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Walmart and Flipkart announce MoU with the Government of Assam to build a strong foundation for MSMEs to expand their businesses

MoU signed in the presence of Shri Jayanta Mallabaruah, Honorable Minister of Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Tourism Department, Government of Assam to assist local MSMEs with capacity building and support, enabling them to expand their domestic and international capabilities.

Guwahati, India, August 04, 2022: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises Department, Government of Assam and Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Tourism Department, Government of Assam to form an ecosystem which supports and aids the digitization of local MSMEs in the state. Under this tripartite agreement, MSMEs will benefit from Walmart and Flipkart’s assistance in digitizing their operations and expanding their reach across India. Additionally, they can expand their export potential and join the global supply chain of Walmart.

Through this partnership with Swasti, Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) offers small businesses and entrepreneurs a complete learning platform and provides expansion opportunities, free training, in-depth expert assistance and the right tools and skills required to grow and expand their business. To facilitate the expansion and improvement of small and medium enterprises, training seminars and mentoring sessions are conducted regularly. MSMEs are now registering for the program from tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, along with key metros including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

On the signing of the MoU, Honorable Minister of Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Tourism Department, Government of Assam, Shri Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “MSMEs are the growth engine of our state, and we are determined to help them become successful in India and across the world. The Government of Assam has launched several initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to grow their business. The Walmart Vriddhi program will help them become competitive not just in the domestic market but also get connected with major export destinations globally. I would like to thank Walmart and Flipkart for the partnership. We look forward to working together to build a robust MSME ecosystem in Assam.”

Walmart Vriddhi was launched in 2019 with the aim to equip 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the business skills required to be successful as Walmart suppliers, Flipkart sellers, and on other domestic and international marketplaces. Thousands of Vriddhi MSME graduates across multiple states are being trained to expand their domestic capabilities and participate in global supply chains, helping them build sustainable businesses, generate employment, and increase exports. Currently, the learning program is conducted digitally with MSMEs receiving personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions.

Talking about this collaboration, Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, Supplier Development – India, Walmart, said, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Government of Assam and honored to support their initiatives to expand and create a strong digital ecosystem for MSMEs. Assam is fast emerging as a major investment hub for MSMEs. Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we want to offer MSMEs an opportunity to develop the necessary skills to grow in domestic and international markets. This collaboration will accelerate our efforts to digitize local MSMEs while helping them achieve their highest potential.”

Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “The partnership with the Government of Assam is a continuation of Flipkart and Walmart’s commitment to empower MSMEs, artisans, weavers, and women entrepreneurs across every state in India. Through programs such as Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, our aim is to assist them with business expansion on online marketplaces. We look forward to working with MSMEs from Assam, helping them build capacity and take advantage of the rapidly growing digital economy in India.”

N Raghunathan, Cofounder and Mentor, Swasti, said, “The development and expansion of MSMEs in the state will be aided by this relationship with the Assam government. Through the Vriddhi initiative, we are dedicated to helping MSMEs in becoming more resilient for the future and supporting their participation in regional, national, and global supply chains.”

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 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 and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Ideas to Impact Foundation

Established in 2017, the Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation began its journey with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between strategy and impact. Drawing on the co- founders’ expertise in social advisory, i2i Foundation developed a distinctive model that integrates 360° advisory services with hands-on implementation to create inclusive and scalable development solutions. Its credentials to enable small businesses through Walmart Vriddhi are rooted in this expertise. The Foundation also works extensively with governments, and a number of national and international partners and is committed to designing, piloting, and institutionalizing innovative solutions through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Walmart and Flipkart announce MoU with Government of Assam to build a strong foundation for MSMEs to expand their businesses

MoU signed in the presence of Shri. Jayanta Mallabaruah, Honorable Minister of Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship and Tourism Department, Government of Assam, to assist local MSMEs with capacity building and support, enabling them to expand their domestic and international capabilities.

Guwahati, India, August 04, 2022: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises Department, Government of Assam and Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship and Tourism Department, Government of Assam to form an ecosystem which supports and aids the digitization of local MSMEs in the state. Under this tripartite agreement, MSMEs will benefit from Walmart and Flipkart’s assistance in digitizing their operations and expanding their reach across India. Additionally, they can expand their export potential and join the global supply chain of Walmart.

Through this partnership with Swasti, Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) offers small businesses and entrepreneurs a complete learning platform and provides expansion opportunities, free training, in-depth expert assistance and the right tools and skills required to grow and expand their business. To facilitate the expansion and improvement of small and medium enterprises, training seminars and mentoring sessions are conducted regularly. MSMEs are now registering for the program from tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, along with key metros including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

On the signing of the MoU, Honorable Minister of Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship and Tourism Department, Government of Assam, Shri Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “MSMEs are the growth engine of our state, and we are determined to help them become successful in India and across the world. The Government of Assam has launched several initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to grow their business. The Walmart Vriddhi program will help them become competitive not just in the domestic market but also get connected with major export destinations globally. I would like to thank Walmart and Flipkart for the partnership. We look forward to working together to build a robust MSME ecosystem in Assam.”

