Trained MSMEs across India awarded certification in the presence of Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh
BENTONVILLE, Ark., and BENGALURU, India, September 29, 2021: Walmart and Flipkart today hosted a virtual Graduation Day event for the first group of graduating micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi). Over 2,500 MSMEs from across India received certificates in the presence of Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with Walmart and Flipkart leadership. The occasion recognized MSMEs who have partnered with Walmart and Flipkart to complete the first phase of the Walmart Vriddhi program. Through this training, graduating entrepreneurs have been empowered with modern business management frameworks that can help them modernize and meet their growth ambitions by embracing India’s digital retail revolution.
The first phase is part of Walmart Vriddhi, a comprehensive growth and learning platform comprising training and in-depth expert support. The different phases in the program give MSMEs access to advanced business tools and strategies, as well as one-on-one expert consultation, to help them unlock their entrepreneurial capacity, modernize their business, and thrive. Graduating entrepreneurs are already experiencing growth, with many expanding their digital capabilities and selling across India through the Flipkart marketplace. The program has also supported MSMEs to grow their peer networks. The Walmart Vriddhi program is delivered by program partner Swasti.
On the occasion, Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “I congratulate all businesses that are augmenting their learning in their quest to embrace new markets and growth despite multiple challenges. I would encourage more MSMEs to take advantage of programs such as Walmart Vriddhi to enhance their business capabilities, become self-reliant and further strengthen India’s position as an export hub. Empowering small businesses to stretch their wings is a key priority for the Government. To promote exports further, we are setting up overseas trade promotion and facilitation centers in all 75 districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh.”
Leigh Hopkins, Executive Vice President, International Strategy, Development and Asia Region, Walmart International, said, “Walmart is proud to announce the graduation of over 2,500 MSMEs of the Walmart Vriddhi program today. We are delighted to be able to support small business owners’ growth ambitions with this program. Walmart has an ongoing commitment of tripling exports from India by 2027 to $10 billion annually, and we look forward to supporting more small businesses in their efforts by providing potential access to online and offline markets in India.”
Many local home-grown brands have already benefited from training from the Walmart Vriddhi program.
Walmart and Flipkart expect many more entrepreneurs to graduate from the Walmart Vriddhi program over the next few months. Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy, and Walmart and Flipkart look forward to partnering with them and providing access to online and offline markets in India.
Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President and Head, Flipkart Wholesale, said, ” We are truly excited to see the graduating entrepreneurs who are digital-ready and getting ready to be part of India’s continuing economic growth story. We are proud that there are already around 3.75 lakh Indian sellers on the Flipkart marketplace today, a majority of which are MSMEs. Through additional support such as the Flipkart Samarth program, we are also enhancing access to markets for artisans, weavers, and other small businesses. Digital upskilling helps MSMEs boost their businesses, weather industry challenges and strengthen the eCommerce ecosystem.”
As part of continuing efforts to support small businesses, Walmart and Flipkart recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Haryana, and the Government of Tamil Nadu respectively through the Walmart Vriddhi program to enhance the growth and development of MSMEs in those states.
Walmart Vriddhi was launched in 2019, to empower 50,000 MSMEs across India, over five years. Walmart Vriddhi e-Institutes have since been launched in Panipat, Agra, and are moving to open much more, to provide a digitally enhanced learning experience with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. MSMEs enrolled in the program have benefitted from actionable advice through Walmart Vriddhi Cares, a tailored program to help them navigate the impact of COVID-19 on their workforce and business.
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.
Flipkart offers Indian sellers a strong platform to reach domestic customers with end-to-end eCommerce solutions and logistics.
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale. Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of consumers, sellers, merchants, and small businesses to be a part of India’s eCommerce revolution, with a registered customer base of over 300 million, offering over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Our efforts to democratise eCommerce in India, drive access and affordability, delight customers, create lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem and empower generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs have inspired us to innovate on many industry firsts. The recent launch of Flipkart Wholesale, our new digital marketplace, is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the growth of kiranas and MSMEs in India. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns – customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Together with Myntra, which holds a prominent position in the online fashion market, and now Flipkart Wholesale, the Flipkart Group will continue to steer the transformation of commerce in India through technology.
