MSME Champions Scheme: ZED, LEAN Subsidy & Benefits

Introduction of MSME Champions Scheme: A Brief Insight

A small factory may produce good-quality products and still lose orders because buyers look for reliable quality, competitive prices and better designs. Meeting these expectations requires money and technical support, which many small businesses cannot afford. The MSME Champions Scheme helps such enterprises improve their products and manufacturing processes through financial and technical assistance.

The Government of India approved this scheme for five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26. It brings together six components of the earlier Technology Upgradation Scheme under one umbrella to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises.

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises implements the scheme. Each component has a separate application portal, while the Ministry’s CHAMPIONS portal provides guidance and handles grievances.

The scheme aims to modernise individual enterprises and industrial clusters. It helps businesses improve production methods, reduce waste, strengthen their market position and compete for buyers in India and abroad.

The MSME Champions Scheme has three main components. MSME Sustainable (ZED) promotes Zero Defect Zero Effect practices and quality certification. MSME Competitive (LEAN) helps enterprises reduce waste and improve production efficiency. MSME Innovative supports incubation, product design and intellectual property protection.

Under ZED, the certification fee is ₹8,000 for Bronze, ₹32,000 for Silver and ₹72,000 for Gold. The Government provides a subsidy of 80% for micro, 60% for small and 50% for medium enterprises. Women-owned enterprises can receive a 100% subsidy.

Under LEAN, enterprises can join the Basic Level without paying any fee. The Government covers 90% of the eligible cost at the Intermediate and Advanced levels, up to ₹1,08,000 and ₹2,16,000, respectively. Enterprises must take the LEAN Pledge before participating.

The MSME Innovative component provides up to ₹15 lakh for each approved idea through a Host Institute. It also offers design assistance of up to ₹40 lakh and reimbursement for eligible patent, trademark, design and Geographical Indication expenses.

Businesses must have Udyam registration to access the relevant MSME benefits. ZED and LEAN mainly support manufacturing enterprises, while the Innovative component also allows individuals and students to submit ideas through a registered Host Institute.

An enterprise must apply through the portal of the component it needs. It can choose the ZED portal, the LEAN portal or the MSME Innovative portal. The applicant follows the relevant process, submits the required details, pays its share of the cost where applicable and completes the prescribed assessment.

For assistance, enterprises can email the Ministry at champions@gov.in or call the toll-free helpline at 1800-121-5566. By May 2026, more than 6.68 lakh enterprises had received ZED certification.

Entrepreneurs planning to establish a new unit with a subsidised loan can explore the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. Small businesses seeking loans without collateral can learn about the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups. Traditional artisans can also explore the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, start-ups and small business owners looking for more programmes related to enterprise development, industry and employment can explore our Central Government Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

A small manufacturing unit may produce quality goods, but it also needs to control costs, meet quality standards and develop products that attract buyers. The MSME Champions Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, supports businesses in these areas. It helps them improve product quality, reduce production waste, adopt better technology, develop new ideas and protect their intellectual property.

The scheme offers support through three components: MSME Sustainable (ZED), MSME Competitive (LEAN) and MSME Innovative. Each component addresses a different business need.

ZED Certification Cost and Subsidy

• Certification fee: ₹8,000 for Bronze, ₹32,000 for Silver and ₹72,000 for Gold.
• Government subsidy: 80% for micro, 60% for small and 50% for medium enterprises.
• Women-owned enterprises receive a 100% subsidy.
• Enterprises taking the ZED Pledge receive a ₹10,000 joining reward. They can use this reward towards the Bronze certification fee.
• An additional 10% subsidy is available to SC/ST-owned enterprises and units located in the North-Eastern Region, Himalayan region, Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, island territories or Aspirational Districts.
• Units covered under SFURTI clusters or the Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) receive an additional 5% subsidy.

What ZED Certification Costs an Enterprise

• A micro enterprise pays ₹6,400 for Silver certification after receiving the standard 80% subsidy.
• A small enterprise pays ₹28,800 for Gold certification, while a medium enterprise pays ₹36,000.
• An SC/ST-owned micro enterprise receiving a 90% subsidy pays ₹7,200 for Gold certification.
• A woman-owned enterprise receives a 100% subsidy on the eligible certification cost.
• These examples show the cost after subsidy. The final amount may vary depending on applicable incentives, the joining reward and taxes.

