The Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has written a letter to all Members of Parliament to consider setting up co-working spaces/incubators for Startups in their constituency under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme Fund(MPLADS). She said this step will promote the Startup ecosystem in the country and help Startups in their constituency make rapid strides towards establishing themselves and also create jobs.

In the letter Smt. Sitharaman said the Startup India initiative of the Government of India envisions building a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation in the country and empowering Startups to grow through innovation and design. She said the Government has been making all-out efforts towards realizing the vision of the Startup India Mission.

The Minister said we have been interacting with various Startups regarding their business needs and support that they expect from the Government. She said one of the crucial aspects that needs to be addressed in this regard is infrastructure. She said Startups may not be able to own/hire working space due to financial constraints, thereby, it was suggested that if Government could support in creating co-working spaces, it could help translate their ideas into successful businesses.

MPLADS funding for startup co working spaces urged to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate local entrepreneurship ecosystem. Minister requests Members of Parliament to use MPLADS funds to establish co working spaces and incubators for Startups in their constituencies to address infrastructure constraints, support commercialization of ideas, provide mentorship and networks, and promote employment as part of the Startup India initiative.