Google and Redington have announced a partnership with the Chamber of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CIMSME) at MSME Manthan 2025 in New Delhi, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and financial access for India’s informal small businesses.
Digital Push for Informal MSMEs
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of India’s economy, contributing around 30 percent of GDP and employing over 110 million people, according to government data. Yet, millions of these enterprises remain informal, lacking access to credit, technology, and structured markets.
The collaboration announced at MSME Manthan 2025, held on 2 May at Le Meridien, New Delhi, seeks to close this gap. Google will provide digital tools and training to enhance online visibility, while Redington will support technology adoption and distribution. The initiative, facilitated by CIMSME, focuses on helping small businesses expand from local markets to national and global platforms.
Key Focus Areas of the Partnership
Access to Finance and Markets
The event highlighted measures to fast-track access to collateral-free loans and formal credit systems. Officials also pointed to opportunities in government procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and marketing via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Digital Transformation
Google’s involvement underscores the importance of digital adoption. In a statement, the company said it would extend training and resources to MSMEs, particularly those in underserved sectors, enabling them to leverage e-commerce and online advertising.
Support Infrastructure
Redington, a major supply chain and distribution company, will play a critical role in ensuring affordable access to devices, software, and cloud solutions. Industry experts said this could reduce barriers for enterprises that cannot otherwise invest in technology.
Expert Perspectives
According to Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General of CIMSME, the partnership is designed to empower entrepreneurs at the grassroots level: “Informal MSMEs face the twin challenge of limited credit and low digital readiness. This collaboration aims to provide both.”
Economists have long noted that India’s informal sector businesses struggle to grow without digital access. Dr. Ritu Agarwal, professor of business at the University of Delhi, said: “Digitalisation allows MSMEs to participate in wider markets and compete effectively, but infrastructure and training remain vital.”
Broader Context
India has more than 63 million MSMEs, with a large proportion operating informally, according to the Ministry of MSME. Policymakers argue that integrating these businesses into formal systems is essential for sustainable growth.
Past government schemes, such as the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), provided risk-free credit access, but uptake has been limited in rural and semi-urban areas. Analysts believe public–private partnerships such as the CIMSME–Google–Redington alliance could bridge this persistent gap.
Looking Ahead
The initiative will begin with pilot programmes in selected states, followed by a national rollout, according to CIMSME representatives. While details of financial commitments have not been disclosed, industry analysts say the scale of partners involved suggests significant resources will be mobilised.
Observers caution that challenges remain. Many informal MSMEs lack reliable internet access or business documentation, raising questions about how inclusive such programmes can be. However, advocates argue that even incremental gains in digital adoption could have a multiplier effect on growth and employment.
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Conclusion
The partnership between Google, Redington, and CIMSME, unveiled at MSME Manthan 2025, signals a new chapter for India’s small business sector. By combining digital tools, market access, and support infrastructure, the initiative seeks to formalise and empower millions of enterprises that form the backbone of India’s economy.
