The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has taken another major step in strengthening India’s small business ecosystem by launching the MSE TEAM (Trade Enablement and Marketing) initiative. This ambitious programme is implemented under the World Bank-supported Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme and is designed to empower Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with advanced digital tools and e-commerce opportunities. The focus is to help MSEs expand their market reach, improve competitiveness, and connect with more customers across India and globally.

The MSE TEAM initiative is particularly significant because it prioritises integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This integration aims to provide MSEs with easy access to online platforms where they can sell their products and services, thereby increasing their customer base and income potential. Support will be given in several key areas — onboarding assistance, digital cataloguing, account management, logistics and packaging, as well as training and capacity building to ensure businesses can efficiently handle their e-commerce operations.

A key highlight of the programme is its target outreach — the scheme aims to empower 5,00,000 MSEs, of which 2,50,000 will be women-owned enterprises. This makes the initiative not just an economic boost but also a strong step towards women entrepreneurship empowerment. Special attention will be given to tier-II and tier-III cities, ensuring that businesses in smaller urban areas also benefit from digital and e-commerce growth opportunities.

The digital empowerment drive is complemented by several existing government-supported platforms, which will be leveraged to enhance market access for MSEs. Among them is the eKhadi India portal, which offers exclusive Khadi and Village Industries products, directly connecting artisans and weavers with consumers. This platform is integrated with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), enabling artisans to participate in government procurement processes, ensuring better prices and consistent demand.

Another critical platform in this ecosystem is the MSME Global Mart, operated by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). This online B2B marketplace helps small businesses expand their reach by providing trade leads, tender information, and visibility enhancement tools. It also acts as a gateway for businesses to explore domestic and international market opportunities.

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) itself continues to play a major role in public procurement. Through features such as e-bidding and reverse auctions, GeM ensures transparency, efficiency, and fair opportunities for small businesses to participate in government tenders.

In addition to digital enablement, the Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme is being implemented to facilitate MSE participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets. This scheme also subsidises the cost of onboarding on MSME Global Mart, making it easier for small enterprises to establish their presence in the competitive market.

Through these collective measures — MSE TEAM, eKhadi India, MSME Global Mart, GeM, and the PMS Scheme — the government aims to strengthen the competitiveness of MSEs, enhance digital adoption, and open doors to both domestic and global markets.

The broader vision behind this initiative is to make MSMEs more self-reliant and capable of sustaining growth in a rapidly digitising economy. By connecting businesses to e-commerce channels and procurement platforms, the ministry is ensuring that small businesses can benefit from the digital revolution, even in less urbanised parts of the country.

Furthermore, the programme aligns with the Digital India mission and supports the government’s goal of expanding the country’s digital economy. The integration with ONDC is particularly impactful, as it offers a democratised e-commerce network, allowing MSEs to compete on equal footing with larger companies without being tied to a single platform’s rules or fees.

By prioritising women entrepreneurs, the initiative also contributes to inclusive economic growth. Women-owned enterprises in smaller cities will receive dedicated outreach and training to help them overcome barriers to entry in e-commerce and compete successfully in national and international markets.

In summary, the MSME Ministry’s launch of the MSE TEAM under RAMP represents a comprehensive strategy to boost digital adoption, market access, and competitiveness of Micro and Small Enterprises in India. With targeted support, integration with ONDC, and complementary schemes like eKhadi India, MSME Global Mart, GeM, and the PMS Scheme, the government is paving the way for a stronger, more digitally enabled small business sector that can thrive in both domestic and global arenas.

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