Meerut is emerging as a startup hub, with government schemes like the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Startup Scheme and Stand-Up India enabling small businesses to scale and create jobs. Two local entrepreneurs—Rajkumar Thakur and Mamta Garg—demonstrate how timely financial aid transforms modest ventures into sustainable enterprises.
From Rs 10,000 to a momos manufacturing unit
Rajkumar Thakur began his momos business with a Rs 10,000 investment, selling handmade products from a small stall. Rising demand prompted him to seek a Rs 5 lakh loan under the Chief Minister Startup Scheme, which funded a modern manufacturing machine.
His factory now produces 6,000–7,000 momos daily, supplying 29 varieties to 30–35 outlets across Meerut. The business employs 11 people directly and supports nearly 50 others indirectly. Thakur, a graduate, plans further expansion to increase production and job opportunities.
Handicrafts business thrives with Stand-Up India loan
Mamta Garg, a widow with an MSc and MPhil, built a handicraft enterprise producing religious and decorative items. After 15 years of training women in craftsmanship, she secured a Rs 10 lakh loan and Rs 1 lakh in working capital under Stand-Up India to scale operations.
Her GST-registered business now supplies products nationwide and overseas, with an annual turnover of Rs 32 lakh. It employs 25 women, many working from home. Garg’s sons now assist in the business, with plans to open a Delhi store and a handicraft studio.
Government schemes drive job creation in Meerut
Schemes like the Chief Minister Startup Scheme and Stand-Up India aim to foster self-employment and entrepreneurship. In Meerut, these initiatives have helped shift the local economy from job-seeking to job-creating, with small businesses expanding through institutional support.
Entrepreneurs credit timely financial assistance for enabling growth, self-reliance, and employment generation. As more ventures scale, the city’s startup ecosystem continues to strengthen.
