Walmart launches Vriddhi Supplier Development Program to train Indian MSMEs

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Dec 10, 2019

US-based business Walmart aims to train 50,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises over the next five years in India with its new “Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program”.

Walmart plans to increase its commitment to the Union Government’s “Make in India” initiative by pledging to train 50,000 MSME business owners and harness its network of suppliers which it already uses for its India-based e-commerce platform Flipkart, ET Retail reported. The program aims to help Indian manufacturers to expand in both the Indian and international markets. 

"In the first five years, our commitment is that 50,000 MSME entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to train at 25 institute hubs strategically located near manufacturing clusters across India so that they are convenient to access," Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, told ET Retail.

"We will have a robust network, or an institute-type approach, that provides in-person tools and training to optimise MSMEs’ potentials to help them grow and prosper," said McKenna. The first Walmart Vriddhi institute is scheduled to open in March 2020 and will offer direct training to MSMEs. 

A number of traders’ organisations, including the Confederation of All India Traders, have criticised Walmart for harming the interests of Indian businesses through its online business practices. The launch of the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program sees the business move towards addressing these concerns.