Walmart Vriddhi Program Empowers Over 58,000 MSMEs Across India

By
Arushi Sharma
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Exceeding its target ahead of schedule, Walmart’s supplier development initiative, Walmart Vriddhi, has successfully empowered more than 58,000 micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across India.
Launched in 2019 in partnership with Swasti, the program offers comprehensive digital training, business advice, and personalized mentorship to MSMEs, enabling them to unlock growth opportunities and enhance customer access nationwide.

MSMEs play a vital role in India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment generation while driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Leveraging Walmart’s extensive supplier development expertise and Flipkart’s platform capabilities, Walmart Vriddhi has facilitated the onboarding of over 14,500 MSMEs onto the Flipkart marketplace, resulting in substantial sales growth for these businesses.

The program supports a diverse array of MSMEs, including over 10,000 women-led enterprises, young entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and those committed to environmental sustainability. Many participants are innovating with eco-friendly products such as toys, handicrafts, reusable sanitary pads, and diapers.

Highlighted success stories from Walmart Vriddhi graduates include:

  • Samakhya Sustainable Practices: Founded by Prerna Agarwal, this enterprise collaborates with artisans and farmers to produce sustainable thermal and acoustic products, preserving traditional techniques and empowering local communities.
  • MohanJodero Handicrafts: Led by Yashovardhan Sharma, this business specializes in brass handicrafts, using digital marketing strategies learned through Walmart Vriddhi to promote handcrafted products nationwide.
  • Ecoserve India: Founded by Anindita Chaudhuri, Ecoserve focuses on reducing plastic pollution by creating eco-friendly decorations, bags, and baskets from sustainable materials, employing a predominantly female artisan workforce.

Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President of Supplier Development at Walmart, commented, “The resilience and innovation demonstrated by Walmart Vriddhi graduates are truly remarkable. We are proud to support their growth journeys, foster inclusivity, and drive positive impacts in their communities.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart Group, stated, “The Walmart Vriddhi program has been instrumental in nurturing growth among MSMEs, enhancing their market presence on Flipkart’s platform, and contributing to their overall business success.”

Joseph Julian, Program Director at Swasti, emphasized, “It’s inspiring to witness how Walmart Vriddhi graduates integrate learnings into their businesses, benefitting both their communities and the environment.”

The Walmart Vriddhi program remains committed to nurturing innovation and fostering sustainable growth among MSMEs across India, ensuring their competitiveness in the dynamic marketplace.