Director General’s Message

By the establishment of this CII Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood (CII CEL), our mission is to create an ecosystem where microenterprises can not only survive but thrive and expand. We recognize the challenges that these enterprises face, from limited access to markets and finance to the need for continuous skill development.

CII CEL is dedicated to addressing these challenges by facilitating strategic collaborations between industry leaders, experts, enablers, policymakers, and microentrepreneurs. These partnerships will bring projects that have a tangible and lasting impact on the ground.

Our programs are designed to address the specific needs of microenterprises, from skill development and capacity building to access to markets and finance.

One of the core areas of our work is to provide microentrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to scale their businesses. This includes mentorship programs, capacity-building workshops, and access to market opportunities through our extensive network of industry connections.

By connecting microenterprises with larger players, we are helping to integrate them into broader supply chains, thereby enhancing their growth potential and sustainability.

In addition to mentorship, CII CEL is focused on building strategic partnerships with industry leaders, government bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. These partnerships are crucial for creating a supportive ecosystem where microenterprises can access the resources and opportunities they need to grow. Our Centre is also actively involved in policy advocacy, working to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and success of microenterprises.

As we embark on this journey, we encourage stakeholders to join us in our mission to empower microentrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic development across India.

Chandrajit Banerjee

Director General

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)