Why Focusing on Startups is Important?
Startups constitute almost one-third of the country’s economic output, thus making it obvious that the government wants to promote their growth and promise financial support. Here are some reasons why focusing on startups is crucial for the government:
One of the biggest concerns for the country is the rising rate of unemployment. The average unemployment rate for the country in 2023-24 remained unchanged despite various initiatives. Focusing on startups is the way forward to employing the country’s youth, who are beaming with talent and relevant skills.
For the country to achieve its dream of “Make in India”, startups are probably the most reliable industry. For instance, in the 2021-22 financial year, the Indian software services marked a significant export increase of almost 17.2% which was possible only through startups.
The Indian startup industry is considered one of the largest and fastest growing in the world. The March 2024 year-end report showed cumulative reports of just 98 startups having operating revenue of ₹1.98 lakh crore.
Startups are the centre when it comes to promoting the country’s GDP. The “Techade” is expected to contribute nearly $120 billion to India’s GDP by 2030, thus making it obvious that the Union budget is expected to keep startups at the centre.
Startups' Expectations from Union Budget 2025
Now that we have established that startups are one of the most important assets for pushing the country’s economic growth significantly, it is given that individuals from all sectors are focused on what initiatives the government will introduce in its 2025-26 budget. Let’s take a look at the expectations that have been surfacing in every discussion on the budget:
As the country becomes more and more digital, the government plans to introduce a digital acceleration fund. In addition, experts believe that these funds can be used to provide interest-free loans and grants for AI or cloud adoption. There are huge expectations around digital loans as they would reduce borrowing costs and make financial aid accessible to all startups by promising reduced paperwork and quick loan approval.
In recent years, the government’s initiatives like credit guarantee schemes to provide accessible funding for MSMEs have been applauded. However, as we step in a new financial year, there are expectations set on the 2025-26 union budget to introduce solutions for liquidity that startups, especially MSMEs in India, face to meet their daily requirements. Tailored loan solutions and enhanced subsidies can be a part of modified credit guarantee schemes.
In a world that is marching fast towards technology and innovation, startups can reach their complete potential only when they are backed by the government for their innovative ideas and solutions. Therefore, fostering innovation through R&D tax credit, industry specific setups to blend agriculture and technology is expected from the Union Budget 2025-26. Additionally, the government might introduce subsidies to these setups for providing training and skill development.
Relaxations in tax liabilities and a simplified tax regime is a hope not only for citizens but startups as well. Government can introduce revised corporate tax rates, extended tax holidays, a relaxed process of setting off and carrying forward losses etc.
It has time and again been proved that Indian startups don’t lack in skilled minds rather in well developed infrastructure. Creating and promoting the establishment of startup hubs, co working spaces etc helps in reducing the operational cost that startups are in dire need of.
Startups' Expectations from Union Budget: Challenges to Address
Primarily, the goal of planning a Union Budget every year is to overcome challenges that different sectors of the economy are facing. Here are some challenges that experts are hoping to be dealt with in the Union Budget 2025:
Lack of proper infrastructure is a major challenge faced by startups in India. Poor digital setup and lack of technology penetration in work spaces, unorganised working spaces are some challenges that need attention.
The government has introduced schemes to provide funding in the past but startups continue to face challenges when it comes to finances for day-to-day business activities. A smooth flow of working capital will help startups reach their complete potential by implementing expansion strategies.
The Indian startup landscape continues to lack proper data security and compliances. The government must look into legal compliances to build better data security and privacy networks for startups.
Additional Read: Union Budget 2025: What to Expect for Real Estate
Conclusion
Working on credit availability, subsidiaries for skill development, building advanced infrastructure and data security are the key areas of concern for startups and therefore expectations from Union Budget 25 also revolve around these. Hopefully, the budget has promising and productive initiatives for Indian startups.