Category Archives: News and Updates

– Through Walmart Vriddhi, over 58,000 MSMEs have had access to digital training to help expand and grow their businesses both online and offline.

– Over 14,500 MSMEs are selling through the Flipkart Marketplace, including in categories such as toys, apparel, home goods, handicrafts, and eco-friendly office and home products.

NEW DELHI, India and BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 27, 2024: Surpassing its goal of training 50,000 MSMEs by December 2024, Walmart’s supplier development program, Walmart Vriddhi, has digitally empowered over 58,000 micro-, small- and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across India by providing them with free of cost access to digital training, business advice, and personalized mentorship opportunities. These resources are helping them unlock their potential for business growth and better access to customers pan-India.

MSMEs act as the cornerstone of India’s economy today, contributing over 30% to the country’s GDP while creating millions of job opportunities. They foster innovation and growth opportunities, further promoting India’s entrepreneurial spirit. The Walmart Vriddhi program, launched in 2019 with Swasti as the program partner, is designed to equip MSMEs with the know-how and tools they need to succeed in supply chains by combining Walmart’s supplier development experience and Flipkart’s platform expertise. More than 14,500 MSMEs are currently onboarded onto the Flipkart marketplace and are seeing notable increase in sales since joining the pan-India platform.

Today, the program has facilitated the growth of diverse MSMEs, including over 10,000 women-led businesses, young entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, those focused on environmental sustainability in their supply chains (encompassing sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging), and entrepreneurs selling eco-friendly products. A notable number of MSMEs have indicated their interest in building sustainable products such as toys, handicrafts, reusable sanitary pads, and diapers, among others.

Here are a few Walmart Vriddhi graduate stories from different parts of the country, who employ sustainable practices in their businesses:

• Samakhya Sustainable Practices, led by Prerna Agarwal, is dedicated to bringing together natural fibers and green crafts to create sustainable alternatives. It is also a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship; collaborating with over 3000 artisans and farmers in remote regions, Samakhya empowers local communities and preserves traditional techniques. Their use of regenerative pastoral fibers creates unique thermal and acoustic handcrafted lifestyle products.
• MohanJodero Handicrafts, established by Yashovardhan Sharma, revives India’s rich cultural heritage through exquisite brass handicrafts. Sharma employs artisans who breathe life into each product, possessing skills passed down through generations, hidden in the country’s nooks and crannies. By building a network of artisans who share his passion for quality and authenticity, Sharma leverages digital marketing, SEO (Search engine optimization), and social media insights gained through Walmart Vriddhi to sell his unique, handcrafted products to customers from across India.
• Ecoserve India, founded by Anindita Chaudhuri, is an earth-friendly brand dedicated to reducing plastic pollution and incorporating sustainable, natural fibers and grasses such as kauna, shitalpati, bamboo, water hyacinth, areca leaves, and jute. Anindita’s tribal artisans create decorations, artifacts, bags, baskets, hampers, mats, jewelry, and bamboo towels from sustainable materials. Out of the 30 artisans that Ecoserve employs, 90% are women, and everyone is compensated for every piece they make, regardless of gender.

Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart, says, “Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we have seen incredible resilience in MSME graduates as they showcase their exceptional innovation and commitment towards making a positive contribution in their communities. We are thrilled to be part of their journey helping them grow, fostering inclusivity, and creating lasting impact.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, says, “The Walmart Vriddhi program has been instrumental in fostering a culture of growth among MSMEs in every facet of their businesses. By helping onboard thousands of MSMEs onto Flipkart marketplace as sellers, in line with our mission, we are happy to enhance their market reach, help them thrive in the eCommerce space, and contribute to their prosperity and business growth.”

Joseph Julian, Program Director from Swasti, said, “It’s encouraging to see how Walmart Vriddhi graduates have been able to integrate learnings into their business and benefit from the curriculum. Seeing many of them operate their businesses in a way that benefits their communities, and the environment has been gratifying.”

Walmart Vriddhi also trains and develops sellers for Walmart Marketplace in the US, one of the fastest-growing eCommerce platforms. To capitalize on the free-of-cost Walmart Vriddhi program, MSMEs can register here to unlock growth opportunities: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmartvriddhi. Sellers aiming to sell to the US through Walmart Marketplace can register through this link: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmart-marketplace

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. 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 Swasti

Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India, and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries; and 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.

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.

