Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
These are aimed at increasing access to finance for MSMEs and provide tools for business development.
INDIA
Cairn Linkage Program - Rajasthan: This program promotes economic and social development in Barmer District, Rajasthan. It has three components (i) local supplier development; (ii) child and maternal health awareness (CMH), and (iii) dairy development. The program targets are to train 7,000 men/women/SME employees; ensure business and market development of 300 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); reach 32 villages with a population of 18,000 through the CMH program; and impact 600 households in 20 villages through the Dairy development initiative.
SME Toolkit – All India: IFC has collaborated with ICICI Bank and IBM to launch the SME Toolkit which is available free to MSMEs. The toolkit, customized to local requirements and translated into Hindi, provides on-line information such as updates on relevant laws and tenders, business planning advice, accounting and inventory tools etc. This toolkit has been used by IFC in more than 25 countries and has been recently launched in India.
Tata Tea Land Value Optimization Program - Assam: IFC has partnered with Tata tea gardens to increase the incomes of workers by introducing non-tea and other agro-based innovative activities in North East India. The program has benefited over 1000 tea workers across 11 tea gardens by enhancing their income by over $1 a day. The plantation business has been structured into a new company with 20% equity participation of workers.
Private Healthcare Hubs - Assam: IFC advised on the development of a sustainable business model for the Medishops business of GNRC Ltd. (a private hospital). These provide authentic medicines, diagnostics and referral facilities in outlying areas. Innovations include a medical insurance scheme through which over 100,000 people have gained health insurance benefits. In addition, 30 new Medishops have been opened in Assam providing employment to over 500 people.
Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra (KGVK) - Jharkhand: IFC is working with the CSR arm of Usha Martin, KGVK, to provide capacity building and market access to small and marginal farmers. More than 3,000 farmers have been provided capacity building services and better income opportunities. IFC is also collaborating and providing financial support to KGVK on innovative solutions for rural healthcare delivery. A paramedic training school has been established and 10 paramedic clinics have been set up in rural Jharkhand.
Rural Business Hubs - North East India: IFC is partnering with CII and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in developing Rural Business Hubs in North East India. The broad components of this partnership include facilitation of private sector and rural community linkages, establishment of a capacity building expert network, and providing inputs on product design and market access. Seven RBH’s have been identified out of which one is already operational in Nagaland benefiting 500 villagers.
