Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, July 2, 2025: Walmart Vriddhi, through its program partner, the Ideas to Impact Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The MoU was formalized during the Regional Industry, Skill, and Employment (RISE) Conclave held in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh on June 27.
This agreement, over the next three years, seeks to support the state’s MSME ecosystem by connecting interested and selected MSMEs to free-of-cost training support delivered by Walmart Vriddhi. Key initiatives undertaken by the program will include specialized trainings, seminars, and workshops to enhance MSMEs’ skills for digital transformation, expand customer reach, and secure market access across both online and offline retail channels. The state government will in turn provide crucial support by guiding MSMEs within the program, on available government schemes, according to their eligibility.
Launched in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi is a supplier development program tailored to empower MSMEs in India to modernize, scale and meet their domestic and international ambitions. The program brings together Walmart’s global supply chain expertise and Flipkart’s nationwide eCommerce reach, offering MSMEs access to free-of-cost training, mentoring, and business advice on finance, marketing, workforce management, and environmental sustainability. Since its launch, Walmart Vriddhi has successfully trained over 70,000 MSMEs. In its next phase, the program is partnering to reach an additional 100,000 MSMEs by 2028.
Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President of Supplier Development, Sourcing, Walmart International, said, “India’s MSMEs are at the forefront of a digital transformation that’s reshaping how they grow, innovate, and connect with global markets. Our partnership with the government of Madhya Pradesh underscores our vision to empower MSMEs to become digitally ready, competitive, and expand their reach worldwide. Through Walmart Vriddhi, we aim to equip these entrepreneurs with the essential business skills, expansive market access, and strategic tools necessary to flourish in India and globally. We look forward to opening even more doors in India.”
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, said, “MSMEs form the backbone of India’s economy and play a vital role in driving inclusive growth. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to enabling small businesses in Madhya Pradesh to digitize, scale, and compete more effectively in the global economy. Through Flipkart and Walmart’s combined ecosystem, we are confident that local entrepreneurs will gain the tools, exposure, and support they need to thrive.”
Parul Soni, Trustee, Ideas to Impact Foundation, said, “Digital enablement, strategic skilling and mentorship, and expanded market access are the three levers driving MSME growth today. Through Walmart Vriddhi, we’re committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the training and personalized guidance they need to scale sustainably, compete on the world stage, and fuel inclusive economic progress.”
Building on the partnership in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Walmart Vriddhi will sign MoUs in other states, extending MSME empowerment across the country.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunities. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
About the Flipkart Group
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Flipkart Health+, and Cleartrip.
Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India’s digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has created thousands of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI. These customer-centric innovations focus on enhancing digital payment offerings for all customers while making online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians.
About Ideas to Impact Foundation
Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation, implementation partner of Walmart Vriddhi, is a nonprofit committed to driving sustainable human development through innovative, community-focused solutions. i2i partners with governments, civil society, and corporates to create scalable programs that empower marginalized communities and support the Sustainable Development Goals. The Foundation’s work spans education, health, environment, and gender inclusion, focusing on building resilient, inclusive societies. Rooted in collaboration and transparency, i2i Foundation strives to create a lasting positive impact for a better future. Additional information about Ideas to Impact Foundation can be found by visiting:
i2ifoundation.org/about-i2i-foundation