• MSMEs onboarded onto the Flipkart Marketplace are leveraging the platform to grow and scale their reach to more than 500 million Flipkart consumers across India.
• States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Assam, among others, have signed MOUs with the program to aid MSME capacity-building. During the pandemic, Walmart Vriddhi facilitated MSMEs to transition to digital retail, providing crucial business advice and resources.

BENTONVILLE, Ark., and NEW DELHI, February 13, 2024: Walmart today announced that its supplier development program, Walmart Vriddhi, has achieved its goal of empowering more than 50,000 MSMEs over five years. Launched in December 2019, the program provides free training, mentoring and digital tools to help businesses grow, scale and integrate into domestic supply chains. The program reached this milestone well ahead of schedule.

The program, together with Walmart’s program partner, Swasti, offers local suppliers the chance to access training, mentoring, and business advice while tapping into Flipkart’s platform expertise. The digital training provided to MSMEs covers crucial aspects of business management such as finance, marketing, workforce management and environmental sustainability. This empowers entrepreneurs to establish successful and sustainable business models, while contributing to employment opportunities in local communities.

The program is accessible across India and has played a pivotal role in connecting MSMEs in key centres such as Moradabad and Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Panipat (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Surat (Gujarat), Guwahati (Assam), and Tirupur (Tamil Nadu). This connection with consumers nationwide is also achieved through collaborations with the respective states governments. The Walmart Vriddhi graduates, who have already been integrated into the Flipkart Marketplace, have witnessed approximately 55% growth Y-o-Y.

Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, at Walmart, said, “Empowering MSMEs is at the heart of Walmart’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. I commend the 50,000+ Walmart Vriddhi graduates for their unwavering dedication to the initiative. The rapid growth they have achieved stands as a testament to the program’s robust curriculum, effective delivery and the valuable partnerships forged at every step. We eagerly anticipate these businesses reinvesting in their communities, generating new jobs, stimulating local value chains and economies, and acting as catalysts in India’s burgeoning economy.”

Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President and Head of Marketplace at Flipkart said, “Flipkart’s mission is to create opportunities for sellers to thrive in the digital age. The Walmart Vriddhi program has significantly enhanced Flipkart’s capacity to serve as a preferred platform. It has enabled first-time sellers to establish connections and reach buyers across the country, democratizing eCommerce on a large scale and setting off a chain reaction that contributes to more livelihoods and greater prosperity.”

Joseph Julian, Program Director, Swasti said, “Swasti is honored to be a partner in digitizing and empowering over 50,000 MSMEs through the Walmart Vriddhi program. The program underscores the vital importance of comprehensive support systems for  entrepreneurs. We are proud to contribute to this significant endeavor and committed to supporting MSMEs through our unique learning modules that are designed to equip them with essential skills for sustainable growth in today’s business landscape.”

Shri Narayan Rane, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India, said, “As India advances towards achieving a $5 trillion economy, a substantial portion of this growth will be driven by a competitive and productive MSME sector, serving as a catalyst for economic expansion and job creation. The government actively supports the promotion and development of the MSME sector across all states.” He further added, “Initiatives like the Walmart Vriddhi program play a pivotal role in facilitating the digital transformation and growth of MSMEs. I extend my congratulations to the Walmart and Flipkart team for providing over 50,000 Vriddhi graduates with the opportunity to unlock market opportunities.”

The following success stories of a few Walmart Vriddhi graduates exemplify the program’s role in scaling their businesses and achieving success:

Ishita Jolly, Business Development Manager, (manufactures high-quality aluminium foil and butter paper), New Delhi said, “Established in 2008 as a traditional family business, Europhil adapted to the rise in online shopping post-COVID-19. Our digital journey reached a turning point with the transformative partnership with Walmart Vriddhi in 2023. The program provided crucial insights into online business strategies, enhancing our presence on platforms like Flipkart. This knowledge led to a remarkable 15% revenue growth, showcasing the significant impact of the Walmart Vriddhi association on our business.”

Vikalp Maithil: Co-founder, Pavika Organics (Cold pressed oils), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh said, “Our venture, Pavika Organics, found its true potential with the Walmart Vriddhi program. Joining in April 2022, we experienced a dramatic 40% increase in sales, largely attributed to the program’s mentorship. It guided us in areas like marketing, finance, and brand value. The highlight was onboarding onto Flipkart, which expanded our reach beyond Madhya Pradesh and led to a tenfold sales increase in 2023. The program not only facilitated business growth but also empowered us to navigate the eCommerce landscape effectively.”

