Abstract:

Entrepreneurs play an important role in promoting economic growth, innovation, and employment. In India, various government schemes have been implemented to encourage and support entrepreneurship, particularly among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). However, the effectiveness of these programs is heavily dependent on awareness and accessibility among the intended beneficiaries. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of awareness of government schemes among entrepreneurs in Bihar’s Madhepura district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 entrepreneurs from micro, small, and medium enterprises using proportionate stratified sampling. The study looks at people’s familiarity with key initiatives like Udyam Registration, MUDRA loans, the Credit Guarantee Fund (CGTMSE), and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), as well as information sources and access barriers. The findings reveal significant gaps in awareness, particularly among micro-enterprise owners, and highlight the need for increased outreach, simplified procedures, and localized promotion strategies. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and support institutions looking to expand the reach and effectiveness of entrepreneurship development programs in regional contexts.