Vodafone Idea’s enterprise arm, Vi Business, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal State Export Promotion Society (WBSEPS) to drive digital transformation for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. Under this initiative, Vi Business will offer its ‘ReadyForNext’ digital assessment tool, educational resources, and training programs to equip MSMEs with the necessary technological know-how to enhance their competitiveness.
The ‘ReadyForNext’ program, launched in 2022, has already seen over 1.9 lakh MSMEs across India assess their digital maturity. Through this partnership, Vi Business aims to bridge the digital divide by providing MSMEs access to digital tools and knowledge in local languages, while also conducting webinars and events across West Bengal.
Speaking on the collaboration, Rajeev Mehta, Executive Vice President of Vi Business, said, “MSMEs contribute around 30% to India’s GDP. This partnership will empower them with digital tools to expand their reach and take their products to global markets.” Rajesh Pandey, Principal Secretary, MSME & Textiles Department, West Bengal, emphasized the significance of this initiative in fostering innovation, especially among rural artisans and women entrepreneurs. In Siliguri, a key business hub of North Bengal, MSMEs play a crucial role in trade and commerce, particularly in tea, timber, and tourism sectors. The integration of digital solutions is expected to streamline operations, improve market reach, and strengthen supply chains, positioning Siliguri-based businesses for greater growth in a tech-driven economy.
