AICTE – Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme 2026
The Ministry of MSME offers the International Cooperation Scheme to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Read More... build their capacity for exporting goods and services. It supports participation in international events and provides market intelligence. Read less
Details
Are you an MSME looking to expand your business globally? The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has a scheme designed just for you! The International Cooperation Scheme aims to empower Indian MSMEs to tap into international markets, making them competitive global players.
This initiative focuses on building your export capabilities. It does this by helping you participate in international exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, and buyer-seller meets abroad. Besides, it provides valuable market intelligence and even helps cover some costs associated with exporting your products and services.
The scheme allows MSMEs to stay updated with evolving technologies, changing market demands, and discover new opportunities worldwide. It’s a comprehensive approach to strengthening your position as an emerging exporter.
What Is This Scheme All About?
The International Cooperation Scheme is a government initiative by the Ministry of MSME. It has several sub-components, with the Market Development Assistance (MDA) for MSMEs currently active. This component is designed to support MSMEs in various ways to go global. It covers both physical and virtual participation in international events.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is primarily for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that wish to explore and enter export markets. Additionally, government organizations, institutions, and registered industry or enterprise associations involved in promoting MSMEs are eligible to organize events under this scheme.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The scheme plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Indian MSMEs and international markets. By providing financial assistance and facilitating participation in global events, it helps MSMEs gain exposure, understand international standards, find new buyers, and form joint ventures. This, in turn, contributes to the growth of the MSME sector and boosts India's exports.
Objective
Benefits
- The total cost of the program is $12,000 CAD per student.
- MITACS will contribute $9,000 CAD per student.
- AICTE will contribute $3,000 CAD per student.
Sources and references
Who Can Apply?
The following organizations are eligible to organize events under this scheme:
- Ministry of MSME and its associated organizations.
- State/Central Government Organizations/Institutions.
- Registered Industry/Enterprise Associations.
Key Conditions for Applicants:
- The applicant organization must be registered under the relevant laws (like the Companies Act or Societies Act) and its main goal should be the promotion and development of MSMEs.
- The organization needs to have continuously maintained audited accounts for the last three years.
- Financial support is only for events approved by the Ministry of MSME for that financial year.
- Generally, an organization can receive financial support for up to three events in a financial year. However, the Screening Committee may allow more for valid reasons.
- Financial assistance provided will only supplement the organizer's own contribution.
- Industry Associations can participate in a specific event for three consecutive years. After that, they need a two-year gap before participating in the same event again.
- MSME units are selected based on a prescribed eligibility scorecard. A unit must score at least 60% to be eligible for benefits. The applicant organization is responsible for ensuring this.
- An MSME unit should not participate in more than two events in a financial year under this scheme.
- The selection of participating MSMEs must be fair and transparent, considering factors like track record, growth, and export potential.
- To ensure fair representation:
- Special emphasis should be given to entrepreneurs from SC/ST communities, women, and the North Eastern Region (NER).
- Priority should be given to individuals who have not received government grants for participating in such events before.
How To Apply
The application process for financial assistance is primarily online. Here's a general outline:
- Visit the official MSME International Cooperation Scheme portal: https://ic.msme.gov.in/IC_APP/IC_Welcome.aspx
- Submit an online application form, providing full details of the proposed event and the estimated expenditure.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents as specified by the scheme.
- For reimbursement claims, submit the claim documents and outcome reports online after the event is completed.
- The Ministry of MSME will process the application based on the guidelines and available funds.
Documents Required
For Initial Application Submission:
- Budget estimate for the proposed event.
- Copy of the applicant organization's Registration Certificate (required once).
- Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association (required once).
- Copies of Audited Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account or Income and Expenditure Account for the last 03 years.
For Claim Settlement (Physical/Virtual Events):
- Outcome report as prescribed, Utilization Certificate, and Chartered Accountant (CA) certified audit account statements (including funding sources) within 60 days of event completion.
- A certificate confirming that financial assistance has not been sought from any other Ministry/Department.
- Udyam Registration Certificate of all participating MSME units.
- Applicant organizations must keep all records for CAG Audit purposes.
- Any other documents requested by the Ministry of MSME.
For Organizations without EPC Status (Claim Submission):
- Duly filled Claim Form, certified by a Chartered Accountant.
- List of participants along with their eligibility scorecards (Annexure-A).
- Mandate Form, duly filled and verified by the applicant organization's bank (Annexure-B).
- Pre-receipt (Annexure-C).
- A declaration from the association stating they haven't claimed assistance from another Ministry for this event (Annexure-D).
- Udyam Registration Certificate of all participating MSME units.
- For Physical Events:
- Copy of the e-ticket with fare details.
- Original Boarding Pass for the destination city. If unavailable, a certificate from the airline confirming the journey may be accepted.
- Original Invoice and payment receipt for charges like stall rent, freight, advertisement, registration fees, etc.
- All documents should be self-attested and certified with the organization's seal.
Note: All original documents related to claims may need to be submitted physically to the IC Section, M/o MSME, in addition to uploading them on the portal.
FAQ’s
What is the primary goal of the International Cooperation Scheme?
The main goal is to help MSMEs improve their capacity to enter the export market. This is done by supporting their participation in international exhibitions and events, and by providing useful market information.
Which government body is responsible for this scheme?
This scheme is managed by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
What kind of financial help can MSMEs receive?
Financial aid is given back (reimbursed) for expenses such as air tickets, stall booking charges, freight costs, and fees for participating in events or advertising.
Who is eligible to organize events under this scheme?
Eligible organizers include organizations under the Ministry of MSME, State/Central Government bodies, and registered industry or enterprise associations focused on MSME development.
Are there any conditions an organization must meet to apply?
Yes, the organization must be registered for MSME promotion, have audited accounts for the past 3 years, and the events they propose must be on the Ministry's approved list for the year. Also, they must have a good track record for at least 3 years.
How many events can an organization participate in per year under this scheme?
An organization can participate in a maximum of 2 events in a single financial year under this scheme.
How do I submit an application for this scheme?
You need to fill out an online application on the official IC scheme portal, providing details about the event and estimated costs. Make sure to attach all required documents.
How are grants released to eligible organizations?
For organizations with EPC status or those directly under the Ministry of MSME, 50% of expected expenditure can be released as advance, with the rest upon submitting a utilization certificate. For other organizations, the total amount is reimbursed after the event, upon submission of all claim documents.
What happens if an organization fails to submit required documents on time?
If advance grants are released and objectives are not met, the funds must be returned with interest. Repeated failure to submit utilization certificates can make EPCs/organizations ineligible for future assistance under this scheme.
What documents are essential for a participating MSME unit?
Each participating MSME unit must provide its Udyam Registration Certificate. The organizing body is responsible for collecting and submitting this along with other required documents.
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