Walmart Vriddhi was launched in 2019 with the aim to equip 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the business skills required to be successful as Walmart suppliers, Flipkart sellers, and on other domestic and international marketplaces. Thousands of Walmart Vriddhi MSME graduates across multiple states are being trained to expand their domestic capabilities and participate in global supply chains, helping them build sustainable businesses, generate employment and increase exports. Currently, the learning program is conducted digitally with MSMEs receiving personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions.

Talking about this collaboration, Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, Supplier Development – India, Walmart, said, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Government of Assam and honored to support their initiatives to expand and create a strong digital ecosystem for MSMEs. Assam is fast emerging as a major investment hub for MSMEs.1 Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we want to offer MSMEs an opportunity to develop the necessary skills to grow in domestic and international markets. This collaboration will accelerate our efforts to digitize local MSMEs while helping them achieve their highest potential.

Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “The partnership with the Government of Assam is a continuation of Flipkart and Walmart’s commitment to empower MSMEs, artisans, weavers and women entrepreneurs across every state in India. Through programs such as Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, our aim is to assist them with business expansion on online marketplaces. We look forward to working with MSMEs from Assam, helping them build capacity and take advantage of the rapidly growing digital economy in India.”

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 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 and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Ideas to Impact Foundation

Established in 2017, the Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation began its journey with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between strategy and impact. Drawing on the co- founders’ expertise in social advisory, i2i Foundation developed a distinctive model that integrates 360° advisory services with hands-on implementation to create inclusive and scalable development solutions. Its credentials to enable small businesses through Walmart Vriddhi are rooted in this expertise. The Foundation also works extensively with governments and a number of national and international partners and is committed to designing, piloting, and institutionalizing innovative solutions through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

N Raghunathan, Cofounder and Mentor, Swasti, said, “The development and expansion of MSMEs in the state will be aided by this relationship with the Assam government. Through the Walmart Vriddhi initiative, we are dedicated to helping MSMEs in becoming more resilient for the future and supporting their participation in regional, national and global supply chains.”

 

Walmart and Flipkart announce MoU with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to create a robust ecosystem for MSMEs to grow their business

MoU signed in the presence of Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri. Manoj Sinha and Honorable Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, to assist local MSMEs with capacity building and support, enabling them to expand their domestic and international capabilities.

Srinagar, India, July 15, 2022: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (a Government of J&K Undertaking) to create an ecosystem aiding capacity building for MSMEs in the region. Through this partnership, Walmart and Flipkart will enable local MSMEs to digitize their businesses and sell products online across the country. Furthermore, this work provides the opportunity to potentially access Walmart’s global supply chain which will enable them to tap into its global market.

Through Swasti, Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) provides entrepreneurs and MSMEs with free training, in-depth support, growth opportunities and the right tools to grow and expand their business. Additionally, to facilitate business growth and development of small and medium enterprises, training seminars and mentorship workshops are organized routinely. Currently, MSMEs are enrolling for the program from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Agra, Panipat and other tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India.

At the MoU signing, in the august presence of Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri. Manoj Sinha and Honorable Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, it was highlighted that Jammu & Kashmir was witnessing increased investment in the MSME sector, with demand for Jammu & Kashmir made goods rapidly growing in India and across the world. This is expected to help provide employment to local youth and establish Jammu & Kashmir as an aspirational investment destination. The MoU with Walmart and Flipkart on programs like Walmart Vriddhi was hailed as a welcome collaboration that will help unlock the region’s true potential, creating an inclusive business environment.

Walmart Vriddhi, which launched in 2019, is designed to equip 50,000 Indian SMEs with the business skills they require to profit from Walmart, Flipkart and other domestic and international marketplaces. Presently, Walmart Vriddhi is training thousands of MSMEs across multiple states and regions to expand their local capabilities, grow and expand their business and become part of global supply chains. With personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions, the online program provides an all-inclusive learning experience.

On this development, Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, Supplier Development – India, Walmart, said, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and support their efforts to grow and build a robust MSME ecosystem. Through our Walmart Vriddhi program, we are eager to provide high-impact training along with equal opportunities for MSMEs to access online and offline markets domestically and internationally. This partnership will be significant for our ongoing efforts to help make local MSMEs competitive and self-reliant.”

Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, we continue to make strategic investments in Jammu & Kashmir to further grow and strengthen supply chains. Our projects and programs, such as Reach Project and Flipkart Samarth, are already established well in Jammu & Kashmir. Through these projects and programs, we are committed to expanding the domestic eCommerce marketplace and providing access and support to new sellers, MSMEs, domestic manufacturers, Indian artisans, weavers and handloom workers on our platform.”

N Raghunathan, Cofounder and Mentor, Swasti, said, “This partnership with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir will significantly improve the growth and development of local MSMEs. Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we are dedicated to helping small businesses accelerate their growth and become more resilient to changing business environments, while enabling them to better participate in national and global supply chains.”

