Co-Working Space/ Incubators/ Accelerators Subsidy Scheme

Co-Working Space/ Incubators/ Accelerators Subsidy Scheme supports Goa based startups by providing financial reimbursement for expenses related to workspace rentals. This government backed scheme helps early stage businesses cut their operational costs by covering a part of the rent for seats at approved co-working spaces, incubators, or accelerators.

The scheme is now run under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025 by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa. Startups certified by the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC) can get back up to 50% of their seat cost, subject to fixed caps, which makes it easier for new ventures to focus on growth instead of office rent.

Co-Working Space/ Incubators/ Accelerators Subsidy Scheme - Introduction

Co-Working Space/ Incubators/ Accelerators Subsidy Scheme is a dedicated support system managed by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa. This scheme encourages innovation by helping local startups manage their overhead costs. By providing a fixed reimbursement for seats occupied by your team at co-working spaces, incubators, or accelerators listed by the SITPC, the government makes it easier for you to focus on your core business growth.

The scheme is open throughout the financial year, so eligible startups can apply once they have paid for their workspace. It works as a cash reimbursement, meaning you first pay the facility and later claim back a portion of that amount. This keeps the process simple and lets startups plan their expenses with some clarity.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides financial support to help you scale your business efficiently. Reimbursement details are structured as follows:

You can claim this benefit for a maximum of 8 seats. Each year, the government supports a quota of 100 seats at co-working spaces and 50 seats each for incubators and accelerators. For example, if Anjali runs a startup and rents 4 seats at a listed incubator for ₹10,000, she can claim 50% reimbursement (₹5,000) for those seats, subject to the per-seat cap.

For highly deserving startups assessed by the SITPC, the reimbursement might be increased up to 100% of the costs. This support is not an entitlement and remains subject to internal guidelines and available annual quotas.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, you should meet the following criteria:

1. You must be a startup certified by the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC) with a valid startup certificate number.

2. You should make payments for your workspace digitally to the service providers listed by the SITPC. If digital payments are not possible, the SITPC will review your expenditure based on their internal guidelines.

3. Ensure that your startup bank account is linked to your Aadhaar.

Documents

You should prepare the following documents for your application:

1. Address proof of your operational office in the State of Goa, such as a utility bill not older than 2 months from the date of application.

2. The agreement entered into between your startup and the co-working space, incubator, or accelerator for operating out of that facility.

3. A cancelled cheque of your startup or the incubator, with the bank account located in Goa.

Application Process

The application is submitted online through the Goa Online portal. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the official scheme page on the Goa MSME portal and open the Co-Working Spaces / Incubators / Accelerators Subsidy Scheme from the list of schemes.

STEP 2 - Click on the Apply button, which will redirect you to the Goa Online portal to submit your application.

STEP 3 - Verify your email and mobile number using an OTP to access the registration page.

STEP 4 - Fill in your details such as name, address, and business information accurately, then upload all required documents.

STEP 5 - Submit the request and note down your application reference number for future tracking.

Evaluation: You will receive a notification regarding the approval or rejection of your application within 45 days of submission.

You can also find the scheme listed on the Startup Goa incentives page, which carries the same reimbursement details and apply link.

References

View Official Guidelines and Application Form

Contact the Startup Promotion Cell

List of Listed Co-Working Spaces

FAQ's

What is the duration for which I can claim benefits?

You can claim reimbursements for a maximum of two years for co-working spaces, one year for incubators, and three months for accelerators.

How much reimbursement can I receive per seat?

The scheme offers 50% of the seat cost as reimbursement, with caps of ₹3000 for co-working, ₹5000 for incubators, and ₹6000 for accelerators per seat, for up to 8 seats.

Can I apply if I pay in cash to my incubator?

Digital payment is the preferred mode. If your specific case prevents digital payment, the SITPC will evaluate your request to determine if it meets their internal guidelines for expenditure admission.

How quickly will I know the status of my application?

The SITPC usually informs you about the status of your application within 45 days.

Is there a specific time of year to apply?

You can apply at any point during the financial year after you have incurred the relevant expenses for your workspace.