Additional Support for ZED-Certified Units

• Testing and quality certification: 75% of the eligible cost, up to ₹50,000. For example, a test costing ₹40,000 may receive ₹30,000, while a test costing ₹1 lakh may receive the maximum support of ₹50,000.
• Handholding support: Consultancy assistance of up to ₹2 lakh.
• Technology upgradation: Financial support of up to ₹3 lakh for adopting solutions that reduce environmental impact.
• State-level incentives: Enterprises can find incentives linked to different ZED certification levels through the ZED portal.
• Bank concessions: 19 banks and financial institutions, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India and SIDBI, offer concessions such as lower interest rates and reduced processing fees to ZED-certified units.

LEAN Manufacturing Support

• Basic Level: Enterprises can join this level without paying any fee.
• Intermediate Level: The cost is ₹1,20,000 plus taxes. The Government covers 90%, up to ₹1,08,000, and the enterprise pays up to ₹12,000.
• Advanced Level: The cost is ₹2,40,000 plus taxes. The Government covers 90%, up to ₹2,16,000, and the enterprise pays up to ₹24,000.
• An additional 5% Government support is available for eligible units in SFURTI clusters, women-owned and SC/ST-owned enterprises, and units located in the North-Eastern Region. This amounts to ₹6,000 at the Intermediate Level and ₹12,000 at the Advanced Level.
• Enterprises that complete all LEAN levels through an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Industry Association can receive an additional 5% support. The OEM or association receives ₹5,000 for each eligible enterprise.
• LEAN practices help enterprises reduce waste, material movement and rejection rates while improving production space, product quality, workplace safety and profitability.

Incubation Support for New Ideas

• The Government provides up to ₹15 lakh per approved idea to a registered Host Institute for developing and nurturing innovative business ideas.
• A Host Institute can receive up to ₹1 crore to purchase the machines, software and hardware required for its incubation centre.
• An MSME, an individual or a student can submit an innovative idea through a registered Host Institute.

Design Support

• The Government covers 75% of the project cost for micro enterprises and 60% for small and medium enterprises, subject to a maximum assistance of ₹40 lakh.
• For example, for a design project costing ₹20 lakh, a micro enterprise can receive ₹15 lakh, while a small enterprise can receive ₹12 lakh.
• Student design projects receive 75% of the project cost, up to a maximum of ₹2.5 lakh.

Financial Assistance to Protect Intellectual Property

• Foreign patent registration: reimbursement of up to ₹5 lakh.
• Indian patent registration: reimbursement of up to ₹1 lakh.
• Geographical Indication (GI) registration: up to ₹2 lakh.
• Design registration: up to ₹15,000.
• Trademark registration: up to ₹10,000.
• An Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre can receive a grant of up to ₹1 crore, released in three or more instalments, to help enterprises with intellectual property-related services and filing.

Achievements of the MSME Champions Scheme

The scheme has supported enterprises in improving quality, adopting better production practices and developing innovative products. The following figures indicate its reported progress:

• More than 6.68 lakh enterprises had received ZED certification as of May 2026.
• Approximately 18,961 enterprises had received LEAN certification out of more than 65,647 registered enterprises.
• The Government had approved 833 Host Institutes for incubation activities.
• It had signed 21 design agreements and approved 69 professional design and student projects.
• Support had been approved for 191 patents, 807 trademarks, 99 designs and 6 Geographical Indications.

Important Points to Remember

• The MSME Champions Scheme provides certification, manufacturing improvement, design, incubation and intellectual property support. It does not provide a direct loan or regular income assistance.
• Most benefits cover a specified share of eligible costs. Enterprises should keep the relevant bills, receipts and supporting documents for claims.
• The scheme period mentioned in the available details is 2021-22 to 2025-26. Applicants should check the relevant component’s official portal for the latest availability, subsidy rates and application deadlines before applying.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The MSME Champions Scheme is designed for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered on the Udyam portal. However, eligibility requirements differ across its three components: MSME Sustainable (ZED), MSME Competitive (LEAN) and MSME Innovative.

Each component offers different benefits, so an enterprise must check the conditions of the particular component before applying. The following details explain who can participate and which businesses qualify for each type of support.

Who Can Take Part in the Scheme

• Enterprises registered on the Udyam portal of the Ministry of MSME.
• Businesses classified as micro, small or medium enterprises under the MSME Development Act.
• Eligible enterprises operating anywhere in India, including cities, towns and rural areas.
• Individuals and students with innovative ideas can also participate in certain components through a registered Host Institute.

