While India has a thriving startup ecosystem, with startups being the toast of the country’s growth story, SMEs do not receive even a fraction of the attention that startups do. Why is the buzz and hype missing when it comes to SMEs? MSMEs have long been acknowledged as the backbone of the economy, contributing a significant 30% to GDP, 35% to manufacturing, and 40% to exports. They are also the second-largest employer after agriculture. Among the 6 crore+ enterprises registered on the MSME Ministry’s Udyam portal, about 52,000 are medium…
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Bridging the Generational Divide: The Future of Indian Family Businesses in a Changing World
Family-owned businesses are the backbone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment generation. However, succession planning remains one of the most pressing challenges for these enterprises, particularly in the SME sector. Despite their importance, only 21% of family businesses in India have a formal succession plan. This lack of preparedness often results in operational disruptions, leadership conflicts, and even business failure. Many family business owners expect their children to take over the enterprise, but the younger generation frequently aspires to different career paths, preferring entrepreneurship in new-age industries…
Kerala Welcomes Global Investors: Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Kochi
Kerala has once again opened its doors to global investors, signaling a new era of business-friendly policies and infrastructure development at the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025. The two-day event, that started on 21 February’25, held at Lulu International Convention Centre in Bolgatty, Kochi, aims to showcase Kerala’s investment potential, bringing together visionaries, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the world. A State Ready for Investment In his inaugural address, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan set the tone for the summit, emphasising the government’s commitment to cutting bureaucratic hurdles. “No…
The Future of Rural Entrepreneurship in India: A Path to Empowerment and Growth
India’s rural landscape is no longer confined to traditional agriculture and small-scale industries. It is evolving into a dynamic hub of entrepreneurship that has the potential to drive the nation’s economic and social transformation. With a majority of the population residing in villages, the growth of rural entrepreneurship is pivotal in achieving inclusive development and realising India’s aspiration of becoming a $5 trillion economy. The narrative of rural India is no longer confined to agrarian livelihoods. A remarkable transformation is underway, driven by resilient entrepreneurs turning challenges into opportunities. Rural…
Empowering the Next Generation: How Indian SMEs are Guiding Successors to Global Higher Education
In today’s competitive global market, Indian SMEs are increasingly recognising the importance of international exposure for the next generation. With family-run businesses experiencing tremendous growth, many SME owners are looking to ensure that their successors receive world-class higher education opportunities abroad. This trend is more than just a pursuit of academic excellence; it is a strategic investment in the future leadership of their enterprises. For many SME families, the process of selecting the right university and course overseas is daunting. Often, young aspirants rely on peer recommendations and online research.…
SME Successors: Unlock Global Study Opportunities
Small Enterprise Magazine, India’s leading SME magazine, proudly presents its March issue featuring an exclusive Study Abroad cover story. As family-run businesses prepare their successors for the challenges of a globalised world, the quest for the right international education becomes critical. Parents and students alike face pivotal questions: which university, which country, and which course will pave the way for future success? Recent data underscores the rising trend in international education. Over 7.65 lakh Indian students are now studying abroad, marking a surge of more than 50% in the past…
The Changing Landscape of Rural India
Rural India, once synonymous with agriculture and traditional craftsmanship, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The rise of rural entrepreneurship has not only redefined the socio-economic fabric of these regions but also positioned them as emerging hubs of innovation and enterprise. This shift is not merely a trend but a revolutionary movement contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth in the country. The Evolution of Rural Entrepreneurship in India Historically, rural entrepreneurship in India revolved around primary industries like farming, weaving, and pottery. However, with advancements in technology, government support, and evolving…
College Youth Ideathon 2025 Launches to Fuel Innovation and Entrepreneurship Among India’s Youth
ThinkStartup, IIT Delhi and MEPSC (a Sector Skills Council under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India), today announced the launch of College Youth Ideathon with an aim to be India’s premier innovation and entrepreneurship competition to ignite creativity & entrepreneurial spirit among the nation’s youth in the presence of Dr.Kiran Bedi , former Lt. Governor. College Youth Ideathon (CYI 2025) focuses on innovative ideas and entrepreneurship across ten key sectors, including technology, medicine & biotech, geospatial intelligence, education, agriculture, BFSI, Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism and…
Union Budget 2025: A Transformative Blueprint for MSME Growth and Economic Prosperity
The Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, 2025, introducing key reforms aimed at strengthening India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The much-anticipated Union Budget 2025 has arrived, carrying immense significance for India’s 63 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the backbone of the nation’s economy. With MSMEs contributing nearly 30% to India’s GDP and employing over 110 million people, every fiscal policy shift profoundly impacts their growth, sustainability, and workforce stability. This year’s budget was expected to address pressing challenges—access…
Sampige’s Natural Products: Redefining Rural Entrepreneurship with Tradition, Sustainability, and Heart
Sampige’s Natural Products, founded by R. Prashant Pillai, is a celebrated name in the realm of natural and sustainable living. Rooted in the lush landscapes of rural India, Sampige’s specialises in crafting eco-friendly, handmade soaps and natural products that resonate with purity and authenticity. The brand is an ode to the timeless values of quality and sustainability, intertwining the richness of traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern consumer needs. At the heart of Sampige’s vision lies a commitment to community empowerment and environmental stewardship. By sourcing raw materials from local farmers…