CII Initiative to Strengthen Small Businesses in Maharashtra
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has embarked on a mission to strengthen micro and small businesses across Maharashtra by launching a series of workshops designed to enhance their growth potential. Recognising the challenges faced by these businesses—ranging from inadequate office space to limited access to financial resources—CII Pune has initiated year-long training sessions covering essential aspects such as sales, marketing, finance, and manufacturing. Entrepreneurs will also benefit from personalised business solutions offered by CII’s extensive industry network, helping them navigate operational hurdles and scale effectively. According to Yashwant Desai, co-convenor of CII Pune’s MSME panel, efforts are also underway to facilitate financial assistance for small business owners, with banking institutions preparing special loan products at reduced interest rates. The initiative comes at a crucial time when small enterprises, typically employing between 8 to 10 people and generating a turnover of up to ₹50 crore, struggle to compete with their medium-scale counterparts.
The impact of these workshops is already being felt, as demonstrated by a recent two-day event hosted at Pune’s Institute of Management and Research Development (IMDR), which saw the participation of 35 entrepreneurs. Attendees were subsequently enrolled into CII’s entrepreneurship development forum, granting them access to a network of mentors and industry leaders. Prominent business figures, including Amit Ghaisas, MD of YashPrabha Group, and Shikha Jain, Director of IMDR, were present to share insights and strategies for scaling up businesses. The reach of this initiative extends beyond Pune, with similar workshops already held in Kolhapur, Nashik, and Aurangabad. Encouragingly, CII has outlined plans to conduct 8-10 additional sessions across Maharashtra by the end of 2025. Notably, the programme is accessible to non-members as well, ensuring that a wider range of entrepreneurs can benefit from its offerings.
From a sustainability perspective, empowering micro and small enterprises aligns with the broader agenda of strengthening India’s economic foundation while promoting responsible business practices. Small businesses play a pivotal role in reducing unemployment, decentralising economic activity, and ensuring sustainable urban development. By equipping them with the necessary skills and financial backing, CII’s initiative not only aids individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to a more balanced economic landscape. In addition, improving manufacturing efficiency and financial literacy within these enterprises can drive sustainable business models, reducing resource wastage and fostering long-term economic resilience. A structured approach to business education and mentorship will also help create a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, where small enterprises can thrive without excessive dependency on external capital.
On the urban front, small businesses serve as the backbone of cities, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. However, limited access to capital, technology, and training often hampers their progress. CII’s initiative aims to bridge these gaps, ensuring that entrepreneurs in both urban and semi-urban areas have access to structured support systems. Furthermore, the workshops address a critical civic issue—the lack of financial and strategic knowledge that often leads to business failures. By providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding support, CII is not only enhancing business survival rates but also fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that can contribute to urban economic dynamism. With Maharashtra’s business environment evolving rapidly, such targeted interventions can play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s small business ecosystem and driving sustainable economic growth in the years to come.