Eligibility for MSME Sustainable (ZED)

• All MSMEs with valid Udyam registration can participate in the ZED component.
• The enterprise must first complete the ZED Pledge before applying for Bronze, Silver or Gold certification.
• The component mainly covers manufacturing enterprises in sectors such as food processing, textiles, leather, chemicals, machinery, automobiles and furniture.
• The subsidy rate depends on the enterprise category: 80% for micro, 60% for small and 50% for medium enterprises.
• Women-owned enterprises are eligible for 100% subsidy.
• Enterprises owned by SC or ST entrepreneurs, or located in the North-Eastern Region, Himalayan regions, Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, island territories or Aspirational Districts, can receive an additional 10% subsidy.
• Enterprises belonging to an SFURTI cluster or a Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme project can receive an additional 5% subsidy.
• Only ZED-certified enterprises can claim handholding support of up to ₹2 lakh and technology support of up to ₹3 lakh.

Eligibility for MSME Competitive (LEAN)

• All MSMEs with valid Udyam registration can participate in the LEAN component.
• The enterprise must complete the Lean Pledge before applying for the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced level.
• The component mainly focuses on manufacturing enterprises.
• The Basic level is available without any cost to the enterprise. The Government provides 90% assistance towards the cost of the Intermediate and Advanced levels.
• For the Intermediate level, the enterprise must join a Group of Enterprises.
• Enterprises belonging to an SFURTI cluster, women-owned enterprises, SC or ST-owned enterprises, and units located in the North-Eastern Region can receive an additional 5% assistance at the Intermediate and Advanced levels.
• Enterprises applying through an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an Industry Association can receive an additional 5% assistance after completing all the levels.
• Common Facility Centres established under SFURTI and the Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme can also participate.

Eligibility for MSME Innovative, Incubation

• MSMEs, individuals and students with innovative business ideas can participate.
• The applicant must submit the proposal through a registered Host Institute.
• Applicants can propose ideas from any sector, as this component is not limited to manufacturing activities.
• The Government provides financial support of up to ₹15 lakh to the Host Institute for each approved idea.

Eligibility for MSME Innovative, Design

• Micro, small and medium enterprises with valid Udyam or UAM registration can apply.
• The Government provides 75% of the approved project cost for micro enterprises and 60% for small and medium enterprises, subject to a maximum assistance of ₹40 lakh.
• The enterprise must contribute the remaining project cost and deposit its share with the Implementing Agency.
• Students from recognised educational institutions can also participate in student design projects. The Government provides 75% assistance, subject to a maximum of ₹2.5 lakh.

Eligibility for MSME Innovative, Intellectual Property

• Manufacturing MSMEs with valid Udyam registration can apply for intellectual property support.
• The enterprise can claim reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred for registering a patent, trademark, industrial design or Geographical Indication (GI).
• The maximum reimbursement limits are ₹5 lakh for a foreign patent, ₹1 lakh for an Indian patent, ₹2 lakh for a Geographical Indication, ₹15,000 for an industrial design and ₹10,000 for a trademark.
• Eligible Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres can receive a grant of up to ₹1 crore, released in three or more instalments.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Enterprises without valid Udyam registration, wherever it is mandatory for the selected component.
• Large enterprises that do not fall under the micro, small or medium categories.
• Service enterprises applying for ZED or LEAN benefits, as these components mainly cover manufacturing activities.
• Enterprises that have not completed the required ZED Pledge or Lean Pledge before applying for the respective certification.
• Non-manufacturing enterprises applying for intellectual property support, which is intended for manufacturing MSMEs.
• Small or medium enterprises claiming the 80% ZED subsidy rate, as this rate applies to micro enterprises.
• Applicants seeking a business loan or direct income support, as the MSME Champions Scheme provides certification, design, incubation and LEAN-related assistance rather than loans or income payments.

Check Before You Apply

• Make sure your Udyam registration is valid and shows the correct enterprise category and business activity.
• Check whether your business activity falls under the sectors covered by the ZED or LEAN component.
• Review the latest eligibility conditions, subsidy rates and application dates on the portal of your selected component. The scheme period mentioned in the available guidelines is 2021-22 to 2025-26, so check for any extension or updated notification before applying.