Partnership to enable Haryana MSMEs to expand their domestic and export capabilities, and join online and offline supply chains
CHANDIGARH, India, August 3, 2021: Walmart and Flipkart today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu’s Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), to establish long-term cooperation for providing capacity building support to MSMEs in the state. Through the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi), delivered by knowledge partner Swasti, entrepreneurs and small businesses receive training free of cost, through a blended learning approach. The program provides opportunities to join online, offline and export channels, and reach pan-India and global marketplaces as part of the supply chains of Walmart, Flipkart, and other leading companies. The program will also organise training seminars and workshops to further enable growth and development of small and medium businesses in the state.
Launched in 2019, the Walmart Vriddhi program aims to directly train 50,000 MSMEs across India for no cost with the business skills necessary to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, Flipkart, and other global marketplace platforms. Graduates of the program are expected to play an integral role in helping Walmart triple its annual exports from India to $10 billion by 2027. With e-Institutes in Panipat and Agra, as well as a presence in other locations, the program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. Thousands of entrepreneurs are already working through the multi-level training program, and as a result, many are already selling on the Flipkart marketplace, utilizing their digital capabilities, and selling to customers across India.
On the signing of the MoU, Shri M.K. Stalin, Honorable Chief Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Tamil Nadu is home to one of the largest number of MSMEs in the country that are renowned all over the world for their product quality and craftsmanship. Our MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, and their growth is key to helping us achieve our vision of making Tamil Nadu a $1 trillion economy by 2030. We welcome the MoU with Walmart, Flipkart and Swasti, that shall further strengthen our MSME ecosystem and allow them to expand their businesses through access to online and offline retail.”
Commenting on the partnership, V.Arun Roy IAS, Secretary Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department , Government of Tamil Nadu, noted, “The Government of Tamil Nadu has undertaken various measures to facilitate a favorable ecosystem for MSMEs and enhance their ease of doing business. We are happy to collaborate on programs like Walmart Vriddhi and shall provide our guidance and support required to allow MSMEs achieve greater success through the program.”
Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, International Partnership Services, Walmart, said, “Through Walmart Vriddhi, we look forward to partnering with the Government of Tamil Nadu and supporting their efforts to build a robust MSME ecosystem, by providing potential access to online and offline markets in India and globally as well as providing local training and support, free of cost. 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.”
Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart said, “Flipkart has made significant supply chain and infrastructure investments in the state of Tamil Nadu. Furthering our commitment to the state, we have recently launched a dedicated grocery fulfilment centre in Coimbatore that shall generate significant employment opportunities for the youth of the state. Through programs like Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, we are committed to empowering Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs, artisans and craftsmen and will continue providing them the ecosystem support they require to grow and benefit through wider access eCommerce marketplace operations.”
Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart are encouraged by the Government of Tamil Nadu’s dedication to expanding growth opportunities for MSMEs and look forward to supporting their efforts by providing potential access to online and offline markets in India and globally as well as imparting local training and support, free of cost.
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.
Flipkart offers Indian sellers a strong platform to reach domestic customers with end-to-end eCommerce solutions and logistics.
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale. Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of consumers, sellers, merchants, and small businesses to be a part of India’s e-commerce revolution, with a registered customer base of over 300 million, offering over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Our efforts to democratise e-commerce in India, drive access and affordability, delight customers, create lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem and empower generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs have inspired us to innovate on many industry firsts. The recent launch of Flipkart Wholesale, our new digital marketplace, is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the growth of kiranas and MSMEs in India. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns – customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Together with Myntra, which holds a prominent position in the online fashion market, and now Flipkart Wholesale, the Flipkart Group will continue to steer the transformation of commerce in India through technology.
Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.
Partnership to enable Haryana MSMEs to expand their domestic and export capabilities, and join online and offline supply chains
CHANDIGARH, India, August 3, 2021: Walmart and Flipkart have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of Haryana, to help MSMEs enhance their domestic and global markets through the Walmart Vriddhi program. The program, delivered by knowledge partner Swasti, will provide training and support to interested and select MSMEs from Haryana free of cost, through a blended learning approach, while also facilitating access to online and offline selling. Additionally, with the partnership, trainings, seminars, and workshops will be organized for Haryana MSMEs so that they can access information on the program and how to enroll.
