Micro businesses (enterprises with a turnover below ₹5 crores) make up approximately 98% of the MSME sector and are vital contributors to employment and livelihood generation across India.

Their impact is particularly profound in Tier II and Tier III cities, in rural and semi-urban areas, where they play a crucial role in driving local economies and enhancing community resilience, making them the lifeblood of our economy. However, these enterprises often face significant barriers that hinder their growth and sustainability.

With great pride and excitement, CII has launched the Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood (CII CEL) to transform the landscape of microenterprises in India. The establishment of this Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth through the empowerment of microenterprises.

As corporates, we deal with microenterprises almost every day in our business, either as suppliers, as customers, or within the community around us. The challenges and opportunities these enterprises face are not the same as ours; they are unique and vary across sectors, segments, and geography.

At CII CEL, we are committed to breaking down the barriers faced by microentrepreneurs and providing them with the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed. I strongly believe that corporates, with their expertise and strength, can contribute significantly to strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India.

I am aware that many corporates share a similar intent to support the micro-entrepreneurship community. However, only a few industry stakeholders are able to do so, and a majority of the corporates and stakeholders, even with the intent to support, may not have the ecosystem to support the micro-segment. On the other hand, the impact on the entrepreneurship segment must happen at scale and at a faster pace for steady economic and social growth.

CII CEL will serve as a bridge between established corporates and micro-entrepreneurship stakeholders, enabling them to come together on a common platform to impact the micro-segment on a larger scale.

We envision creating a more inclusive and resilient economy, where every microenterprise has the chance to flourish.

In addition to direct interventions, CII CEL is also committed to policy advocacy and dialogue. Research and studies that shed light on the unique challenges faced by microenterprises will be conducted, and solutions to unlock their full potential will be advocated.

CII CEL is a call to action for corporates to create a movement for micro-enterprises, ensuring they operate and excel to their full potential: More hands for a New India!

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many microentrepreneurs and help build a brighter future for all.