Walmart Vriddhi MSME Connect Kolkata 2026 Opens New Market Opportunities for West Bengal Entrepreneurs
By Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS
KOLKATA, September 3, 2026: West Bengal’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are set to receive greater support in strengthening their digital capabilities, expanding market access and preparing for international trade, following the Walmart Vriddhi MSME Connect 2026 held in Kolkata.
Organised by Walmart Vriddhi in collaboration with Ideas to Impact Foundation (i2i), the Kolkata programme brought together entrepreneurs, government officials, industry representatives and other ecosystem partners to discuss practical pathways for strengthening MSME businesses and expanding their reach in domestic and global markets.
The programme saw participation from the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Walmart Marketplace, Flipkart and other stakeholders working with the MSME sector.
Focus on Digital Commerce and Export Preparedness
The MSME Connect programme placed particular emphasis on helping entrepreneurs understand the changing business environment and make greater use of digital tools.
Through workshops, interactive sessions and expert discussions, participating businesses received guidance on areas including digital commerce, business preparedness, export procedures, cross-border trade and access to new markets.
The initiative also highlighted the opportunities available to West Bengal entrepreneurs through online marketplaces, including Walmart Marketplace and Flipkart, potentially enabling businesses to connect with customers beyond their traditional geographical markets.
Government Emphasises Digital Transformation of MSMEs
Speaking at the programme, Shri Sumit Gupta, Secretary, Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal, underlined the importance of MSMEs to the state’s economy.
He stressed that strengthening business capabilities through digital technologies and improving access to e-commerce channels can help enterprises pursue sustainable growth, generate employment and become more competitive.
The programme also focused on the potential for West Bengal businesses to enter international markets.
Shri Vishnu Kant, Joint DGFT, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, highlighted the importance of improving entrepreneurs’ understanding of international trade mechanisms. He pointed to the potential benefits of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and initiatives under the Export Promotion Mission in helping eligible businesses explore overseas opportunities.
Building a Stronger MSME Ecosystem
According to Avaneesh Gupta, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising & Fashion Sourcing, Walmart, West Bengal possesses a diverse MSME ecosystem with considerable growth potential.
The Walmart Vriddhi initiative seeks to assist entrepreneurs with business skills, digital adoption and access to potential new markets, with the broader objective of helping enterprises develop more sustainable and competitive operations.
West Bengal has a wide-ranging MSME base covering sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, handloom, food processing, leather, engineering goods and jute. The programme is also engaging with entrepreneurs in several important business centres, including Howrah, Durgapur, Siliguri, Asansol, Kharagpur and Malda.
Training Extends Beyond Market Access
Walmart Vriddhi’s support model combines digital training, marketplace enablement, mentoring and on-ground assistance.
Its training modules cover areas such as financial management, marketing, workforce management and environmental sustainability, giving entrepreneurs access to a broader set of skills required to operate and expand their businesses in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Kolkata’s position as a major commercial centre in eastern India provides an important base for connecting the programme with MSMEs from across the state.
Walmart Vriddhi’s Expanding National Footprint
Launched in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi has so far trained more than 115,000 MSMEs across India, according to the programme’s information.
The initiative has set an objective of supporting 170,000 MSMEs by 2028, with a continued focus on improving entrepreneurial capabilities and helping businesses identify opportunities in both Indian and international markets.
The Kolkata edition of MSME Connect 2026 therefore reflects a broader effort to connect West Bengal’s diverse entrepreneurial community with digital tools, institutional support, e-commerce channels and international market opportunities.
By Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
