Our Small Businesses Are Growing, But They Still Need a Helping Hand: President Droupadi Murmu on World MSME Day

New Delhi, June 27, 2025 – Marking the occasion of MSME Day 2025, President Droupadi Murmu addressed a gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, highlighting both the achievements and the unmet needs of India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises.

While celebrating the sector’s growing contribution to the Indian economy, she also reminded the nation of the real hurdles that many small business owners still face every day.

“There is no doubt that the MSME sector is playing a vital role in the nation’s progress. However, this sector also faces several challenges—the foremost being financial constraints, competition from large corporations, the lack of cutting-edge technology, limited access to raw materials and skilled labour, restricted markets, and delayed payments,” the President said.

Her words struck a chord with millions of entrepreneurs for whom running a business means navigating these obstacles daily, despite contributing nearly a third of India’s GDP and employing over 11 crore people.

The President was speaking at an event that also marked the 25th anniversary of the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). A commemorative postal stamp was unveiled in its honour. The scheme has extended over ₹9.80 lakh crore in credit guarantees, including a record ₹3 lakh crore in the financial year 2024–25 alone.

President Murmu also inaugurated the MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0, a platform to encourage innovation among young entrepreneurs. The previous edition saw over 25,000 submissions, with 488 ideas selected for financial support of up to ₹15 lakh each.

A strong advocate for inclusive growth, the President expressed her appreciation for the rising number of women entrepreneurs in the sector. She encouraged more women to take initiative and build businesses that drive both personal empowerment and national development.

Her message was clear: India’s small businesses are not just growing—they are evolving. But to unlock their full potential, they need more than recognition. They need sustained support—access to easier credit, better infrastructure, skilled manpower, faster payments, and a level playing field.

As India marches towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, the President’s words served as both celebration and a call to action: to stand with the small enterprises that power the nation’s future.

Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes and readers should verify specific details through official reports or consult industry professionals for comprehensive insights.