Documents Required to be Attached

The MSME Champions Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, has three main components: MSME Sustainable (ZED), MSME Competitive (LEAN) and MSME Innovative. Each component has a separate online portal and requires different documents.

The Ministry’s scheme booklet does not provide one common document list for all three components. Therefore, the documents mentioned below are based on the requirements of each component. Applicants should check the respective portal for the final list before submitting their applications.

Documents Needed for Every Part

• Udyam Registration Certificate of the enterprise.
• Udyam Registration Number.
• PAN Card and GST registration details of the enterprise.
• Aadhaar Card of the owner, partner or authorised representative.
• Active mobile number and email ID of the owner.
• Enterprise details, including its name, address and category (micro, small or medium).
• Bank account details of the enterprise, supported by a cancelled cheque or the first page of the bank passbook.

Documents for MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification

• Proof of the ZED Pledge completed by the enterprise before applying for certification.
• Selected certification level: Bronze, Silver or Gold.
• Details of the enterprise’s products and manufacturing processes.
• Information about the quality, safety, cleanliness, energy efficiency and environmental practices followed by the enterprise.
• Assessment fee receipt showing the amount paid by the enterprise after applying the subsidy.
• Details of existing certifications, such as ISO or other quality certificates, which may qualify the enterprise for exemptions under certain parameters.
• Required documents for claiming the one-time joining reward of ₹10,000.

Documents for Higher Subsidy on ZED

• Proof of women ownership, such as the Udyam registration details and identity proof of the woman owner, to claim 100% subsidy.
• SC or ST caste certificate of the enterprise owner to claim the additional 10% subsidy.
• Proof of the enterprise’s location in the North-Eastern Region, a Himalayan region, a Left Wing Extremism-affected area, an island territory or an Aspirational District to claim the additional 10% subsidy.
• Proof of membership in an SFURTI cluster or a Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme project to claim the additional 5% subsidy.

Documents for Testing and Quality Certification Support

• Invoice and payment receipt for the testing or certification fee. The scheme provides up to 75% reimbursement, subject to a maximum of ₹50,000.
• Copy of the test report or quality certificate issued to the enterprise.
• Name and details of the testing or certification agency.

Documents for MSME Competitive (LEAN)

• Proof of the LEAN Pledge completed by the enterprise before starting the process.
• Undertaking confirming that the enterprise agrees to follow the prescribed LEAN levels.
• Selected LEAN level: Basic, Intermediate or Advanced.
• Details of the manufacturing unit, its products and the existing problems related to waste, delays and production efficiency.
• Details of the LEAN consultant and Implementing Agency, along with the agreement between the concerned parties.
• For the Intermediate level, details of the Group of Enterprises that the unit joins, along with the required agreement.
• Proof of application through an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Industry Association, if the enterprise wants to claim the additional 5% subsidy.
• Relevant proof of the enterprise’s ownership or location, such as SFURTI cluster membership, women ownership, SC or ST ownership, or location in the North-Eastern Region, to claim the additional 5% subsidy.
• Details of the Common Facility Centre, if a centre under SFURTI or the Cluster Development Programme applies.

Documents for Incubation

• Idea note or concept paper explaining the proposed innovative idea.
• Identity documents of the MSME, individual or student submitting the idea.
• Name of the selected Host Institute from the list of registered institutes.
• Student identity card and course details, if the applicant is a student.
• Project plan showing the estimated development cost. The financial assistance can cover up to ₹15 lakh for each idea.

Documents for Design Projects

• Udyam or UAM registration certificate of the micro, small or medium enterprise.
• Design brief explaining the product-related problem and the improvements the enterprise wants to make.
• Name and details of the selected Implementing Agency or design expert.
• Project cost estimate. The Government provides 75% assistance for micro enterprises and 60% for small and medium enterprises, subject to a maximum of ₹40 lakh.
• Proof of the enterprise’s contribution towards the project cost, deposited with the Implementing Agency.
• For student projects, identity proof of the student, details of the educational institution and project report. The Government provides 75% assistance, up to ₹2.5 lakh.

Documents for Intellectual Property Support

• Udyam Registration Certificate of the manufacturing MSME, as this support covers manufacturing enterprises.
• Patent, trademark, industrial design or Geographical Indication (GI) certificate or application filing receipt.
• Fee receipts and bills issued by the attorney or other service provider for claiming reimbursement.
• Details of the country and type of intellectual property registration, whether domestic or foreign.
• Name and details of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) that assisted with the filing process.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

You can apply for the MSME Champions Scheme online. However, the scheme does not have one common application form. It has three components: ZED, LEAN and Innovative, and each component has a separate online portal.

