The National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme), an autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, plays a significant role in promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening managerial capabilities and supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) across the country. Through special training programmes, research, consultancy, capacity building and institutional partnerships, the Institute contributes to building a competitive, skilled and innovation-oriented MSME ecosystem.

The institute accredited with “UTKRISHT / उत्कृष्ट” 3-Star Rating by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). The 66 years old institute plays a pivotal role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity building for MSME development by fostering a pro-business environment. Over the decades, it has evolved to address the changing needs of entrepreneurs, policymakers, government institutions and industry stakeholders, with a focus on capacity building, sustainable enterprise development and enhanced competitiveness.

Legacy of Enterprise Development

The Institute was established in 1960 as the Central Industrial Extension Training Institute (CIETI) in New Delhi. It shifted to Hyderabad in 1962 and was registered as the Small Industry Extension Training Institute (SIET). Following the enactment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, the Institute was renamed the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme) in 2007.

The Institute covers enterprise creation, finance, marketing, international trade, digital transformation, technology adoption and sustainable business practices, supporting employment generation, productivity and inclusive economic growth.

Key Achievements of ni-msme

• International Training: Conducted 550 international programmes, training 11,032 executives from 150 countries.
• National Training: Organised 17,672 programmes, benefiting 6,07,497 participants.
• Skill Development: Conducted 6,840 programmes, training 2,10,062 youth.
• MSME Cluster Development: Implemented 27 MSME cluster projects.
• IPFC Services: Provided 235 services through Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs).
• Research and Studies: Completed 962 research studies to support MSME development and policymaking.

Supporting Innovation and Emerging Enterprise Needs

As businesses increasingly adapt to digital technologies, changing market expectations and evolving production systems, ni-msme continues to engage with emerging areas of enterprise development. Its programmes and institutional activities encompass subjects such as digital marketing, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, technology-enabled manufacturing, intellectual property rights, green energy and sustainable enterprise practices. These areas are increasingly relevant to MSME seeking to improve operational efficiency, develop new products, expand their market reach and remain competitive.

In March 2026, the Institute organised a national conference on Digital Marketing, AI Automation and e-Commerce, followed by a national conference on Digital Enabled Factories with Industry 5.0, focusing on artificial intelligence, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cloud technologies. These engagements provided platforms for discussing the application of emerging technologies in enterprise development and manufacturing. Through such knowledge-sharing initiatives, ni-msme contributes to raising awareness of new business opportunities and encouraging MSME to explore technology-driven approaches to growth.

Success Stories Reflect ni-msme’s Transformational Impact:

(a) Weaving New Markets: A Traditional Silk Enterprise Goes Digital

Mr. Mahankali Chandra Sekhar’sAmarchintha Handloom Weavers Producer Company Ltd., Wanaparthy, Telangana, is weaving a new success story through digital transformation.

In 2024–25, with support from NABARD, the company’s marketing executive underwent a five-day training programme at ni-msme, Ministry of MSME, followed by one year of handholding to strengthen digital branding and market outreach.

 

By leveraging Instagram, WhatsApp Business and Google Business Profile, the company secured a landmark ₹16 lakh order through Google, while its annual turnover surged to ₹2.8 crore. Amarchintha’s journey is a testament to how digital adoption can expand market access, empower traditional artisans and drive MSME growth.

(b) From Millets to Markets: A Woman Entrepreneur’s Growth Story

Smt. SunkishalaSwarupa, a woman entrepreneur from Shayampet, Telangana, transformed her millet food business through digital marketing. Under a NABARD-supported project implemented by ni-msme, Ministry of MSME, she underwent a five-day training programme on digital branding and marketing, followed by one year of handholding support.

By leveraging Instagram, Google My Business and Canva, she enhanced her online visibility, expanded her customer base and strengthened the promotion of her millet products.

 

The Impact:

• 10-fold growth in monthly turnover, from ₹20,000 to ₹2 lakh.
• Employment created for local women.

Her journey showcases how digital empowerment can transform women-led enterprises and drive inclusive MSME growth.

Ni-msme: Empowering MSME, Enabling Growth

Through its sustained efforts in entrepreneurship development, capacity building, research and digital empowerment, ni-msme continues to strengthen India’s MSME ecosystem and foster inclusive economic growth. Its achievements in training lakhs of participants, supporting enterprise development and enabling success stories demonstrate its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, enhancing competitiveness and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. By equipping enterprises with the skills, knowledge and tools to adapt to a changing business environment, ni-msme remains a key contributor to building a self-reliant, innovative and globally competitive MSME sector in India.

For more information visit at: http://www.nimsme.gov.in/

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

E-mail - hipessi[at]gmail[dot]com

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