On MSME Day, Entrepreneurs Voice Critical Needs: Technology, Funding, and Skilled Workforce at the Forefront


MSME Day 2025: Spotlight on India’s Growth Backbone

June 27 marks International MSME Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about the contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India, home to over 64 million MSMEs, celebrates this day amidst renewed calls from entrepreneurs for more structured and targeted government support.

MSMEs Demand Stronger Tech & Supply Chain Infrastructure

According to Vasu Naren, Chairman & MD of Sona Machinery, sectors like food processing face major hurdles due to poor supply chains and limited digital infrastructure. He emphasized the need for smart trade infrastructure, real-time electronic platforms, and improved last-mile logistics.
He also urged the government to support MSMEs in global trade promotion through funded digital outreach and regular participation in international trade fairs.

IT-Based MSMEs Struggle with Quality Incubation

Abhinav Rao, Founder & CEO of ParentVerse, flagged challenges in the IT-based MSME ecosystem, particularly in incubation and early-stage support.
While India hosts 718 incubators and accelerators (with ~70% government backing), Rao pointed out that many government incubators offer only theoretical mentorship, lacking in structured, outcome-driven guidance and access to seed capital.
This, he argued, hinders early-stage startups from scaling from ideation to market execution.

Healthcare MSMEs Call for R&D and Data Security Support

In the healthcare sector, founders are asking for greater R&D incentives and data privacy infrastructure.
Shabnum Khan, Founder of 750AD Healthcare, said most MSMEs in this sector cannot afford the high costs of AI integration and secure data systems. She called for:

  • R&D credits for healthcare startups

  • Workshops on AI upskilling

  • Government protocols on data protection and cybersecurity

Khan noted that without adequate support, data breaches remain a significant risk for small healthcare firms.

Manufacturing MSMEs Face Labour Shortages and Payment Delays

Dinesh Chandra Pandey, Founder of Shankar Fenestrations Glasses, highlighted key challenges in glass and construction-related manufacturing. These include:

  • Soaring costs of raw materials (silica, soda ash)

  • Frequent power outages

  • Delayed payments from large customers

Despite investments in CNC machines and smart glass technology, the lack of skilled labour for cutting, tempering, and installation remains a bottleneck. Pandey stressed the need for real-time workforce development programs and market linkage initiatives.

Credit & Digital Gaps Persist for Small Enterprises

Anand Kumar Bajaj, CEO of PayNearby, said that while schemes like Udyam Registration, collateral-free loans, and ONDC have helped, many MSMEs still lack:

  • Access to affordable credit

  • Digital tools for operational efficiency

  • Last-mile banking services, especially in remote areas

Bajaj commended the RBI’s push for Business Correspondents to strengthen rural banking but advocated for a more cohesive MSME credit ecosystem.

Rural MSMEs Seek Wider Market Access

Nilay Patel, MD of EasyPay, highlighted the growing digital divide in rural India. While digital adoption in Tier II and Tier III cities has improved, rural MSMEs struggle with:

  • Lack of awareness of digital platforms

  • Inadequate connectivity and tech literacy

He praised ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) for creating a wider digital marketplace and improving financial inclusion. Patel also called for deeper collaboration between fintechs, policymakers, and digital platforms to equip MSMEs in deeper markets.

Conclusion: Time for Targeted, Inclusive MSME Policy

From technology access and skilled labour to funding and digital inclusion, the voices of India's MSMEs on this MSME Day underscore a unified demand: stronger, more pragmatic on-ground policy implementation.
India’s growth story depends on the success of its small businesses — and while strides have been made, there’s a long road ahead.

Timely reforms, real-time market access, and sector-specific mentorship can empower India’s MSMEs to compete globally, innovate locally, and thrive inclusively.

For policymakers, the message is clear:
The future of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” hinges on how we support the smallest players in the economy today.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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