Street vendors often operate small businesses with limited access to formal banking and working capital. To provide them with financial support and help bring their businesses into the formal economy, the government runs the Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.

The scheme provides collateral-free working-capital loans to eligible street vendors. According to government data, the number of beneficiaries had risen to more than 75 lakh by May 2026, while cumulative loan disbursements had crossed ₹17,700 crore.

What is PM SVANidhi?

PM SVANidhi was launched in 2020 to provide working-capital assistance to street vendors whose businesses were affected by economic disruptions.

Instead of depending entirely on informal lenders, eligible vendors can access institutional credit without providing collateral. This can help them purchase stock, replenish supplies and continue their daily business activities.

Who Can Benefit?

The scheme is aimed at eligible street vendors operating in urban areas. Vendors need to meet the applicable scheme requirements and complete the required verification process.

Those interested should check their current eligibility and application requirements through authorised government channels because rules and implementation details can change.

Why the Loan Can Be Useful

For a street vendor, even a relatively small amount of working capital can make a significant difference.

A vendor selling vegetables, snacks, clothing, household products or other goods can use working capital to purchase inventory and keep the business running without immediately turning to expensive informal credit.

The government's broader objective is to strengthen the financial inclusion of informal workers and help small businesses gain access to formal financial services.

Digital Payments Are Also Encouraged

PM SVANidhi is not limited to credit. The programme also encourages beneficiaries to adopt digital transactions.

Moving toward digital payments can help vendors participate more easily in the formal financial system and build a transaction history.

Women Are Also Benefiting

The scheme has seen significant participation from women. Government data indicates that women accounted for around 46% of beneficiaries as of May 2026.

This makes the programme particularly relevant for women running small street-based businesses and looking for formal working-capital support.

How to Apply

Eligible vendors can approach authorised government channels and Common Service Centres for assistance with the application and verification process.

Applicants should keep the required identification and business-related documents ready and ensure that the information submitted matches their official records.

Before applying, it is advisable to verify the latest requirements through official government sources rather than relying on social-media posts or private agents.

Be Careful of Fake Loan Offers

Street vendors should remain cautious about people promising guaranteed loans in exchange for upfront payments.

Do not share an OTP, ATM PIN, internet-banking password or other confidential banking information with unknown individuals. Government schemes should be verified through official portals or authorised service centres.

A Step Toward Formal Financial Support

PM SVANidhi is part of the government's wider effort to bring informal workers and small entrepreneurs into the formal financial system.

With millions of street vendors depending on daily business income, access to affordable working capital can help them maintain inventory, expand their operations and gradually build stronger financial stability.

Eligible vendors should therefore check the latest official scheme guidelines and determine whether they can benefit from PM SVANidhi.