Startup Originals Team
The Uttar Pradesh government has partnered with global retail giant Walmart to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs in the state in expanding their export presence and selling products in international markets. The initiative will focus on free training and capacity-building programmes aimed at helping small businesses go global through digital and e-commerce channels.
Free Training to Enable Global Market Access
Under the partnership, MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh will receive free, structured training to help them understand export requirements, global consumer expectations, and online selling processes. The programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on cross-border trade, digital storefronts, logistics, and compliance.
Officials said the training will help small businesses overcome common barriers such as lack of export knowledge, limited digital skills, and difficulty accessing global buyers.
Boosting MSME Competitiveness
The collaboration aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Uttar Pradesh’s MSMEs by improving product readiness, quality standards, and branding for international markets. Participants will also be trained on pricing strategies, packaging norms, and customer engagement for global e-commerce platforms.
By focusing on digital enablement, the programme seeks to reduce dependence on traditional export intermediaries and allow businesses to connect directly with overseas customers.
Role of the Uttar Pradesh Government
The Uttar Pradesh government said the initiative aligns with its broader objective of promoting exports, job creation, and entrepreneurship across the state. Uttar Pradesh has a large base of MSMEs spanning sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, food processing, and engineering products.
State officials said empowering MSMEs to access global markets would help increase incomes, generate employment, and strengthen the state’s contribution to India’s export growth.
Walmart’s Focus on Supplier Development
Walmart said the partnership builds on its ongoing efforts to support small businesses and local suppliers by providing knowledge, tools, and market access. The company has previously run similar programmes in other regions to help MSMEs integrate into global supply chains.
Through this initiative, Walmart aims to share best practices in e-commerce, supply chain management, and quality assurance, helping Indian sellers meet international standards.
Digital Commerce as a Growth Engine
The programme places strong emphasis on online selling, reflecting the growing importance of e-commerce in global trade. MSMEs will be trained on how to list products online, manage inventory, handle international shipping, and provide after-sales support to overseas customers.
Experts note that digital platforms offer small businesses a cost-effective way to reach global buyers, especially at a time when traditional export channels can be complex and capital-intensive.
Impact on Small Businesses
Industry representatives said the initiative could be particularly beneficial for first-time exporters and rural entrepreneurs who lack exposure to international markets. By offering free training, the partnership lowers entry barriers and encourages more MSMEs to explore global opportunities.
The programme is expected to support businesses at different stages of growth, from early-stage enterprises to established manufacturers looking to scale exports.
Looking Ahead
The Uttar Pradesh government and Walmart are expected to roll out the training programme in phases, with details on eligibility and registration to be announced soon. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for similar collaborations in other states.
By combining government support with global retail expertise, the partnership aims to unlock export potential among MSMEs and help small businesses from Uttar Pradesh compete on the world stage.
