Point no 1: Can a small scale service provider claim cenvat credit before crossing the threshold limit of Rs: 10 lac.
Point no 2: Registration is mandatory as soon as turnover exceeds limit of Rs: 9 lac. Can one get registration at the beginning of his business, if not, why?
You can get the registration under the Service tax even at the beginning of the business and need not wait till crossing the turnover of 9 lac and start charging service tax from first invoice. Further, it you will also be eligible to claim Cenvat credit.
Answer to Question 1 is in negative, if you are claiming benefit of Small scale service provider than Cenvat credit will not be available.