Commenting on the MoU, Shri Dushyant Chautala, Deputy Chief Minister, Haryana, said, “Haryana has a robust micro, small and medium enterprises sector of over 9.7 lakh units that contribute significantly to industrial growth, in addition to providing employment to more than 19 lakh people. The partnership provides an opportunity for local businesses to become self- reliant and will boost their reach into national markets and facilitate their participation in global value chains. It will also promote regional development and promote products by local artisans and craftsmen to further showcase ‘Brand Haryana’ on the global stage.”
Nittin Dutt, Senior Director, Walmart, and Head of Walmart Vriddhi said, “Walmart looks forward to expanding the Walmart Vriddhi program in Haryana. The state is home to a vibrant MSME ecosystem, and we are proud to have inaugurated our first ever e-Institute in the city of Panipat in 2020. We appreciate the Government of Haryana’s dedication to expanding growth opportunities for MSMEs and look forward to supporting them with access online and offline markets in India and globally, creating opportunities for sustained and enhanced growth. This is also in line with our commitment towards sourcing more goods from India, so our consumers can access quality goods from India, no matter where in the world they are buying. India is a key market for us, and we are committed to helping support and grow communities wherever we operate.”
Launched in December 2019, Walmart Vriddhi helps MSMEs develop the business skills needed to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, Flipkart, and other companies in India and around the world. The first Walmart Vriddhi e-Institute was rolled out in Haryana in October 2020, launched in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana Mr. Manohar Lal Khatter, serves MSMEs from the Panipat-Sonipat-Kundli region. Entrepreneurs there are now working through the multi-level training program, with some already onboarded to Flipkart to expand their digital capabilities and sell across India via the Flipkart marketplace
With e-Institutes in Panipat and Agra, the program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. The goal is to empower 50,000 MSMEs over five years. As Walmart triples its exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, businesses with export ambitions can learn how to qualify as a Walmart Global Sourcing supplier, taking “Make in India” products to the world.
Shama Karkal, CEO (Chief Executive Officers), Swasti said, “The MoU between Swasti and the Government of Haryana will enhance the growth and development of MSMEs in the state. Through Walmart Vriddhi program, we are committed to supporting MSMEs in providing critical market access to help them build resilience for the future.”
Walmart Vriddhi participants are currently benefiting from a tailored “Response to COVID-19″ training module that presents actionable advice and relevant case studies to guide MSMEs on navigating the impact of COVID-19 on their workforce and business. Easy-to-implement guidelines provide practical advice on overcoming the on-ground market challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Walmart and Flipkart will continue its efforts to support the Government of Haryana in empowering MSMEs, through the Flipkart marketplace, Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem and Walmart’s global sourcing operations.
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.
Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.
Bentonville, Ark. and Bengaluru, India, June 29, 2021: Walmart announced the expansion of its COVID-19 support efforts for MSMEs with the launch of *Vriddhi Cares*. The new program helps MSMEs support their family members and employees with telecare services and health advice and provides ongoing access to pandemic-related business advice and resources.
MSMEs have been receiving capacity-building support via Walmart Vriddhi since the start of the pandemic, helping them grow to new markets through Flipkart and Walmart channels and the open marketplace.
Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, International Partnership Services, Walmart, said, “India’s MSMEs are working hard to prioritise the well-being of those they care about while also navigating the unprecedented business impacts of COVID-19. Vriddhi Cares is designed to provide easy access to trusted health care and business advice so that MSMEs are equipped to help their families, workforce and communities get through this tough time.”
With Vriddhi Cares, Walmart partner Swasti is providing free telecare services that offer remote access to doctors, nurses and other health care workers via phone for MSMEs and their families and employees. These professionals can provide daily check-ins to monitor symptoms and offer counselling and support. The program further provides updated information on vaccine guidelines, home quarantine procedures and caregiving, in English, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.
Offering pandemic-related business advice tailored to MSMEs, Vriddhi Cares also includes an ongoing webinar series that participants can join live or watch on demand. Topics are covered in depth by guest experts, with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share their concerns. Webinars held in the past month have covered workforce protection, pandemic protocols for factories, workforce health insurance schemes, access to financial support and digital marketing.
Jagjeet Harode, Head of Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “Every day at Flipkart, we see the resilience and resourcefulness of India’s small business owners in action. In the face of this devastating pandemic, more and more are turning to technology and e-commerce to help them keep their businesses operating and their employees in work. Vriddhi’s aim to help MSMEs prosper has never been more important and we are honored to travel this journey together with India’s diverse MSME community.”
