Spirit of Entrepreneurs: The Past and The Prospect

On this Entrepreneurs’ Day, we honor the creativity, and tenacity of those who dare to dream and build. In India, much of this entrepreneurial spirit thrives within the dynamic realm of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, whose ingenuity and resilience form the backbone of India’s economy. With their adaptability, entrepreneurs have embraced change, navigated challenges, and created new opportunities for growth.

Over the last decade, the MSME sector has undergone a seismic shift, with technology and policy support acting as key drivers of growth. The introduction of digital tools and platforms has empowered entrepreneurs to scale faster, access global markets, and compete with larger players.

Technology and Policy

Dinesh Gulati, COO of IndiaMART, highlights this transformation stating, “MSMEs have been contributing to socio-economic development for decades, being one of the biggest employment generators and a major contributor to India’s GDP. Today, 56 per cent of MSMEs in India are part of the e-commerce industry, leveraging digital tools to expand across borders.” These advancements have revolutionized how MSMEs interact with consumers and stakeholders, enabling them to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Technology has also reshaped the financial landscape, making it easier for MSMEs to access credit and manage their operations. Gautam Udani, co-founder and COO of Veefin Group, said, “Platforms like Digital Supply Chain Finance and automated lending systems have enabled faster credit approvals, data-driven decision-making, and seamless experiences.” Such innovations have bridged the financing gap, offering entrepreneurs the tools they need to overcome cash flow challenges and grow their businesses. With the rise of fintech solutions, many MSME entrepreneurs have adopted digital platforms to streamline payments, manage inventory, and navigate complex regulatory requirements, fundamentally altering their approach to growth.

Kavita Shirvaikar, managing director of Patel Engineering Ltd., reflects on this shift, particularly in the infrastructure sector. “Technological advancements have equipped MSME entrepreneurs with access to digital tools and platforms that increase market reach, enhance customer interaction, and streamline operations, allowing them to function as efficiently as larger organisations. Additionally, the government’s initiatives, such as the ‘Make in India’ campaign, MSMEfriendly policies, and financing schemes like the Mudra Yojana and Credit Guarantee Fund, have provided critical support to MSME entrepreneurs,” she said

Evolving Challenges for MSME Entrepreneurs

However, the journey of entrepreneurship remains fraught with challenges, many of which have evolved with time. A decade ago, MSME entrepreneurs struggled with limited access to funding, a lack of infrastructure, and time-consuming manual processes. Today, the challenges are more nuanced, revolving around technological adaptation, cybersecurity risks, and the need for constant innovation. Sachin Sharma, MD and founder of GEM Enviro, explains, “Staying at the forefront of technological advancements while competing in a dynamic market requires constant innovation. Entrepreneurs must integrate sustainability into their practices to remain competitive.” The increasing emphasis on sustainability has added a new layer of complexity, pushing entrepreneurs to adopt environmentally conscious business practices while staying profitable.

External shocks, such as global pandemics and geopolitical uncertainties, have further tested the resilience of entrepreneurs. Reflecting on these disruptions, K Paul Thomas, MD and CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank, remarks, “Though one could factor in business risks in advance, it may not be possible to foresee ‘black swan’ events such as the Covid pandemic. Navigating these requires cautious optimism and prudent management.” His perspective underscores the importance of long-term planning and the ability to adapt quickly in an unpredictable world.

In the face of these challenges, successful entrepreneurs demonstrate a knack for turning obstacles into opportunities. Dr. Kapil Garg, MD of Asian Energy Services, believes in the importance of identifying untapped markets and aligning with broader economic benefits. “The mantra that worked for us was to find ways to be more efficient than the competition, whether in terms of cost or time,” he shares. This approach has allowed businesses like his to stay competitive even during periods of market volatility.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Adaptability is another hallmark of successful entrepreneurship. Sachhin Gajjaer, MD and founder of Sattrix, emphasizes the importance of building strong teams and maintaining a customer-centric focus. “Building a strong, adaptable team and staying connected to customer needs allowed us to remain competitive and agile,” he notes. This sentiment reflects the growing need for businesses to foster collaboration and stay closely aligned with market demands.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the lessons from these seasoned leaders are invaluable. A clear focus on problem-solving and creating value is a recurring theme. “Always focus on understanding the core needs of your customers and build solutions that create genuine value for them,” advises Udani. Technology, while a critical enabler, is not a substitute for human connection. Dinesh Gulati underscores the importance of forming meaningful relationships and strategic collaborations by saying, “India becoming one of the fastest growing economies, these are the best times for MSMEs. They should improve digital transformation further, explore tie-ups or strategic collaborations to improve their reach, customer service, efficiencies and make global markets as their canvas. Just remember, the best is yet to come.”

Financial management is another crucial area of focus. Dr. Garg emphasizes the need to monitor cash flow vigilantly. “Cash flow is king—remain focused on it,” he said. For entrepreneurs just starting out, financial prudence can make the difference between survival and success, particularly in industries prone to cyclical downturns. Meanwhile, Sachin Sharma offers practical guidance, urging entrepreneurs to keep learning, stay grounded, and embrace failures as opportunities to grow.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The road ahead for MSME entrepreneurs is paved with both challenges and opportunities. India’s rapidly growing economy, coupled with government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, GST reforms, and Mudra loans, has created a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive. Post-2020, the emphasis on digitization and sustainability has further expanded the possibilities for innovation. As Sharma observes, “Government initiatives like easier financing and policies supporting digitization and sustainability have empowered MSMEs to thrive.”

This evolving landscape offers immense potential for MSMEs to lead the charge in shaping a sustainable, tech-driven future. Entrepreneurs who embrace digital transformation, foster innovation, and remain attuned to the needs of their customers will find themselves at the forefront of this new era.