GAME and NITI Aayog partner to boost entrepreneurship in India

In a significant move to cultivate local entrepreneurship, the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) partnered with NITI Aayog in 2023. This strategic alliance focuses on establishing vibrant, localized entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout India. Their initial efforts will target pilot sites in Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and Uttar Pradesh, with plans for future expansion into other areas. By engaging various stakeholders like government bodies, corporates, educational institutions, and community groups, the partnership aims to address specific regional challenges that local entrepreneurs encounter. Ishtiyaque Ahmed, the Programme Director for the Industry/MSME vertical at NITI Aayog, highlighted the necessity of adopting a bottom-up approach. He emphasized that it is crucial to understand the needs of local entrepreneurs and assist them in overcoming their unique challenges. This approach advocates for collaboration across multiple sectors and represents a shift towards enhancing community support systems for entrepreneurs. Under this partnership, GAME will implement methodologies designed to provide crucial resources such as access to finance, capacity-building programs, and advocacy for policies that favor entrepreneurship. Ketul Acharya, the President of GAME, shared insights into the organization's mission, which is to inspire a movement of millions who will start and grow businesses by leveraging local resources. Since its establishment in 2018, GAME has played a pivotal role in promoting mass entrepreneurship in India. The collaboration with NITI Aayog is anticipated to strengthen these efforts and develop innovative solutions aimed at removing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship. The initiative aims not only to foster self-sustaining entrepreneurship ecosystems but also to create significant employment opportunities, driving both economic growth and inclusive development across the country.