Lok Sabha Question No. 4439 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Promotion of Trade and Marketing among MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Atul Garg

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4439 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2026

## PROMOTION OF TRADE AND MARKETING AMONG MSMEs

## 4439. SHRI ATUL GARG:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  recently  launched  any  new  initiative  to  promote  trade  and marketing among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during Financial Year 2025-26 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  objective  and  key  components  of  the  MSME  TEAM  (Trade  Enablement  and  Marketing) Initiative launched under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme;
- (c) whether the scheme focuses on integrating MSMEs, particularly women entrepreneurs, into the digital  commerce  ecosystem  through  Open  Network  and  Digital  Commerce  (ONDC)  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (d) the  total  financial  outlay  allocated  for  the  initiative  and  the  role  of  National  Small  Industries Corporation (NSIC) in its implementation; and
- (e) the steps taken to ensure wide-scale awareness and participation of MSMEs across States/UTs under this initiative?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a): The Trade Enablement  and  Marketing  (TEAM)  Initiative  is  a  Sub-Scheme  of  the  programme 'Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance' (RAMP), which is a Central Sector Scheme to promote digitalisation of trade and commerce among MSMEs. The TEAM initiative was launched on 24 th June 2024 for the duration of 3 years from 2024 to 2027.
- (b): The  objective  and  key  components  of  MSME  TEAM  (Trade  Enablement  and  Marketing Initiative launched under Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme are: -
- i. Expanding Market Reach for MSMEs: Enable MSMEs to present their products and services to a broader  audience,  unlocking  new  market  prospects  beyond  their  conventional  local  customer base.
- ii. Reduction in Cost of Doing Business: MSMEs will have access to a significantly larger pool of buyers,  suppliers,  and  service  providers,  helping  reduce  costs.  The  commission  for  online commerce would be lower than what is charged by traditional e- commerce platforms. This will allow even the smallest of units to conduct online transactions.

- iii. Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure through Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): Ease  the  burden  on  MSMEs  to  invest  in  developing  their  own  digital  setup  or  e-  commerce platforms.  By  capitalising  on  the  Open  Network  for  Digital  Commerce  (ONDC)  ecosystem, MSMEs  can  access  a  readily  available  digital  framework,  complete  with  online  storefronts, payment gateways, and logistical support.
- iv. Digitalisation of MSMEs, thereby enhancing their competitiveness: Embracing ecommerce can drive  the  digitization  of  MSMEs'  operations,  enabling  them  to  streamline  processes,  optimise supply chains, and improve overall efficiency. This enhanced competitiveness can help MSMEs thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
- v. Localised e-commerce Access: Offer MSMEs access to e- commerce platforms in their native languages, to support the Government of India's "Local for Global" initiative.
- vi. Convergence with other Government initiatives: Converge with schemes and initiatives such as PM Vishwakarma, Udyam database, Trade Receivables electronic Discounting System, Online Dispute  Resolution,  Credit  Support  programmes,  Interest  Subvention  programmes,  mSeva, Digilocker,  Digital  MSME  scheme,  etc  that  align  with  the  objectives  of  the  MSME  TEAM initiative.
- vii. Formalisation of MSMEs: Integrating MSMEs into the digital commerce ecosystem formalises their  operations,  ensuring  compliance  with  regulations  and  enhancing  their  legitimacy  in  the market. This can improve their access to financial services and government support.
- viii. Enhancing Credibility and Financial Standing: Strengthen the trustworthiness and credibility of MSMEs by establishing their digital presence and transaction history.
- ix. Nationwide  Outreach  and  Education:  Engage  with  MSMEs  nationwide  through  awareness campaigns and workshops, educating them about the benefits and practicality of embracing ecommerce platforms.

(c): Under  the  TEAM  Initiative  Scheme  focuses  on-boarding  of  MSMEs  including  the  Women entrepreneurs, on the ONDC network through the Seller Network Participants (SNPs), who shall help / handhold them to complete life cycle of the e-commerce business like preparation of ONDC Compliant digital  catalogue,  generation  of  order,  Account  Management  Support  (Order  fulfilment,  operations support, Logistics support, Training and capacity building, contract management between the buyer and seller etc. by imparting training. Not limited to this, financial incentive is offered to support the Micro and  Small  Enterprises  (MSEs)  through  the  SNPs.  Target  beneficiaries  of  MSME  TEAM  Initiative Scheme would be 5 lakh MSEs of which 50% will be women owned MSEs.

(d): The  total  financial  outlay  allocated  for  this  initiative  is  Rs.  277.35  Crores.  National  Small Industries  Corporation  (NSIC)  acts  as  the  implementing  Agency  (IA)  of  the  TEAM  Initiative, responsible  for  Scheme  execution,  MSME  onboarding  to  ONDC, Awareness  programs,  Develop  and maintain the TEAM Initiative portal to register eligible MSEs.

(e): NSIC prepare schedules and conduct workshops and awareness programs across the country to Educate MSMEs on e-commerce, digital catalogues, and online selling. More than 150 workshops are being  conducted  by  PAN  India  by  branch  offices  of  NSIC  to  ensure  wide  scale  awareness  and participation of MSMEs across States/ UTs under this initiative.

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