Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, November 25, 2025 — Walmart Vriddhi through its program partner Ideas to Impact Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s Department of Industries & Commerce. The collaboration will help strengthen the state’s MSME ecosystem with free-of-cost training and personalized mentoring over the next three years through the Walmart Vriddhi program.
The MoU, formalized at the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Vishakhapatnam, marks a significant step in Walmart Vriddhi’s efforts to empower an additional 100,000 MSMEs by 2028. The program will offer masterclasses and workshops across Andhra Pradesh, to equip MSMEs with the tools to modernize, scale, and expand their reach into domestic and international eCommerce platforms like Flipkart and Walmart Marketplace.
Guided by the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s vision to prioritize MSME growth under the AP MSME and Entrepreneurship Development Policy (2024–29) – One Family, One Entrepreneur, the program aligns with the goal of building an entrepreneurial household culture by 2030.
The MoU will focus on priority clusters such as silk and garments, food processing (including cashews, coffee, and spices), jewelry, artificial diamonds, brassware, coir, engineering, handicrafts, and wooden furniture. The rollout will begin in districts including Visakhapatnam, Guntur, and Krishna, and later expand into Ananthapur, East and West Godavari, Nellore, Kurnool, Chittoor, and Prakasam.
Shri Kondapalli Srinivas, Hon’ble Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises said, Andhra Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a premier investment destination, driven by good governance and an investor-friendly environment. Leveraging its rich natural resources, the state offers a skilled workforce, a vibrant MSME ecosystem, progressive policies, 175 plug-and-play MSME Parks and world-class facilities like the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub—creating opportunities to integrate businesses into global value chains and strengthen manufacturing capabilities.
Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President of Supplier Development, Sourcing, Walmart International, said, “Andhra Pradesh’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit makes it an ideal place for MSME-driven growth. Through Walmart Vriddhi, we’re committed to empowering local businesses with the digital tools, training, and market access they need to compete and grow sustainably. By supporting MSMEs, we’re helping to build stronger communities and drive long-term success together.”
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 logistics, among others. Since its launch in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi has successfully trained over 70,000 MSMEs in India.
To capitalize on the Walmart Vriddhi program, MSMEs can register here to unlock growth opportunities:https://retaillink.login.wal-mart.com/. Sellers aiming to sell internationally through Walmart Marketplace can register through this link: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmart-marketplace.
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 opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com.
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
For more information, Contact
PANIPAT, Haryana, October 29, 2025: Walmart Vriddhi, in partnership with Ideas to Impact Foundation (i2i), hosted the Walmart Vriddhi MSME Connect 2025 in Panipat, Haryana, in collaboration with the Directorate of MSME, Government of Haryana. The event brought together entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry leaders to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in the state and highlight the opportunities available through the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program.
This initiative is part of Walmart Vriddhi’s ongoing efforts to support MSMEs in Haryana by providing training, market access, and tools to build resilient, digitally enabled businesses.
The program focuses on specialized training, workshops, and seminars to enhance MSME skills. In its current phase, the program is prioritizing export-ready industry clusters, including textiles, apparel, home furnishings, handlooms, handicrafts, food processing and beverages, leather, and footwear. It is also expanding its reach to MSME clusters in Gurugram, Faridabad, Hisar, and Rohtak.
Launched in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi is designed to empower MSMEs across India to modernize, scale, and achieve their domestic and international ambitions. Earlier this year, Walmart Vriddhi through its program partner signed an MoU with the Government of Haryana to strengthen MSME capabilities and facilitate their onboarding onto Flipkart and Walmart Marketplace. This collaboration supports the “Make in India” initiative, enabling local businesses to expand their presence in national and international markets.
“MSMEs form the foundation of Haryana’s economy and are key drivers of employment, innovation, and inclusive growth. Over the past years, the state government has rolled out policies like PADMA (Programme to Accelerate Development for MSME Advancement) to catalyze local enterprise hubs and infrastructure support.” said Sushil Sarwan, Deputy Commissioner Sonipat, Government of Haryana. “The state remains committed to strengthening the MSME ecosystem by creating an environment that supports modernization, market readiness, and competitiveness, helping local enterprises expand their presence.”
