Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, industrial output, and exports. As India envisions becoming a $5 trillion economy, the empowerment and sustainable growth of the MSME sector is crucial. Access to finance, capacity building, and market linkages are vital pillars in enabling MSMEs to become globally competitive and self-reliant.

In alignment with this vision, schemes like the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund play a transformative role. Designed to provide growth capital to MSMEs, the SRI Fund aims to address systemic challenges faced by the sector by facilitating investments through daughter funds, thereby creating a robust financing ecosystem for the long-term development of Indian MSMEs.

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar participated in an impactful outreach program on the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund, organized in collaboration with the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). The event, held for the first time in eastern India, was a strategic initiative to create awareness among MSMEs in Odisha about the funding opportunities and support mechanisms available under the SRI Fund.

The program witnessed the presence of key stakeholders from the MSME ecosystem including government officials, fund managers, industry leaders, and representatives from financial institutions. The sessions focused on the structure and objectives of the SRI Fund, how MSMEs can benefit from equity-based funding, the role of Venture Capital and Private Equity in MSME growth and eligibility criteria and application processes for accessing the fund.

Through these initiatives, WTC Bhubaneswar is enabling MSMEs to scale sustainably, adopt new technologies, and integrate with global value chains, contributing directly to the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

The outreach program on the SRI Fund marked a significant step toward strengthening the MSME sector in Eastern India. With proactive initiatives like these, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar continues to champion the cause of enterprise development, contributing meaningfully to India's journey of economic self-reliance and resilience.

The event was held on Tuesday, 19^th August 2025 at Hotel Mayfair, Bhubaneswar.