Guest of Honour Dr Vijay R Sirsath, Joint Director & Head of Office, MSME DFO, Nagpur, briefed the participants about the MSME Cluster Flatted Factory Complex, a government-supported infrastructure under the MSE-CDP scheme. He explained that the initiative provides multi-storey factory units for small enterprises along with shared common facilities to enhance productivity and competitiveness. He further highlighted that the programme extends financial assistance for developing flatted factory complexes and Common Facility Centres (CFCs), enabling MSMEs to operate efficiently and grow within a cluster-based ecosystem.

Kuldeep Ram Kishore, Asstt General Manager (SMECC), Bank of India, Nagpur, highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in India’s economic growth, emphasizing that access to smart, structured, and technology-enabled finance is the biggest enabler for entrepreneurs, especially women-led enterprises. He elaborated on key challenges faced by MSMEs—such as collateral requirements, financial literacy gaps, and working capital issues—and presented practical solutions through government-backed schemes including MUDRA, Stand-Up India, PMEGP, and the CGTMSE guarantee programme.

He also showcased Bank of India’s dedicated offerings like the Udyami Vanita Scheme, designed to empower women entrepreneurs with flexible funding and simplified processes. The session encouraged aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to leverage digital tools, build strong banking relationships, and adopt smart finance strategies for sustainable growth.

Earlier, Yogita Deshmukh, Chairperson – LEW, in her welcome address, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighting the session’s focus on empowering women entrepreneurs through government schemes. Shachi Mallick and Disha Dambhare, Project Directors conducted the proceedings. Piyush Mishra, Asstt PF Commissioner – EPFO informed about Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)  launched by EPFO, has two parts viz support for First-Time Employees and second is supporting for Establishments (Employers)  and Kapil Bhoyal, Manager (BD) NSIC, Nagpur also shared details about Raw Material Assistance Scheme, which aims at helping MSMEs by way of financing the purchase of Raw Material both indigenous & imported. Poonam Gupta, Secretary – LEW proposed a formal vote of thanks.

Prominently present were Poonam Lala, Manisha Bawankar, Vandana Sharma, Neelam Bowade, Minal Dawande, Shrigauri Ghahate and women entrepreneurs, start-ups.