Hemalata Ghadiali, Owner of Vrushtee Creations, said, “I’ve gained a lot from the Vriddhi Cares webinars over the past weeks and I’m glad to say that we’re introducing new workforce safety measures as a result. We’re also a lot more aware of how we can access insurance for our staff and use digital marketing and sales channels for business growth.”
Shiv Kumar, Co-founder and Chief Mentor, Swasti, said, “The pandemic is no longer only a health emergency, but now a humanitarian and economic crisis as well. The Vriddhi Cares program is designed to help MSMEs and their employees move towards recovery with tailored support. We are committed to supporting MSMEs in this crucial hour of need and to continuing to provide critical market access via Walmart Vriddhi to help them build resilience for the future.”
Launched in December 2019, Walmart Vriddhi helps MSMEs develop the business skills needed to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, Flipkart and other companies in India and around the world. With Vriddhi e-Institutes opened in Panipat, Agra, Bengaluru, Surat, Tirupur and Kanpur so far, the program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. The goal is to empower 50,000 MSMEs over five years.
Vriddhi participants are currently benefiting from a tailored “Response to COVID-19” training module that presents actionable advice and relevant case studies. Accessed through the Vriddhi self-learning platform, the online module is designed to help MSMEs anticipate and navigate the impact of COVID-19 on their workforce and business. Downloadable guidelines are also offered to provide practical advice as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Walmart, Flipkart, PhonePe and the Walmart Foundation have mobilized their global resources to support India’s COVID-19 response since early 2020, providing financial donations and personal protective equipment and contributing to the national vaccination drive. To combat the surge in COVID-19 cases, Walmart committed to donate 20 oxygen-generating plants, 20 cryogenic containers, more than 3,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders. Walmart has also committed to fund an additional 2,500 oxygen concentrators, and the Walmart Foundation donated an additional INR 148.2 million (USD $2 million) to support two NGOs responding in India.
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.
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change.
Bangalore and Agra, February 25, 2021-Walmart launched a new Vriddhi e-Institute in Agra to provide small businesses in Uttar Pradesh access to skills and competencies to grow in a post-pandemic environment through online and offline channels such as Flipkart’s marketplace and Walmart’s international supply chain.
With the new e-Institute, Walmart is expanding its Vriddhi Supplier Development Program towards empowering 50,000 MSMEs across India for growth. The program provides MSMEs with specific training to leverage modern commerce and get ready for opportunities in Flipkart’s eCommerce marketplace, the supply chain of Flipkart Wholesale and Walmart’s global sourcing operations, as well as the open marketplace.
The Vriddhi e-Institute in Agra will partner with MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh through interactive learning and advanced competency-based training, with personalized feedback and advice. The curriculum is tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities of local businesses and is offered in Hindi and English. In particular, the e-Institute will focus on empowering skilled artisans and entrepreneurs to expand markets for Agra’s prominent footwear manufacturing and stone carving sectors.
Vriddhi works with MSME entrepreneurs wherever they are in their business journey. Uttar Pradesh-based businesses can join the Vriddhi training program to pursue opportunities to sell on Flipkart’s online consumer marketplace and through the nationwide Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem. As Walmart triples its exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, businesses with export ambitions can learn how to qualify as a Walmart Global Sourcing supplier, taking “Make in India” products to the world.
Sidharth Nath Singh, Cabinet Minister for MSME, Investment & Export, Textile, NRI, Khadi and Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “We welcome Walmart’s initiative to expand the Vriddhi program to Agra and Uttar Pradesh. MSMEs from our state are recognized for their skilled craftsmanship, and for the variety of high-quality goods they offer in India and internationally. This program will not only boost the Make-in-India effort, it will also provide further impetus to our ODOP (One District One Product) program and MSMEs in growing their business aspirations and reach, including export-readiness, through digital pathways.”
The first Vriddhi e-Institute, opened in Haryana in October 2020, serves MSMEs from the Panipat-Sonipat-Kundli region. Entrepreneurs there are now working through the multi-level training program, with some already onboarded to Flipkart to expand their digital capabilities and sell across India via Flipkart marketplace.
