MSME for Bharat: 'Expand the scope of venture capital to help new enterprises', said the leaders at MSME for Bharat

With the aim of reorienting the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), empowering them for global competition, and strengthening the vision of "Vocal for Local," is organizing the MSME for Bharat Conclave, Expo, and Awards 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. During the event, financial leaders shared their insights on capital formation, policy, and innovation.

During the session on "Future of Funding," former SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar stated that government support helps build a better ecosystem for the MSME sector. Credit for capex is available through the formal banking system. Only banks are authorized to accept deposits. Therefore, they can play a key role in improving resource management. Today, there are 2.5 million landable merchants. Cash is displayed on BharaPay. We are working on a partnership model. They are providing funds and playing a key role in providing loans. A robust ecosystem has developed in the country for providing loans to MSMEs. Today, if someone wants to purchase a machine, even if it costs ₹20 lakh, loans are readily available. The world has completely transformed over the last 30-40 years. This has been made possible by the shift from manual banking to digital banking. Government schemes like the Mudra Scheme and Street Venture Scheme have also helped in providing loans. We need to increase venture capital. We need to encourage new startups, whether they succeed or not. This requires increasing venture capital. This is high-risk capital, and banks are not forthcoming in providing it. We need to take steps to provide it.

In the first session on "Future of Funding" during the program, eminent personalities like Dr. Shubhranshu Acharya, CMD of NSIC, Rajnish Kumar, former Chairman of SBI, and Manish Shah shared their views on investment and capital raising opportunities for MSMEs.

Discussing strategies to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, Dr. Shubhranshu Acharya, CMD, NSIC, said that we must ensure that MSMEs have easy access to credit when they need it, and that proper management and guidance are available for smooth credit flow.

Speaking about skill development, he said that MSMEs must effectively manage their businesses. This includes providing opportunities for skills training, reskilling, and upskilling, including technology centers and product testing facilities. He explained that a ₹10,000 crore fund of funds for MSMEs is operated and managed by NSIC. This fund can help propel MSMEs to the next level of growth.