Consultant – Startup Funding & Government loans

As the founding hire of this new practice, you will work directly with startup founders — helping them access government grants, unlock concessional financing, and complete regulatory registrations such as DPIIT recognition and 80IAC tax exemption.

In addition, you will contribute to internal audit and compliance engagements, giving you exposure to a diverse range of advisory work across AHPN’s client portfolio.

Beyond client delivery, you will help shape AHPN’s service offerings and play a key role in scaling the practice, with the opportunity to grow into a leadership position as the vertical expands.

Key Responsibilities

1. Government Grants & Scheme Advisory

• Identify and evaluate central and state government grant schemes relevant to startup clients based on sector, stage, and eligibility.
• Guide clients through the end-to-end grant application process, including eligibility assessment, documentation, portal submissions, and follow-ups with authorities.
• Track updates from regulatory and government bodies and ensure AHPN’s knowledge base remains updated with new and revised schemes.
• Maintain a structured repository of active grant opportunities across central and state programs.

2. Discounted & Concessional Loan Facilitation

• Advise startups on government-backed and concessional financing options available through public financial institutions and priority sector lending frameworks.
• Assist clients in preparing credit-ready applications, including business plans, financial projections, and compliance documentation required by lenders.
• Track developments in interest subvention schemes, collateral-free credit products, and emerging financing instruments for startups.

3. Startup Registration & Compliance (DPIIT & 80IAC)

• Manage DPIIT Startup Recognition filings, including eligibility assessment, documentation, portal submission, and application tracking.
• Handle 80IAC Income Tax Exemption applications, including documentation and responding to queries from the DPIIT Inter-Ministerial Board.
• Support related registrations such as MSME/Udyam, GST, and other regulatory compliances required by startup clients.
• Advise clients on post-registration compliance and maintaining eligibility for government schemes.

4. Internal Audit & Compliance

• Participate in internal audit engagements across AHPN's client portfolio.
• Review financial controls, operational processes, and compliance frameworks.
• Prepare audit observations, findings, and management reports in a clear and structured format.
• Identify process gaps and recommend practical improvements to strengthen internal control systems.

5. Practice & Client Development

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients within AHPN’s Startup Enablement practice.
• Help develop standardised service offerings, engagement templates, and process frameworks.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives including articles, webinars, and client education sessions.
• Collaborate with AHPN’s finance, legal, and strategy teams to deliver integrated advisory solutions.

What We Are Looking For

Required Experience

• 2–7 years of experience in startup advisory, MSME consulting, government scheme advisory, or regulatory consulting
• Hands-on experience with DPIIT Startup Recognition filings
• Hands-on experience with 80IAC tax exemption applications
• Familiarity with government grants, subsidies, and concessional credit frameworks

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to internal audit, financial compliance, or risk advisory
• Degree in Business, Finance, Law, Economics, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously

Company Description

AHPN & Associates is an Indian professional firm with a global outlook, providing expert services since 1989. The firm consists of dynamic and experienced professionals specializing in areas such as Internal Audit, Direct and Indirect Taxation, Risk Advisory, and Corporate Finance. AHPN & Associates is dedicated to building long-term partnerships with its clients by leveraging their expertise to drive genuine success. The firm is recognized for its commitment to delivering innovative and tailored solutions that meet diverse client needs.