Uttar Pradesh Launches MICE Incentive Scheme to Promote MSMEs Globally

Lucknow: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced its first-ever MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Incentive Scheme to connect the state’s MSMEs with national and international markets. The scheme is part of the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy 2025–2030 and aims to strengthen exports, attract investment, and establish ‘Brand UP’ on the global stage.

The initiative is expected to provide international exposure to entrepreneurs, encourage business tourism, and create new employment opportunities across the state.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

The MICE Incentive Scheme has been introduced with the following goals:

• Promote global visibility of Brand UP

• Provide international opportunities to MSME entrepreneurs

• Boost exports from Uttar Pradesh

• Attract domestic and foreign investment

• Develop Uttar Pradesh as a major MICE hub in India

• Generate employment opportunities for youth

Financial Assistance Under the Scheme

To encourage the organization of international events in the state, the government will provide:

• ₹7,000 per foreign participant, or

• Up to a maximum of ₹6 lakh per event

Each eligible MICE operator can avail the benefit for up to two events in a year.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to:

• MSME-category MICE operators/event management companies

• Units registered in Uttar Pradesh

• Organizations registered with relevant departments and councils

• Events recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Event Eligibility Conditions

For an event to qualify under the scheme:

• The event must be organized within Uttar Pradesh

• Services like catering, logistics, etc., must be sourced from local vendors

• At least 100 participants should attend

• Minimum 25% participants must be foreign nationals

How to Apply for the MICE Incentive Scheme?

Applicants must:

1. Submit the application on the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Uttar Pradesh portal

2. Apply at least 60 days before the event start date

3. After the event, submit a detailed report and documents within 60 days

A Screening Committee comprising officials from export, tourism, and service sectors will review applications.

Approval & Disbursement Process

• Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis

• Approved incentives will be transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)

• Disbursement will depend on budget availability

⚠️ If any applicant provides false information or misuses the scheme, the incentive amount will be recovered, and the unit will be barred from future government schemes.

Boost for MSMEs and Export Growth

With this forward-looking initiative, the UP government aims to position the state as a preferred destination for international conferences and exhibitions, giving MSMEs a powerful platform to expand globally and strengthening the export ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh.