Meta, CAIT Join Forces To Upskill 1 Mn Traders And Boost MSME Growth
On the occasion of World MSME Day, Meta has partnered with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to launch two new skilling programs aimed at empowering traders and entrepreneurs in the country.
The first initiative entails upskilling one million traders on the WhatsApp Business App over the next three years. This partnership with CAIT will enable traders across India to leverage the power of the WhatsApp Business App, connecting them with customers and propelling their growth journeys.
Recognising the vital role of digital tools in today's business landscape, a Meta-commissioned survey conducted by IPSOS Public Affairs in 2022 revealed that 91 per cent of small and medium enterprises currently using digital tools in India consider messaging apps and tools as crucial for customer connections, with over half reporting that WhatsApp has helped expand their customer base.
The second initiative introduced by Meta is the launch of the Meta Small Business Academy (MSBA), an outcome of Meta's commitment in 2021 to upskill 10 million small businesses. The MSBA aims to equip new entrepreneurs and marketers with essential digital marketing skills necessary for their businesses to flourish on Meta's suite of apps. The certification offered by the Meta Small Business Academy will be particularly beneficial to those starting their entrepreneurial journey.
To ensure widespread accessibility, the course modules and examinations of the Meta Small Business Academy are available in seven languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. This inclusive approach will enable MSMEs across India to partake in the skilling programs and harness the digital marketing capabilities necessary for growth.
Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President (India) at Meta, emphasised the significance of skilling in fostering growth for India's MSMEs. Devanathan said, "At Meta, we are committed to enabling timely skill development opportunities for businesses across their growth journeys." The collaboration with CAIT and the launch of MSBA exemplify Meta's dedication to empowering small businesses in India.
Over the years, Meta has launched several programs tailored to meet the unique needs of India's MSMEs. Notably, they have collaborated with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) as a strategic partner, further reinforcing their commitment to empowering Indian MSMEs through skilling.
Praveen Khandelwal, the National Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), highlighted the pivotal role technology plays in the trading community. Khandelwal said, "With businesses of all sizes using WhatsApp to communicate, coordinate, and connect with their customers effectively, there is an urgent need to equip them with timely skills needed to drive business growth." Through the "WhatsApp Se Vyapaar" campaign, CAIT and Meta aim to digitally empower traders, unlocking new growth opportunities for the trading community across India.
The partnership between Meta and CAIT holds great promise for the growth of small businesses in India. By upskilling traders and entrepreneurs and providing them with the necessary digital marketing skills, Meta aims to catalyse their success on its platforms and contribute to the advancement of India's MSME ecosystem.
