Kerala, known for its lush coconut groves, has long been a land of opportunity for those willing to innovate. Preeja, an inspiring entrepreneur, has transformed this abundant resource into a thriving business, Coconent. Specialising in dehydrated grated coconut, her venture brings the rich, natural flavors of Kerala to consumers worldwide. Her journey—from a career in banking to becoming a business leader—is a testament to resilience, innovation, and dedication. Preeja, alongside her husband, ventured into the food industry with a vision to create a sustainable business that empowers local farmers and…
Category: Featured
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Dr. Maithili Tambe’s Inspiring Journey to Educational Leadership
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Small Enterprise India proudly celebrates the wisdom, resilience, and leadership of women who dare to break barriers and redefine success. Among such inspiring figures is Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of TAS (The Academy School) Pune —a visionary leader who transitioned from dentistry to education to create a lasting impact on young minds. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. In this heartwarming interview, Dr. Tambe shares how she found her true calling in education, driven by the…
Crowdfunding and P2P Lending: New Trends in SME Finance to Watch For
MSMEs and SMEs are vital to India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and exports. As of FY 2024-25, MSMEs account for ~30.1% of India’s GDP and almost 45.79% of the total exports. This sector generates employment, with over 203.9 million people engaged through registered enterprises. However, access to finance remains a challenge due to stringent credit requirements, limited collateral availability, and high-interest rates. To bridge this gap, alternative financing solutions like crowdfunding and P2P lending are emerging as viable options, providing SMEs with greater flexibility and accessibility. This article…
Empowering Indian MSMEs: Key Value Elements for Strategic Technology Adoption
The rapid digital transformation of Indian MSMEs presents a golden opportunity for technology vendors, but success in this space requires more than just innovative solutions—it demands a deep understanding of what truly matters to these businesses. This article serves as a crucial guide for both MSMEs and technology providers, shedding light on the key value elements that drive technology adoption. For MSMEs, it provides a roadmap to selecting the right tech solutions that enhance efficiency, drive growth, and ensure long-term sustainability. For vendors, it offers strategic insights into aligning their…
International Women’s Day 2025: For ALL Women and Girls – Rights. Equality. Empowerment
International Women’s Day (IWD) is not just a celebration but a global movement advocating gender equality, social justice, and economic empowerment. The 2025 theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” underscores the need for inclusivity and equal opportunities worldwide. Despite remarkable progress, women still face significant barriers—ranging from violence and discrimination to wage gaps and limited financial independence. Globally, women continue to struggle for safety, legal protections, and economic inclusion, making gender equality an urgent priority. Women’s Empowerment in India: Progress and Challenges India has made notable strides…
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…