“Initiatives that help strengthen the capabilities and competitiveness of our MSMEs are always welcome,” said Vikas Jangra, Joint Director, District MSME Centre, Panipat. “Programs such as Walmart Vriddhi complement the state’s efforts by supporting entrepreneurs in modernizing operations, adopting digital practices, and expanding their market reach, which together contribute to Haryana’s MSME growth story.”
“At Walmart, we are committed to empowering India’s MSMEs, which play a critical role in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart. “Through Walmart Vriddhi, we aim to provide entrepreneurs with the training, tools, and market access they need to scale successfully in today’s dynamic business environment.”
Ashin Mathew, Group Director, Cross Border Trade, Walmart International said, “Walmart Marketplace is excited to support entrepreneurs in Haryana as they unlock new growth opportunities. By combining global expertise with local talent, we are helping small businesses realize their export ambitions, drive innovation, and contribute to India’s growth story.”
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group said, “MSMEs are central to India’s growth story, and at Flipkart, we are committed to enabling their success through digital commerce. By combining Flipkart’s reach with Walmart Vriddhi’s training, we are creating new pathways for Haryana’s MSMEs to scale locally.”
Walmart Vriddhi combines Walmart’s global supply chain expertise with Flipkart’s extensive eCommerce network, offering MSMEs free training, mentoring, and business advice on topics like finance, marketing, workforce management, and logistics. To date, the program has successfully trained over 70,000 MSMEs in India and aims to empower an additional 100,000 by 2028.
To capitalize on the Walmart Vriddhi program, MSMEs can register here to unlock growth opportunities: https://retaillink.login.wal-mart.com/. Sellers aiming to sell internationally through Walmart Marketplace can register through this link: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmart-marketplace.
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 opportunity. 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 Walmart (@Walmart) / X and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip, and super.money. 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.
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
For more information, Contact
Walmart Vriddhi, as part of its ongoing efforts to enable and empower MSMEs in India, hosted the Walmart Vriddhi MSME Connect 2025 in Panipat on October 29, 2025, at Days Hotel by Wyndham. Organized in collaboration with the Directorate of MSME, Government of Haryana, the event witnessed the participation of over 130 delegates, government officials, and representatives from eleven industry associations. Dr. Pankaj, IAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner, Municipal Council, Panipat, and Sh. Vikas Jangra, Joint Director, District MSME Centre, Panipat, graced the occasion as the Chief Guests.
The event highlighted Walmart Vriddhi’s partnership with the Government of Haryana to strengthen key industry clusters and showcased inspiring MSME success stories. . It also underscored Walmart’s commitment to enable MSMEs with digital training, market access, and personalized mentoring support.
The event saw participation from representatives of key industry bodies such as the Haryana Chamber of Commerce & Industries (District Unit), HUDA Panipat, and the Panipat Exporters Association, along with senior industry leaders including Sh. Rajiv Aggarwal, Sh. Lalit Goel, H.S. Dhammu, Sh. Vineet Sharma, Sh. Veer Bhan Singla, and Sh. Purshottam Sharma.
In the opening session, Parul Soni, emphasized that Walmart Vriddhi’s free-of-cost training, mentorship, and market access opportunities are empowering MSMEs to unlock new avenues of growth and build a stronger domestic and global footprint.
Sh. Vikas Jangra, highlighted Panipat’s growing global manufacturing strength and urged MSMEs to leverage government support and programs like Walmart Vriddhi to scale and compete internationally.Dr. Pankaj, noted that as technology rapidly reshapes business and opens new eCommerce driven opportunities, programs like Walmart Vriddhi become vital in strengthening MSMEs and helping them build resilient enterprises, and contribute to a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The session also saw Walmart Vriddhi graduates share their experiences with fellow MSMEs who were in attendance. Walmart Vriddhi graduate, Sagar Kalra, the owner of Arch Fab who completed the learning program in 2021, reflected on the valuable mentorship received, especially in branding and marketing. Manu Gulati, Founder of Loops N Knots, a 2022 graduate of the program, described the learnings as a guiding force during the early, complex stages of her entrepreneurial journey.
Walmart Vriddhi’s mentor, Rajiv Bajaj touched upon the program’s success in enhancing MSME capabilities around cashflow management, team building, and operational excellence. He has mentored over 150 Walmart Vriddhi graduates through workshops, coaching, and one-on-one sessions, and continues to guide many more through workshops and personalized mentoring sessions today.