First, register your business on the Udyam portal. After that, visit the portal of the component you want to use and follow its application process. For example, choose ZED if you want a quality certificate, LEAN if you want to reduce production waste, or Innovative if you need support for an idea, product design or intellectual property.

Before You Start

Step 1: Decide what kind of support your business needs. You can choose a quality certificate under ZED, manufacturing improvement support under LEAN, or assistance for an idea, design or patent under Innovative.

Step 2: Read the MSME Scheme Booklet issued by the Ministry of MSME. It explains the scheme components and the benefits available under each one.

Step 3: Check your enterprise category. The ZED subsidy depends on whether your business is a micro, small or medium enterprise. The standard subsidy rates are 80% for micro, 60% for small and 50% for medium enterprises.

Step 4: Keep your Udyam Registration Certificate, PAN, GST details, Aadhaar and bank details ready. You may need these details while registering or applying.

Step 5: Keep documents that prove your eligibility for additional benefits. For example, you may need proof if your enterprise is woman-owned, SC/ST-owned, located in the North-Eastern Region or part of a SFURTI cluster.

Register on the Udyam Portal First

Step 1: Visit the Official Udyam Registration portal of the Ministry of MSME.

Step 2: Complete your business registration if you have not registered yet. After registration, note down your Udyam Registration Number.

Step 3: Check your Udyam certificate and make sure that your enterprise category (micro, small or medium) and business activity are correct.

Step 4: Use only the official Udyam portal for registration. The Ministry warns applicants against fake websites and private agencies that claim to provide Udyam registration.

Apply for ZED Certification

Step 1: Open the Official ZED portal of the Ministry of MSME.

Step 2: Register your enterprise on the portal using your Udyam Registration Number.

Step 3: Take the ZED Pledge. It is a commitment to follow Zero Defect Zero Effect practices, which means making quality products while reducing their harmful impact on the environment. You must take this pledge before applying for certification.

Step 4: Select the certification level you want: Bronze, Silver or Gold.

Step 5: Enter your business details, provide information about your manufacturing unit and products, and upload the documents requested by the portal.

Step 6: Mention whether your enterprise qualifies for an additional subsidy. For example, a woman-owned enterprise may qualify for a 100% subsidy. Upload the required proof to support your claim.

Step 7: Check the amount payable after applying the eligible subsidy. Pay your share of the certification cost if the portal asks you to make a payment.

Step 8: Complete the assessment process. An authorised assessor may examine your unit and check whether it follows the required ZED practices.

Step 9: Once your enterprise meets the requirements, you can receive the ZED certificate. After certification, check whether you qualify for additional assistance, such as handholding support of up to ₹2 lakh.

Step 10: Read the ZED scheme guidelines available on the CHAMPIONS portal to understand the certification levels and assessment requirements.

Apply for LEAN Manufacturing Support

Step 1: Visit the Official MSME LEAN portal.

Step 2: Register your enterprise using your Udyam Registration Number.

Step 3: Take the LEAN Pledge and submit the undertaking requested by the portal. This confirms your willingness to adopt lean manufacturing practices.

Step 4: Start with the Basic Level. This level is free and introduces your enterprise to the basic methods of reducing waste and improving production.

Step 5: If you want to continue, apply for the Intermediate Level. You may need to join a Group of Enterprises to receive support at this level.

Step 6: Move to the Advanced Level if you need more detailed guidance. At this stage, a trained LEAN consultant can provide support at your manufacturing unit.

Step 7: Mention whether you are applying through an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an Industry Association. Eligible enterprises may receive an additional 5% support through this route after completing all levels.

Step 8: Pay your share of the programme cost. It can be up to ₹12,000 for the Intermediate Level and ₹24,000 for the Advanced Level, excluding applicable taxes.

Step 9: Complete the requirements of each level and undergo the required assessment before moving to the next level.

Step 10: Read the Government’s Official announcement on the launch of the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme to understand its three levels and objectives.

Apply for Incubation, Design or Intellectual Property Support

Step 1: Visit the Official MSME Innovative portal.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate applicant category. You can apply as an MSME, individual or student, depending on the type of support you need and the applicable conditions.

Step 3: For Incubation Support, select a registered Host Institute from the available list. Submit your innovative idea through that institute.

