Reimbursement of Expenses for Startups Operating from Leased/Privately Owned Premises Scheme

Description
The scheme “Reimbursement of Expenses for Startups Operating from Leased/Privately Owned Premises Scheme” is a scheme by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, for the Startups of Goa. The cost towards internet connectivity, software license fees, and cloud services fees, will be reimbursed.

Benefits
• The cost towards internet connectivity, software license fees, and cloud services fees, will be reimbursed subject to an upper limit of ₹ 1,00,000 per quarter for a period of one year.
• This benefit can be availed by 20 start-ups each year which the SPC shall select as per its guidelines.
• The cost towards internet connectivity, software license fees, and cloud services fees, will be reimbursed subject to an upper limit of ₹ 1,00,000 per quarter for a period of one year.
• This benefit can be availed by 20 start-ups each year which the SPC shall select as per its guidelines.
• For local start-ups that operate out of rented premises, a lease rental subsidy of up to ₹ 20/- per square foot per month will be reimbursed quarterly for a period of up to two years.
• This incentive is subject to a cap of ₹ 3,00,000 per annum and can be availed by 25 start-ups each year which shall be selected by the SPC as per its guidelines.
• NOTE 1: A start-up can only avail the benefits either as per clause 1 or clause 2 at any given time.
• NOTE 2: Under no circumstance shall the benefits under this scheme be considered an entitlement. The SPC shall reserve the sole right to accept or reject applications.

Eligibility Criteria
1. All Start-ups certified by the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) having a valid start-up certificate number that are not using any government-developed co-working spaces/ incubators/ accelerators for their operations are eligible.
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3. **NOTE:** Only expenditures incurred after notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017, being within the validity of this policy and paid for digitally will be considered for reimbursements under this scheme. In case digital payments are not possible then it shall be up to the SPC to admit the expenditure as per its guidelines.
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5. > **Definitions**
6. **Local start-up:** For the purpose of this scheme “Local start-up” shall mean a start-up in which at least 50% equity/share is held by one or more Goans continuously since the time of inception.
7. **Goan:** For the purpose of this scheme the term “Goan” shall mean:
8. Person born in the State of Goa; or,
9. Person having domicile for 10 years or more in the State; or,
10. Spouse of a person covered under any of the conditions mentioned in (1) and (2), through marriages registered in Goa.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Goa Startup Mission.
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Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Goa Startup Mission.

Step 2: Step 2: Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.
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Step 2: Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.

Step 3: Step 3: On the Registration/Signup Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form (Country, Name, Date of Birth, Address, PIN Code, Gender, etc.).
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Step 3: On the Registration/Signup Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form (Country, Name, Date of Birth, Address, PIN Code, Gender, etc.).

Step 4: Step 4: Create a Login Name and a strong Password (Password can have special characters like @ # $ % ^ & + =).
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Step 4: Create a Login Name and a strong Password (Password can have special characters like @ # $ % ^ & + =).

Step 5: Step 5: Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes.
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Step 5: Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes.

Step 6: Step 6: Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".
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Step 6: Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".

Step 7: Step 7: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".
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Step 7: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".

Step 8: Step 8: Navigate to the online application form for the relevant scheme.
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Step 8: Navigate to the online application form for the relevant scheme.

Step 9: Step 9: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
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Step 9: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 10: Step 10: Submit the application and note the application reference number for application tracking.
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OR

Step 11: Step 1: Take a print of the proforma of the application form. Fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
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Step 1: Take a print of the proforma of the application form. Fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 12: Step 2: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to SPC via Email at [email protected]
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NOTE: The applicant can apply for this scheme at any time of the financial year but only within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure.
The applications received by the SPC shall be evaluated and approval or rejection shall be notified within 45 days from receipt of the application by the SPC.

Required Documents
• Copy of the Aadhaar card of the Director/ CEO*
• Birth Certificate/ Domicile Certificate/ Marriage Certificate*
• Copy of valid registered Lease Deed*
• Original proof of payment towards lease*
• Copy of Income Tax filings showing the total rent amount*
• License details of software purchased
• Copy of original bills from company-certified vendors
• Original Proof of Payment for Software/ Internet/ Cloud*
• The form and documents as mentioned in [Annexure 1](https://www.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Schemes.pdf)
• **NOTE:** The bank accounts of the Directors of the company should be linked to Aadhaar.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of expenses that can be reimbursed?
A: The scheme specifies reimbursement for internet connectivity, software license fees, and cloud services, subject to the defined limits.

Q: Is there a specific application deadline within the financial year?
A: While applications can be made at any time during the financial year, they must be submitted within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure.

Q: Can start-ups apply for this scheme retroactively for expenses incurred before the notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017?
A: No, only expenses incurred after the notification of the policy are eligible for reimbursement.

Q: What are the different conditions that qualify a person as "Goan" for this scheme?
A: To be considered a "Goan," a person must meet specific conditions related to birth, domicile, or marriage, as outlined in the scheme.

Q: Can you explain the significance of having at least 50% equity/share held by Goans in a start-up?
A: This requirement defines a "Local start-up," which is eligible for specific benefits under the scheme.

Q: What is the procedure if digital payments are not possible for expenditure?
A: If digital payments are not possible, the SPC will admit the expenditure as per its guidelines.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of start-ups eligible for this scheme?
A: Start-ups that are not using any government-developed co-working spaces/incubators/accelerators for their operations are eligible for this scheme.

Q: Are there any penalties for misrepresentation or fraudulent activity in the application?
A: Yes, misrepresentation or fraudulent activity in connection with the application can lead to the prohibition of the applicant from availing of this or any other scheme under the Goa Startup Policy 2017.

Q: Can the SPC use the applicant's logo, and under what circumstances?
A: The SPC may use the applicant's logo as per the terms and conditions mentioned in the application form.

Q: What is the maximum duration for disbursement of the approved amount after SPC approval?
A: The approved amount will be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval by the SPC.

Q: What is the definition of a "Local start-up"?
A: A local start-up is one in which at least 50% equity/share is held by one or more Goans continuously since the time of inception.

Q: Can you clarify the definition of "Goan" for this scheme?
A: A "Goan" can be a person born in the State of Goa, someone with domicile for 10 years or more in the State, or the spouse of a person meeting these conditions through marriages registered in Goa.

Q: Is eligibility for this scheme tied to having a valid start-up certificate?
A: Yes, all start-ups must have a valid start-up certificate from the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) to apply for this scheme.