National Seminar on ‘Strengthening Rural Microenterprises’

• 05 Jun 2025
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On 4 June 2025, NITI Aayog’s Rural Development Division held a National Seminar at NITI Aayog, New Delhi. The seminar’s theme was ‘Strengthening Rural Microenterprises.’ 

Policymakers, business executives, financial institutions, international organizations, technology companies and entrepreneurs gathered together for a day to discuss the ways through which rural microenterprises could feel empowered. They particularly emphasized on women-led projects.

The seminar noted the importance of rural microenterprises when it comes to promoting equitable economic growth while reducing regional disparities. The primary focus, during the seminar, was on expansion of market as well as digital access, enhancing access to affordable credit and enabling policy frameworks, including through ONDC initiative. 

The discussions at the seminar included the importance of streamlining all the regulatory requirements and guaranteeing connectivity to digital tools as well as platforms. 

In order to support rural entrepreneurship, experts at the seminar recommended utilizing blended finance models, institutional connections and CSR funds. Also, they emphasized that in order to increase market access and impact, e-commerce platforms and private sector resources must be taken advantage of.

A special session on gender inclusion spoke about the success stories and grassroots innovations of rural women entrepreneurs like Lakhpati Didis from various rural regions of India. One important facilitator for growing women-led businesses was recognized as the Women Entrepreneurship Platform.

Stronger multistakeholder cooperation, government scheme convergence, rural institution capacity building and innovation ecosystem development were among the main lessons learned. It was determined that putting rural business owners, women in particular, at the center of India's development story was a national priority.

Towards the end of the seminar, young activists and green business executives gave presentations and showcased the rise of innovation, sustainability and rural development.

Source: PIB