDS Scheme, includes additional members specific to AABCS.

• Application Submission

The General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC) reviews applications and submits the shortlisted proposals with recommendations to the DLSC.

• Special Members for SC/ST Representation

The committee must include at least two members from SC/ST industry associations. If association members are unavailable, the DIC General Manager can nominate SC/ST entrepreneurs or social workers to represent the community.

• Welfare Officer Involvement

The District Adi Dravidar Welfare Officer (DADWO) and, where applicable, the Project Officer from the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) are included as official members of the DLSC to provide additional community oversight.

• Final Authority

The Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce has the authority to review, modify, or override DLSC decisions if necessary for policy or administrative reasons.

Ensure you meet the AABC Scheme eligibility conditions as follows:

• Residency

You must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu

• Community

You must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community

• Ownership

The business must be 100% owned by SC/ST individuals

• Age Limit

You must be between 18 and 55 years old

• Business Type

The business must be a legally recognised profit-oriented entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, or company)

• Enterprise Status

Both new and existing businesses are eligible

• Sector Eligibility

Businesses must be in manufacturing, services, or trading (above UYEGP threshold)

• Education

No minimum educational qualification is required

• Training

Entrepreneurship training by the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute is mandatory (also available for applicants in process)

• Project Cost

Eligible project cost includes land, plant, machinery, testing and computing devices

• Land Value

Land can be included in the project cost, up to 20% of the total project value

• Vehicle Inclusion

Vehicles are allowed in the project cost only if essential to the business (e.g. taxis, trucks, earth-moving, borewell or sanitary service vehicles)

• Additional Subsidies

You may also claim subsidies from central or non–Tamil Nadu government schemes like CLCSS or Coir Board schemes

When applying for the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme in Tamil Nadu, it is important to keep all required documents ready to avoid delays. These documents help verify your identity, eligibility, and the viability of your business proposal. 

Here is the list of essential documents:

• Identity Proof

Copy of Aadhaar card or Voter ID card

• PAN Card

Mandatory for all applicants

• Passport-sized Photograph

Recent colour photo for identification

• Proof of Age

Any valid document that confirms your date of birth

• Community Certificate

Caste certificate issued by a competent authority, confirming SC/ST status

• Residence Proof

Utility bills, ration card, or any government-issued document proving permanent residency in Tamil Nadu

• Bank Account Details

A copy of your bank passbook or a cancelled cheque

• Business Plan or Project Report

A detailed plan outlining your proposed or existing business, including cost estimates and income potential

• Additional Documents (if required)

Any other document as requested by authorities during verification or processing

You can apply for the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme online through a simple and secure process. Make sure you have all required documents ready before starting the application. 

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the official website at msmeonline.tn.gov.in/aabcs
   

2. Click on ‘Apply Online’ and then select ‘New Application’
   

3. Register by entering your name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, email ID, and mobile number
   

4. After successful registration, log in using your credentials
   

5. Fill in all mandatory details in the application form
   

6. Upload the required documents in the specified format
   

7. Submit the completed form and note your reference number for tracking

You can easily track the status of your AABCS application through the official online portal.

Here’s how:

1. Visit the official website at https://msmeonline.tn.gov.in/aabcs/aabcs_desc.php
   

2. Click on the 'Track Your Status' tab
   

3. You will be redirected to the 'Application Status Verification' page
   

4. Enter your application number or phone number
   

5. Click on 'SUBMIT'

The status of your application will be displayed on the screen.

The Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme is a significant step by the Tamil Nadu Government to foster entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities. By providing financial assistance and training, the scheme aims to create sustainable businesses and uplift marginalised groups economically. Eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to their personal growth and the state's economic development.

If you are looking to grow your enterprise further or need additional funding beyond government support, you can get business loans available on Bajaj Markets. These loans offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment tenures to help you scale your business with ease.