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 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 and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Ideas to Impact Foundation

Established in 2017, the Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation began its journey with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between strategy and impact. Drawing on the co-founders’ expertise in social advisory, i2i Foundation developed a distinctive model that integrates 360° advisory services with hands-on implementation to create inclusive and scalable development solutions. Its credentials to enable small businesses through Walmart Vriddhi are rooted in this expertise. The Foundation also works extensively with governments and a number of national and international partners and is committed to designing, piloting, and institutionalizing innovative solutions through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

We’re Using eCommerce to Drive Our Business

Our company is focused on the manufacture and supply of designer home furnishings, like bedsheets, comforters, blankets and bed runners, for local and export markets. We blend advanced technology with exquisite craftsmanship, and we have a reputation for luxurious designs, rich colours and a quality finish. Wholesale distribution accounts for about 75% of our business, with the remainder in retail sales.

Connecting with consumers
While pandemic disruption severely impacted our industry and our company, I’m expecting e-commerce to be an engine of business recovery. Demand is definitely shifting online; that’s where consumers and small sellers are increasingly to be found.

One thing I really value about the e-commerce platform is that it provides a direct interface with the consumer. This helps sellers like us to better gauge the market and to gain insights and feedback about our products.

The e-commerce marketplace also offers a shorter payment cycle than the offline wholesale market, which is largely credit based. I am now exploring online channels as a way to grow our business and build resilience.

Selling via online channels
After joining the Walmart Vriddhi program, we are now listing some of our key products on the Flipkart e-commerce marketplace.

There is a lot to learn when you begin selling digitally, especially with an eye on international markets. But with Vriddhi helping us gain the practical know-how of building an export business, I am positive that we will be able to tap more overseas markets in the long run.

The Vriddhi modules cover everything from consumer needs to product development to manufacturing. By applying this knowledge, we are confident that we will be able to realize the potential of e-commerce and increase sales multi-fold via digital selling in the coming year and beyond.

Walmart and Flipkart announce MoU with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to train and support local MSMEs

MOU signed in the presence of Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Minister of MSME, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, to help MSMEs in the state with capacity building and support, enabling them to expand their domestic and export capabilities

Lucknow, India, January 6, 2022: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Export Promotion Bureau, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to create an ecosystem aiding capacity building for MSMEs in the state. Under the partnership, Walmart and Flipkart will help MSMEs digitize their businesses and enable them to sell products across India through online retail. They will also have an opportunity to unlock their export potential and become part of Walmart’s global supply chain.

In collaboration with Swasti, the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) provides a comprehensive learning platform that includes growth opportunities, free-of-cost training and in-depth expert support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. It also organizes training seminars and mentorship workshops to further enable the growth and development of small and medium businesses. The program pivoted to a digital format in 2020 and Walmart Vriddhi e-institutes have since been launched in Panipat, Haryana and Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and with plans to open many more.

On the signing of the MoU, <span=”bogle-medium”>Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh are being recognized the world over, registering record exports this year. With schemes like Ubharte Sitaare and ODOP, the Government of Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront of developing a vibrant ecosystem for the MSME sector in the state, helping them boost exports and venture into new markets. We are happy to collaborate with Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart, and shall provide our guidance and support required to strengthen MSMEs to achieve greater success through the program.”

Launched in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi aims to train 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the business skills necessary to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, sellers on Flipkart, and other domestic and global marketplace platforms. Thousands of Walmart Vriddhi MSME graduates across multiple states are being trained to expand their domestic capabilities and participate in global supply chains, helping them build sustainable businesses, generate employment, and increase exports. The program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions.

Commenting on the partnership, Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, International Partnership Services, Walmart said, “We look forward to expanding our ongoing partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and supporting their efforts to build a robust MSME ecosystem, by providing opportunities to access online and offline markets in India and globally through local training and support. We are committed to tripling our exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, and will keep extending our support to small businesses, enabling them to grow and prosper in India and globally.”

Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “Flipkart’s partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh on the ODOP scheme has been a huge success, registering 52% quarterly growth since January 2020, across various product categories. Through programs like Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, we are committed to empowering Uttar Pradesh’s MSMEs, artisans and craftsmen and will continue providing them with the ecosystem support they require to grow and benefit through pan-India access for eCommerce marketplace operations.”

N Raghunathan, Cofounder and Mentor, Swasti, said, “This partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh will greatly enhance the growth and development of MSMEs in the state. Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we are committed to helping local businesses build resilience for the future and facilitating their participation in national and global supply chains.”

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 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 and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Ideas to Impact Foundation

Established in 2017, the Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation began its journey with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between strategy and impact. Drawing on the co- founders’ expertise in social advisory, i2i Foundation developed a distinctive model that integrates 360° advisory services with hands-on implementation to create inclusive and scalable development solutions. Its credentials to enable small businesses through Walmart Vriddhi are rooted in this expertise. The Foundation also works extensively with governments and a number of national and international partners and is committed to designing, piloting, and institutionalizing innovative solutions through multi-stakeholder collaboration.