Prerna Agarwal: Founder, Samakhya Sustainable Alternatives (Handcrafted lifestyle products), Bikaner, Rajasthan said, “Embarking on the Walmart Vriddhi program in 2023 was a transformative step for Samakhya. The program’s holistic mentorship enabled me to refine our business strategies and train my team effectively. It helped articulate the unique standpoints of our two brands and enhanced our operational efficiency. The emphasis on rural visibility and supply chain improvements was invaluable. Notably, the journey from zero to significant sales figures on platforms like Flipkart, and the expansion of our network to include over 3000 artisans and farmers, are testaments to the program’s effectiveness in propelling Samakhya’s growth and impact in social entrepreneurship.”

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 Swasti

Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, and 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.

About Flipkart

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Flipkart Health+, and Cleartrip.

Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India’s digital commerce revolution. With a registered customer base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 14 lakh 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 lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns, which are customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. For more information, please write to media@flipkart.com.

The MoU aims to strengthen the existing Walmart Vriddhi program by providing data insights and technical assistance to MSMEs across India

NEW DELHI, April 02, 2024: Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader of business data and analytics, and Swasti, the program partner of the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi), announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen support for micro-, small- and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) across India.

The Walmart Vriddhi program provides free training, mentoring and digital tools to help small businesses grow, scale, and integrate into domestic supply chains. Dun & Bradstreet enables companies around the world to improve their business performance.

The MoU aims to expand business support services for participating MSMEs. Dun & Bradstreet will provide D-U-N-S® Numbers to all MSMEs registered for the program. A D-U-N-S® Number is assigned through Dun & Bradstreet’s patented identity resolution process, (part of its DUNSRight™ data governance, which includes thousands of separate automated checks). The D-U-N-S Number is used as the starting point for any company’s Live Business Identity, which helps ensure the most accurate and up-to-date view of organizations, and enhances the credibility of MSMEs that seek partners or capital in the course of their business.

A company’s D-U-N-S Number may be referenced when:

• Applying for a loan with a financial institution
• Applying for credit with a business partner
• Applying to become a vendor or supplier of a company
• Bidding on contracts locally or internationally

Dun & Bradstreet will also provide two learning modules on Government schemes for MSMEs and ESG, which will help simplify the complex information that MSMEs seek, to identify the right programs and opportunities to help them scale.

Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart said, “Through this partnership, we are channeling the expertise and resources of both Dun & Bradstreet and Swasti to further a holistic ecosystem for MSMEs to excel in the eCommerce landscape. This will help small businesses unlock more growth opportunities. We hope to see these businesses thrive in the digital economy and scale to new heights.”

Joseph Julian, Senior Director, Swasti, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, ‘Since its inception, Walmart Vriddhi has been engaged with MSMEs to support their learning and market connectivity, which has contributed to their business growth, particularly on eCommerce platforms. We are glad that this MoU with Dun and Bradstreet will empower MSMEs associated with the Walmart Vriddhi program to further gain and grow in their businesses.'”

Preeta Misra, Senior Director, Credibility & Business Insights Group (CBIG), ESG and SME, Dun & Bradstreet, emphasized the significance of the partnership in supporting MSMEs. “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Swasti through the Walmart Vriddhi program. By providing D-U-N-S® Numbers freely, we hope to enhance the visibility of participating businesses, enabling them to access opportunities. Additionally, by contributing content for the learning module, we’re investing in skilling initiatives, empowering MSMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.”

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 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 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 twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

About Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them make faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology, and marketing. Working towards the Government of India’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity.

India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located in Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes, and lower operating expenses.

Visit www.dnb.co.in for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases.

About Swasti

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.

NEW DELHI, India and BENTONVILLE, Ark., October 25, 2023: The Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) empowering micro-, small- and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) in India, saw sellers see an increase of over 70% (YOY) in sales through Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale.

Since its inception in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi has empowered 40,255 MSMEs across the country, providing them with tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. The achievement of Walmart Vriddhi, along with its local program partner Swasti, showcases its dedication to fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.

This growth also demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of its MSME partners as they navigate the challenges of today’s market. The range of products sold by Walmart Vriddhi sellers on Flipkart’s platform is diverse, spanning various categories. Among the best-selling items are apparel, home decor and accessories.

Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart Sourcing, commented on this achievement: “Empowering MSMEs is at the heart of Walmart’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. Through Walmart Vriddhi, we have seen incredible resilience and determination from our partners in India. This milestone reinforces our belief in the potential of these businesses to drive innovation and create lasting impact. We are proud to support their journey towards growth.”

