Work From Home vs. Work from Office: The Great Tug-of-War!

The modern workplace is at a crossroads—a silent tug-of-war between comfort and corporate necessity. After four years of Zoom calls, pyjama meetings, and coffee breaks on demand, employees are questioning the need to return to office cubicles. Meanwhile, employers are grappling with a productivity paradox—is flexibility fostering efficiency, or has WFH become a glorified paid vacation? As SMEs navigate this post-pandemic puzzle, the real challenge isn’t just where people work, but how work itself is evolving. If you’re an employer, you probably already know the struggle—calling your employees back to…

Digital Transformation in Logistics & Smart Supply Chains: A Game Changer for SMEs

In an era of rapid technological advancement, digital transformation in logistics and supply chain management is no longer an option but a necessity. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency, improve visibility, and reduce operational costs. The integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, cloud computing, and automation is revolutionising traditional logistics, making supply chains more agile, transparent, and data-driven. The Present State of SMEs in Logistics & Supply Chain Management Small and Medium Enterprises are the…

Top 25 Rural Villages Driving Change in India

India’s rural heartland is witnessing an extraordinary transformation, with villages evolving into powerful engines of progress. Once defined by agrarian economies, these rural hubs are now embracing entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and technological innovation to script new success stories. As of February 2025, India has 665,000 villages, including 268,000 Gram Panchayats and Rural Local Bodies. Among them, several villages have emerged as models of change, setting benchmarks for economic growth, sustainability, and self-reliance. From pioneering water conservation models in Hiware Bazar, Maharashtra, to revolutionising organic farming in Punsari, Gujarat, these villages…

Can MSMEs Break Barriers to Become India’s Next Unicorns?

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…

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…