Leigh Hopkins, Executive Vice President, International Strategy, Development and Asia Region, Walmart International, said, “We’ve had encouraging results from our first e-Institute and strong interest from MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh. Walmart and Flipkart are helping artisans and entrepreneurs augment their Indian ingenuity with merchandising and logistics expertise and access to eCommerce customers across India and abroad.”
Leigh Hopkins, Executive Vice President, International Strategy, Development and Asia Region, Walmart International, said, “We’ve had encouraging results from our first e-Institute and strong interest from MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh. Walmart and Flipkart are helping artisans and entrepreneurs augment their Indian ingenuity with merchandising and logistics expertise and access to eCommerce customers across India and abroad. Growing MSME businesses creates employment opportunities in local communities and puts them at the heart of Make in India and Digital India programs.”
Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President and Head, Flipkart Wholesale, said, “Flipkart is focused on enabling businesses to prosper by helping them sell their products across India. Through Walmart Vriddhi we will now enhance those efforts, as MSMEs and artisans get access to a world-class training that can empower them to meet their aspirations.”
Developed by Walmart and Flipkart in partnership with Vriddhi knowledge manager Swasti, the Vriddhi training program is designed for MSMEs operating in a post-pandemic world of mobile-first digital commerce. It includes training and advice on key aspects of business management, commercial growth, customer-centric services, manufacturing best practices, responsible sourcing and more. Interactive virtual training experiences, one-on-one advisory sessions and other resources are accessed through a mobile app available on iOS and Android, in Hindi and English.
Interactive virtual training experiences, one-on-one advisory sessions and other resources are accessed through a mobile app available on iOS and Android, in Hindi and English.
Vriddhi will accelerate the roll-out of e-Institutes to other cities in India this year, providing tailored training, mentoring and ecosystem support to help local MSMEs prepare for growth as part of the supply chains of Flipkart and Walmart or other channels.
At the same time, Flipkart and Walmart will continue to partner with Indian MSMEs, both through the Flipkart marketplace and Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem and through Walmart’s global sourcing operations. Flipkart also supports artisans and weavers through its Samarth program, with 750,000 skilled craftspeople now selling authentic arts and crafts online to a customer base of more than 300 million people.
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, nearly 230 million customers and members visit approximately 10,800 stores and clubs under 51 banners in 25 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs over 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.
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale. Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of consumers, sellers, merchants, and small businesses to be a part of India’s e-commerce revolution, with a registered customer base of over 300 million, offering over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Our efforts to democratise e-commerce in India, drive access and affordability, delight customers, create lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem and empower generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs have inspired us to innovate on many industry firsts. The recent launch of Flipkart Wholesale, our new digital marketplace, is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the growth of kiranas and MSMEs in India. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns – customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Together with Myntra, which holds a prominent position in the online fashion market, and now Flipkart Wholesale, the Flipkart Group will continue to steer the transformation of commerce in India through technology.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. and NEW DELHI, India, Oct. 27, 2020 — India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) now have the opportunity to embark on a digitally enhanced entrepreneurial journey through the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program. The journey features interactive online training experiences and personalized mentoring, with access to resources and experts to support growth. This supports the goals of Digital India by providing MSMEs with the tools to adopt new technologies to expand their business.
The Walmart Vriddhi Program was launched by Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) in December 2019 with the aim to empower 50,000 Indian MSMEs to “Make in India” for domestic and global supply chains. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the program was reshaped to emphasize digital experiences, and this allowed it to be rolled out to more MSMEs. In the future, it will offer a mix of digital and in-person training, mentoring and network experiences via physical Vriddhi Institutes when conditions are favorable.
The e-institute-based Vriddhi Program provides MSMEs an easy-to-use interactive learning experience through online modules with a blend of teaching and assessment tools. Participants receive personalized feedback through virtual classrooms, formal assessments and one-on-one advisory sessions. To prepare MSMEs to sell through new online and offline channels in India and abroad, the program will also offer advanced training that includes personalized mentoring and the opportunity to work with service providers and peers.
The Vriddhi entrepreneurial journey equips MSMEs with tailored knowledge of key aspects of business management, enterprise growth, customer-centric services, manufacturing best practices, responsible sourcing and more. In response to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, it has been extended to reinforce the ability of MSME leaders to identify strategic issues, expedite digital adoption and increase efficiencies in their businesses.
