FLO Coimbatore, under the leadership of Chairperson Parnika Gupta, hosted The Walmart Vriddhi MSME Masterclass at PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore. This was an enriching and informative session that brought together entrepreneurs, industry experts, financial institutions, and government representatives on a common platform to discuss business growth and market expansion opportunities for MSMEs.
The session commenced with an introduction to Walmart Vriddhi, a supplier development program designed to empower small and medium enterprises through structured learning, mentorship, and market access opportunities. Participants gained valuable insights into how businesses can strengthen their capabilities in areas such as branding, packaging, e-commerce adoption, and export readiness, enabling them to compete effectively in today’s evolving marketplace.
A key highlight of the event was the participation of representatives from the District Industries Centre (DIC), Coimbatore, and SIDBI, who shared information on the wide range of government schemes, capital subsidies, export promotion initiatives, and financing opportunities available to MSMEs. The masterclass featured renowned experts, Mrs. Amar Deepa, Director – Supplier Development, Walmart Sourcing; Mr. Shanmuga Shiva, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Coimbatore; Mr. Joseph Tharun, Assistant General Manager, SIDBI; and Mr. G. Murali Shankar, Master Trainer, Ideas to Impact Foundation and Walmart Vriddhi.
These discussions helped entrepreneurs better understand the support ecosystem available to them and the practical steps required to access these benefits. The session also featured practical guidance on business growth, innovation, and strategic planning. Participants were encouraged to evaluate their business models, identify new market opportunities, and leverage available institutional support to accelerate growth.
The emphasis on export readiness and international market access was particularly valuable for enterprises aspiring to expand beyond regional markets. Also, the interactive nature of the program enabled participants to engage directly with the speakers, seek clarifications, and gain actionable insights relevant to their businesses. The discussions reinforced the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and informed decision-making in building resilient and scalable enterprises.
Overall, the masterclass served as an excellent knowledge-sharing platform for 97 attendees, equipping MSMEs with the tools, resources, and confidence needed to pursue sustainable growth. The event aligned closely with FICCI FLO Coimbatore’s commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, in their journey towards greater economic participation and success.