Under the guidance of Walmart Vriddhi, Abbie Fashions discovered its digital presence on Flipkart in 2022. Previously catering to local audiences in Rajasthan and Delhi, the brand’s newfound online reach has garnered a devoted following from all corners of India, resulting in an impressive 25% upsurge in their overall sales. Another business, Naturally Pahadi, which promotes sustainable and nutritious products rooted in the Himalayas, onboarded onto Flipkart’s Marketplace through the Walmart Vriddhi program. This strategic move resulted in a remarkable 300% sales boost, boosting the popularity of their Himalayan offerings.

Against the backdrop of a thriving Indian market and rising national revenues, Walmart Vriddhi’s association with Flipkart plays a pivotal role in handholding MSMEs to grow. The program empowers sellers to tap into the potential of eCommerce, reaching a wider customer base and increased sales. It also assists sellers with tasks such as registration, onboarding, providing customer insights, and brand approval on Flipkart’s platform.

Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President and Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “Flipkart’s mission is to create opportunities for sellers to thrive in the digital age. We are delighted to see Walmart Vriddhi sellers achieve significant sales milestones through our platform. This reflects our strong partnership and shared vision of driving economic growth through eCommerce.”

Joseph Julian, Program Director, Swasti said, “Swasti is honored to be part of the Walmart Vriddhi program, working hand in hand to enhance the capabilities of MSMEs in India. This milestone underscores the importance of holistic support systems for these enterprises, and we remain committed to providing the knowledge and resources needed for their sustainable growth.”

With strong partnerships and a dedicated focus on digital enablement, Walmart Vriddhi is poised to continue empowering India’s MSMEs, driving innovation, and fostering lasting impact in the ever-evolving digital age.

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 Swasti

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.

About Flipkart

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Flipkart Health+, and Cleartrip.

Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India’s digital commerce revolution. With a registered customer base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 14 lakh 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 lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns, which are customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians.For more information, please write to media@flipkart.com

Over 32,000 MSMEs have already completed training under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program

Hyderabad, India, July 25, 2023: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, to create an ecosystem aiding capacity building for MSMEs in the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, and Joseph Julian KG, Programme Director, Swasti.

The MoU, signed between Swasti and The Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, has been inked to facilitate the development of local MSMEs towards accessing a wider domestic marketspace, leverage online retail and enable sustained growth and commercialisation.

Under the new partnership, Walmart will extend its support to help MSMEs digitise their businesses and fuel capacity building for the state of Telangana. This will enable MSMEs to be a part of the offline and online domestic supply chains.

In partnership with Swasti, Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) offers small businesses and entrepreneurs a complete learning platform and provides free training, in-depth expert assistance, and tailored tools and skills required to grow and expand their businesses. 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 programme from tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, along with key cities including Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Surat, Panipat and Kolkata.

On the signing of the MoU, Dr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, said, “MSMEs from different parts of Telangana are flourishing and bringing recognition to our state. MSMEs form a strong backbone to the country’s economy, and it’s crucial that we help them scale up and equip them with digital tools and technology to promote their business growth. We are happy to collaborate with Walmart Vriddhi to provide guidance and the support required to strengthen MSMEs and achieve greater success through the programme.”

The Walmart Vriddhi program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalised feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. Over 32,000 MSMEs have already completed the training.

Commenting on the partnership, Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart, said, “We launched Walmart Vriddhi in 2019 with the intention to equip 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the skills necessary to succeed in business. From streamlining supply chains to implementing data-driven insights, these skills enable them to make informed decisions, identify emerging trends, and seize opportunities for innovation and expansion. Through Vriddhi, we are committed to empowering MSMEs with comprehensive learning opportunities to level the playing field and help ensure that MSMEs can not only survive but also thrive. 32,000 MSMEs to date have embraced the digital route, and it is a testament to the power of equipping them with future-ready skills.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, “Telangana is an important market for us and home to thousands of MSMEs, some of whom have already benefitted from our expanded pan-India reach. We want to sustain this momentum, support the state’s artisans, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, and provide them with a thriving ecosystem to flourish and profit. We are happy to be a part of this initiative and extend our help.”

Joseph Julian, Programme Director, Swasti, said, “The development and expansion of MSMEs in the state will be aided by this relationship with the Telangana government. Through the Vriddhi initiative, we are dedicated to helping MSMEs become more resilient for the future and supporting their participation in local and national 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 on 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 Swasti

Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and is active globally with a footprint in 30 countries and 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.