The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) , Kolkata Branch , a Govt. of India Enterprise under Ministry of MSME , working for promotion and development of MSMEs in the country, successfully organized the ONDC Team Workshop Program in Kolkata, on 03rd September at Park Hotel , aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital commerce among MSMEs and other key stakeholders in Eastern India ,in collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC),and local Industry Association like Bengal Business Council , FOSMI , ASSOCHAM , MASA and Laghu Udyog Bharti . The workshop brought together entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, and enablers from across the region to learn about the ONDC network and explore opportunities to onboard and thrive in the open digital commerce ecosystem. The event was a part of Govt’s broader mission to democratize e-commerce and create a level playing field for sellers and buyers, irrespective of size, geography, or platform affiliation.
Further, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India launched the Trade Enablement & Marketing (TEAM) initiative on 27th June , 2024 , with an outlay of Rs. 277.35 crores, initially for three years (2024-2027). This initiative under the World Bank supported Rising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme will empower micro and small enterprises to access new markets, expand their customer base and boost income via the Government’s backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Under the TEAM Initiative, MSEs will be supported through SNPs (Seller Network Participants) of ONDC, who are responsible for connecting them to ONDC through a seller application. The SNPs will create Digital Catalogue, operations, logistic support, training, capacity building on e-commerce etc .
Speaking at the event, Shri Bipul Bag , Sr. Branch Manager , NSIC , Kolkata said “We are proud to organise this valuable program at Kolkata. Our goal is to empower MSMEs in this region with the tools and knowledge to participate in the digital economy. Work shops like these are vital to bridge the digital divide. We should support every small business in India to go digital without the constraints of closed platforms.”
Shri Anupam Gayen , Zonal General Manager -Kolkata has announced that NSIC Kolkata zone will also organise such workshops not only in Metro city like Kolkata but also Tier-2 and Tier -3 cities in West Bengal .
Various Seller Network Participants (SNPs) – Samhita, Mystore, provided details presentation on TEAM and onboarded MSEs on ONDC platform.
To create awareness about the financial support available for MSMEs A panel discussion on “ Challenges and Solutions for smooth credit flow to MSMEs “ was also conducted where GM, IDBI, Regional Head , IndusInd Bank , and officials from other different Bankers and Representative from Associations and MSME community were participated .