During the orientation session, Ravikant Suman, Head – Academy & Mentoring, i2i Foundation, briefed MSMEs on the program’s training modules, mentorship structure, and onboarding process. In the Cross Border Trade (CBT) session, Hemanth Bhamidipati from Walmart Marketplace, emphasized the importance of taking Indian MSMEs to global customers through Walmart.com. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A, where team members from Ideas to Impact Foundation addressed participants’ queries.
Key highlights from the event included the strengthened collaboration between Walmart Vriddhi, and government and local industry bodies, which enhanced mobilization thereby enhancing credibility and on-ground participation. The discussions also emphasized expansion of Walmart Vriddhi’s reach across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to tap into MSME clusters and to help MSMEs to onboard onto platforms such as Flipkart and Walmart Marketplace.
In September 2025, Walmart Vriddhi continued its efforts to empower MSMEs through a series of impactful masterclasses across India. Through partnerships with government bodies, development centres, and industry associations, the program engaged with entrepreneurs in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Shahdol, and Faridabad. It equipped them with digital skills, knowledge resources, and business tools to strengthen their enterprises and adapt to evolving market demands.
Walmart Vriddhi collaborated with the MSME Development Center to engage 45+ MSMEs in Jaipur. The session provided insights on business sustainability, digital enablement, and preparation of enterprises for future growth. Participants learned how Walmart Vriddhi’s free-of-cost training resources and marketplace access can support them in scaling their businesses.
In Hyderabad, 35+ MSMEs participated in a session organized in partnership with the District Industries Centre (DIC). The session focused on strategies for strengthening business models, adopting digital tools, and enhancing competitiveness in both Flipkart and Walmart Marketplace.
Under the Government of Madhya Pradesh’s RAMP initiative, a session was conducted in Shahdol, bringing together MSMEs to discuss opportunities for business growth. Entrepreneurs learned crucial aspects of business management, including finance, marketing, workforce management, and environmental sustainability.
In Faridabad, Walmart Vriddhi partnered with IMT Faridabad to deliver a masterclass for 25+ entrepreneurs. The interactive session underscored the importance of eCommerce adoption. It also highlighted how leveraging digital capabilities can unlock growth through Walmart Vriddhi’s business learning modules, personalized mentoring, and market access.
Through these ongoing engagements, Walmart Vriddhi continues to demonstrate the value of on-ground initiatives. These efforts enable MSMEs to modernize, scale, and achieve their domestic and international ambitions. By combining Walmart’s global supply chain expertise with Flipkart’s nationwide eCommerce ecosystem, the program empowers entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable business models.
Walmart Vriddhi engaged with MSMEs in Mau, Uttar Pradesh to empower local artisans and microentrepreneurs with essential skills for business growth.
This initiative enabled MSMEs to gain market readiness and practical business opportunities. The sessions highlighted the program’s unique offerings— free-of-cost digital learning resources, market readiness support, and access to business tools and markets. The MSMEs were also oriented on the tools available by Walmart Vriddhi to integrate into Flipkart and Walmart Marketplaces.
The artisans of Mau explored how the program can support them strengthen their businesses, expand beyond their current markets, and how to adapt to changing consumer demands through digital enablement.
In Alwar, Rajasthan, Walmart Vriddhi partnered with Laghu Udyog Bharati (Small Industries Association) to host a Masterclass that brought together over 60 enthusiastic entrepreneurs. Designed as an interactive learning experience, the session provided practical insights on building sustainable business models, strengthening financial literacy, and adopting digital tools for growth.
Walmart Vriddhi also organized a masterclass in Mysuru, Karnataka, which was attended by 85+ MSMEs. Program officers facilitated onboarding for new sellers and addressed queries from existing ones. The sessions encouraged peer learning, enabling participants to share challenges and solutions while fostering a strong community of entrepreneurs driven by innovation and growth.
By combining Walmart’s global supply chain expertise with Flipkart’s pan-India eCommerce capabilities, Walmart Vriddhi continues to create opportunities that empowers small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Through partnerships and grassroots outreach, the program is scaling its impact across MSMEs of all sizes and across regions.
With every new MSME reached, every masterclass delivered, and every entrepreneur empowered, Walmart Vriddhi is fostering inclusive and sustainable growth for Indian businesses, helping unlock their potential to reach new national and international markets.