Step 4: Explain your idea clearly. Describe the problem it will solve, how your proposed solution will work and who may benefit from it.

Step 5: Submit your idea for evaluation. If the competent authority approves it, the Government provides the Host Institute with assistance of up to ₹15 lakh for developing and nurturing the idea.

Step 6: For a Design Project, approach the appropriate Implementing Agency or design expert. Share your design requirements, project details and estimated cost.

Step 7: Pay your eligible share of the design project cost to the Implementing Agency. Under the scheme, the Government provides 75% assistance to micro enterprises and 60% to small and medium enterprises, subject to the prescribed limit.

Step 8: For Intellectual Property Support, complete the relevant filing process for your patent, trademark, design or Geographical Indication. Keep the registration documents, filing receipts and payment bills safely.

Step 9: Submit your reimbursement claim through the prescribed portal or process. Attach the required registration certificate or filing receipt, fee receipts and other supporting documents.

Step 10: If you need help with intellectual property filing, contact an Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre. It can guide you through the relevant filing process.

Use the CHAMPIONS Portal for Help and Complaints

Step 1: Visit the CHAMPIONS portal if you need general assistance. Remember that this portal works as a support and grievance platform. It is not the common application form for all three components of the MSME Champions Scheme.

Step 2: If you face a problem, such as a delay in subsidy approval or payment, register your grievance on the CHAMPIONS portal.

Step 3: You can also seek guidance on business-related matters such as finance, marketing, technology, raw materials and labour through the same portal.

Step 4: If a buyer delays payment for goods or services supplied by your enterprise, visit the MSME Online Dispute Resolution portal to explore the available dispute resolution process.

After You Apply

Step 1: Note down your application number or registration number. Keep payment receipts and copies of all documents submitted with your application.

Step 2: Check your messages and portal notifications regularly. If the department or implementing agency asks for an additional document or clarification, submit it without unnecessary delay.

Step 3: Visit the same portal where you submitted your application to check its status.

Step 4: Once the verification and approval process is complete, follow the portal’s instructions to receive your certificate, grant or eligible reimbursement.

If You Need Help

Step 1: First, check the FAQs and instructions available on the portal of the component you selected. These can help you understand the application process and resolve common problems.

Step 2: You can also approach your nearest District Industries Centre (DIC) or MSME Development and Facilitation Office for guidance.

Step 3: If your issue relates to general MSME assistance or a grievance, use the CHAMPIONS portal.

Important: Do not pay an agent or consultant who promises a ZED certificate or subsidy without the required assessment and approval. The concerned authority decides whether your enterprise qualifies for assistance. Each component also follows its own application process. Before applying, check the latest rates, deadlines and eligibility conditions on the relevant official portal, as the scheme period mentioned in the available details is 2021-22 to 2025-26.

ZED, LEAN or Innovative: Which Part Suits Your Business

The three components of the MSME Champions Scheme address different business needs. You do not have to apply for all three. Choose the one that matches the problem you want to solve. The comparison below will help you decide.

A manufacturing unit can choose these components according to its business needs. For example, it may start with LEAN to reduce waste and production costs, then pursue ZED certification to demonstrate product quality. If it later develops a new product or idea, it can explore the support available under MSME Innovative.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Portal for Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates
• MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme Portal for Lean Manufacturing Support
• MSME Innovative Scheme Portal for Incubation, Design and Intellectual Property Support
• Official Udyam Registration Portal for MSME Registration
• CHAMPIONS Portal for MSME Grievance Redressal and Handholding Support
• Register a Grievance on the CHAMPIONS Portal
• MSME Central and State Control Room Contact Details
• MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme Guidelines
• Ministry of MSME Scheme Booklet Including MSME Champions Scheme
• Launch of the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme
• State-Wise Implementation Details of the MSME Champions Scheme
• From Enterprise to Empowerment: The MSME Story
• MSME Champions Scheme Details on the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Website
• MSME Online Dispute Resolution Portal for Delayed Payment Issues

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011
• Email: champions@gov.in
• Toll-Free Phone: 1800-121-5566
• Central Control Room: It works in the office of the Secretary, Ministry of MSME, from 8 AM to 10 PM every day
• State Control Rooms: There are 69 across the country, in the offices of the MSME Development Facilitation Offices, their branches and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission
• District Level: The District Industries Centre or the MSME Development Facilitation Office of your area

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.