By Abhay Ray 
Introduction
US-based retail giant Walmart will connect one lakh more MSMEs in the next three years to its supplier development programme in India, a company official said here on Thursday. The programme, Walmart Vriddhi, has partnered with Ideas to Impact Foundation (i2i), which will enable more MSMEs to expand their access to both national and international markets, helped by the combined strengths of Walmart’s global supply chain and Flipkart’s e-commerce capabilities.
About Walmart Vriddhi
Walmart Vriddhi is a supplier development program launched in 2019 with a commitment to empower 50,000 MSMEs in India over five years. In its first phase, the program surpassed that goal by training over 60,000 MSMEs and has played a catalytic role in supporting small businesses with growth opportunities to reach new national and international markets. The program is tailored to help MSMEs modernize, scale and meet their national, and (for some) international ambitions. It underscores Walmart’s focus to help unlock India’s entrepreneurial capacity and enable MSMEs to thrive in the market. The program offers MSMEs access to free-of-cost training, mentoring, and business advice. By using digital tools to train business leaders on crucial aspects of business management such as finance, marketing, workforce management, and environmental sustainability, we empower entrepreneurs to establish successful and sustainable business models while contributing to employment opportunities in local communities.
About Walmart in India
Walmart is committed to a future where retail in India is a mix of shopping experiences that best serve Indian consumers, suppliers, producers and retailers. Walmart is building out a holistic ecosystem that includes a wholesale cash-and-carry business, eCommerce platforms, a payments and financial services platform, as well as logistics and supply chain capabilities – strong local businesses that are powered by Walmart. Walmart invests in programs and initiatives that help local sellers and suppliers, including kiranas, MSMEs, farmers, artisans and women-owned businesses to modernize, prosper and create local jobs in the country. As a socially responsible organization that is committed to creating economic opportunity, enhancing long-term environmental sustainability and strengthening local communities, Walmart is determined to help drive India’s growth story and create shared value.
Training and Market Linkages
MSMEs under the programme receive access to basic and advanced training modules, including cross-border trade. There is no requirement to partner with Walmart or Flipkart post-training, but those who complete the programme have the option to sell through both platforms. Many of the MSMEs onboarded so far operate from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Export and Sourcing Plans
Walmart has set a goal to export goods worth $10 billion annually from India by 2027. The Vriddhi programme is a part of this broader strategy. The company has been sourcing a range of products from India, including food, toys, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and wellness items. Over the last two decades, Walmart has sourced more than $30 billion worth of goods from India for its global operations.
Building Networks for MSME Success and Scale
“We are also introducing new learning tools focused on helping small businesses with visual growth, sustainability, and export readiness. We will continue to build new partnerships that connect MSMEs with ecosystem enablers, ensuring they have not just the knowledge but the networks and opportunities to grow,” he said.
Rajneesh Kumar, SVP and chief corporate affairs officer at Flipkart Group, said that MSMEs are a big component for the company. Now, it has started an initiative named “Samarth”, which helps to empower Indian artisans, weavers, and micro-enterprises by providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience and grow their businesses.
Now Flipkart app has a dedicated landing page allowing customers to explore the products made by Indian artisans and weavers, he said. “Through strategic collaborations like Walmart Vriddhi, we are collectively enabling entrepreneurs to scale their aspirations and significantly contribute to India’s burgeoning digital economy,” Kumar added.
Conclusion
Walmart Vriddhi, in collaboration with partners like Ideas to Impact Foundation and Flipkart, is playing a pivotal role in empowering Indian MSMEs by providing them with access to training, digital tools, and national and international markets. With a goal to connect one lakh more MSMEs in the next three years, the initiative continues to drive economic inclusion and entrepreneurial growth. Complemented by Flipkart’s Samarth initiative, which showcases local artisans and weavers, these efforts collectively strengthen India’s digital economy and export potential, while promoting sustainability and community development.
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