Judith McKenna, President and CEO of Walmart International, said, “Walmart Vriddhi opens up opportunities for MSMEs to sell into Walmart’s supply chains or the open marketplace. Wherever they are in their journey and whatever their aspirations for growth, that openness makes the program unique and puts the supplier at the center of everything we do.” Designed by Walmart in partnership with the program’s knowledge manager, Swasti, the curriculum is tailored to the business challenges and growth aspirations of MSMEs in the communities in which it is offered.
“Walmart Vriddhi opens up opportunities for MSMEs to sell into Walmart’s supply chains or the open marketplace. Wherever they are in their journey and whatever their aspirations for growth, that openness makes the program unique and puts the supplier at the center of everything we do,” Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, said. “With today’s digital enhancements, we’re helping more entrepreneurs expand their capabilities and build sustainable businesses that add value to their communities.”
Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Chief Executive Officer, Flipkart Group added, “As India adjusts to the ‘new normal,’ digital transformation is a path to resilience for businesses. In concert with the government’s Digital India initiative, we want to help Indian MSMEs digitize, so they can react to market trends and challenges with speed and agility, better serve their customers and grow their business. Flipkart and Walmart are working together on Vriddhi and other programs to make a real difference for MSMEs and to contribute to sustained economic growth for India.”
Walmart Vriddhi’s first all-digital e-institute will initially be open to MSMEs in Panipat, Sonipat and Kundli, an area that is a hub of textile, steel and kitchenware production with a strong entrepreneurial heritage and a skilled workforce. Eligible MSMEs can access the digital training experience through a mobile application available on iOS and Android in both English and Hindi.
Vriddhi will progressively roll out e-institutes to other regions in India, providing tailored training, mentoring and ecosystem support.
“The need to work with India’s MSME sector and its workforce to enable holistic measures to support their growth and evolution has never been more pressing than it is today. The multi-level, online training approach that the Vriddhi Program affords is tailored to address the identified needs of the MSMEs and will help them build and adapt their businesses to serve domestic and global supply chains. This will fast track their growth and ensure longevity for their business,” Shiv Kumar, Co-founder and Chief Mentor, Swasti, said.
In recent months, Walmart has actively worked with its various MSME suppliers and Panipat-based businesses to help them cater to the rising demand for essential PPE and hygiene products. Flipkart Samarth has also helped local artisans, weavers and many rural & women entrepreneurs get back to business. Drawing on the extensive eCommerce experience Walmart and Flipkart have in India, as well as in wholesale retail and sourcing for global markets, Swasti has extended advisory support to MSMEs on financial schemes, government programs and business operations, offering best practices for business realignment and continuity during these challenging times.
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, over 265 million customers and members visit approximately 11,500 stores under 56 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2020 revenue of $524 billion, Walmart employs over 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.
I joined my family business Shree Shakti Enterprises after completing my MBA from Amity University a decade ago. We have been bulk traders of steel utensils since 1956 and have also been supplying kitchenware to Walmart Best Price for the last nine years.
Over these years, my father has been my biggest mentor. He too has overcome several challenges, but nothing like the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had on our business.
As India went into a nationwide lockdown in March, four of our manufacturing units in Sonipat, Haryana had to be shut down. With demand for our kitchenware falling drastically, I got very worried about my workforce and how I would support them in this challenging time.
I remembered I had seen a hand wash station that doctors use in hospitals and I thought we could tweak the model to make it work through a foot pedal instead of our hands. Convincing my father wasn’t an easy task – he discouraged from going to the factory due to the COVID-19 scare. But I still went to my factory and stayed there for a few days and built the first prototype which was set up near our residential colony.
As people started giving good feedback, my father came on board. There has been no looking back since then!
I also sent a prototype to Walmart India. With the help of their feedback on technical feasibility and commercial viability, I was able to fine tune the product. Thanks to their suggestion, I have also built a sensor based sanitizer dispenser. In fact, I have built an automatic foot sanitizer too.
For the hand wash station, I have crossed 1,100 orders and these have been set up in various government offices as well and also several private sector companies in the automobile sector. This has led to up to Rs 1.5 crore in sales during the lockdown. I also have orders worth another Rs 2.5 crore.
I am also on board the Walmart Vriddhi supplier development program and I feel this will help my business achieve even greater heights. It will be helpful to learn the best business practices to scale the MSME ecosystem and spread our wings.
