MUMBAI, Maharashtra, April 01 , 2026 — Walmart Vriddhi today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra through its program partner, Ideas to Impact Foundation.
This partnership is designed to create new growth opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Maharashtra. By providing digital learning resources and business tools, the initiative aims to help MSMEs grow, scale, and thrive in both domestic and international markets. The MoU, formalized on April 1, 2026 in Mumbai, Mahrashtra, marks a significant milestone in Walmart Vriddhi’s mission to empower 100,000 MSMEs across India by 2028.
Through this collaboration, MSMEs in Maharashtra will gain access to free Walmart Vriddhi training and digital tools to strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities and boost competitiveness. The Directorate of Industries will extend the program’s reach via its District Industries Centres (DICs), ensuring that Walmart Vriddhi’s training and capacity building efforts benefit entrepreneurs across the state. The program will focus on key industries such as textiles, handicrafts, agro-processing, leather goods, ready-made garments, silk, furniture, jewelry, confectionery, and brass metal products. The rollout will begin in districts including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
“MSMEs are the driving force behind Maharashtra’s economic progress, contributing significantly to industrial growth, employment generation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our state,” said Shri P. Anbalagan, Principal Secretary Industries, Government of Maharashtra. “Our collaboration with Walmart Vriddhi reflects the Government of Maharashtra’s commitment to foster a future-ready MSME ecosystem and equip small businesses with the tools they need to compete in today’s markets.”
“The MSME sector remains one of India’s strongest engines of economic growth, fueled by the ingenuity and determination of its entrepreneurs”, said, Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Sourcing & Procurement, Walmart. “Through this partnership, Walmart Vriddhi is empowering MSMEs to unlock their potential. By offering digital tools, business training, and market access, the program enables local enterprises to enhance their competitiveness and transform local impact into national and global opportunities.”
Entrepreneurs across Maharashtra are leveraging Walmart Vriddhi to modernize their businesses, strengthen digital capabilities, and access broader markets. Success stories from the state highlight the program’s tangible impact. For example, Harshal Gada, co-founder of Online Becho, a fast-growing digital retail company, utilized Walmart Vriddhi to refine brand positioning, streamline supply chains, and scale digital retail operations. Personalized mentorship helped to optimize inventory and expand manufacturing, positioning the company to bring quality Indian products to global markets.
Ecoserve India, led by Anindita Chaudhuri, is a sustainable, women-led enterprise creating eco-friendly handcrafted products from natural fibers and responsibly sourced materials. Founded on the belief that businesses should give back more to nature than they take, Ecoserve India benefited from Walmart Vriddhi’s support in refining its vision into a scalable strategy. The program enhanced the company’s understanding of digital channels, product positioning, and operational efficiency, enabling its artisans—90% of whom are women—to confidently reach wider markets.
Launched in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi is a supplier development program tailored to empower MSMEs in India to modernize, scale, and achieve their domestic and international ambitions. Combining Walmart’s global supply chain expertise with Flipkart’s nationwide eCommerce reach, the program offers MSMEs free training, mentoring, and business advice on finance, marketing, workforce management, logistics, and more. Since its inception, Walmart Vriddhi has successfully trained over 70,000 MSMEs in India.
MSMEs can register for the Walmart Vriddhi program to unlock growth opportunities: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmartvriddhi Sellers aiming to expand internationally through Walmart Marketplace can register here: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmart-marketplace
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: 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 280 million customers and members visit more than 10,900 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2026 revenue of $713 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 Ideas to Impact Foundation
Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation, implementation partner of Walmart Vriddhi, is a nonprofit committed to driving sustainable human development through innovative, community-focused solutions. i2i partners with governments, civil society, and corporates to create scalable programs that empower marginalized communities and support the Sustainable Development Goals. The Foundation’s work spans education, health, environment, and gender inclusion, focusing on building resilient, inclusive societies. Rooted in collaboration and transparency, i2i Foundation strives to create a lasting positive impact for a better future. Additional information about Ideas to Impact Foundation can be found by visiting:i2ifoundation.org/about-i2i-foundation
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