Every year, June 27 is observed as MSME Day 2025 around the world. While the acronym might sound a little too business-like, the truth is Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are the heart and soul of India’s economy. They’re not just job creators or contributors to GDP figures on government reports. They’re real people, running small businesses in villages, towns, and cities, often against all odds. And more often than not, these businesses are creating waves of social change.

At TheUnitedIndian, we believe that the upcoming MSME Day 2025 should be more than a commemoration—it should be a celebration. A celebration of innovation, courage, community impact, and the deeply personal stories of entrepreneurs transforming MSME in India from the ground up. This year's theme, "Business for MSMEs – Connecting the Entrepreneurs," perfectly aligns with the stories we're about to share.

So, in honour of MSME Day 2025, we’re spotlighting 10 Indian small businesses that are doing far more than just turning a profit. They’re solving real problems, creating livelihoods, and rewriting what it means to do business with a purpose.

Why MSMEs Deserve Our Attention?

Let’s take a step back. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in India contribute around 30% of India’s GDP, 45% of total exports, and employ over 110 million people. These are not faceless statistics. They represent livelihoods, families, communities. With over 63 million MSMEs across the country, they form the bedrock of local economies and grassroots innovation.

Beyond their economic role, an increasing number of MSME in India are also tackling challenges like climate change, gender inequality, waste management, and access to education. These are the businesses we want to celebrate today.

10 Small Indian Businesses Making a Big Social Impact

Choosing just 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises from India’s 63 million-strong sector was tough! We focused on small businesses (micro: investment under ₹2.5 crore, small: up to ₹50 crore) with measurable social impact. Our picks span diverse sectors—tech, agriculture, crafts—and regions, from urban hubs to rural heartlands. Each story reflects the MSME Day theme of connecting entrepreneurs, showcasing collaboration and innovation. Here’s a peek at their inspiring work.

Each of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises featured below has:

• A clear social impact (inclusion, sustainability, education, health, etc.)
• A scalable or replicable model
• A unique product or service rooted in Indian needs and culture
• Been recognized by credible institutions or has measurable community outcomes

1. RangSutra (Rajasthan)

A collective of thousands of women artisans from rural India, RangSutra brings traditional craft to global markets. Their handcrafted apparel and home decor are not just beautiful—they are a testament to dignity in labour. Working with FabIndia and other brands, RangSutra ensures fair wages and sustainable employment for over 3,000 artisans.

Impact: Empowering rural women with economic independence and preserving India’s rich handloom heritage.

2. Gegadyne Energy (Mumbai)

Clean-tech innovation with a desi twist. Gegadyne is developing advanced non-lithium batteries that charge ultra-fast and are more environmentally friendly. This startup is poised to revolutionize EV charging in India and make clean energy more accessible.

Impact: Reducing India’s carbon footprint and advancing energy independence.

3. Tamul Plates (Assam)

Based in the northeast, Tamul Plates makes disposable plates out of areca palm leaves—a 100% natural, biodegradable alternative to plastic. The company works with rural youth and women to manufacture the plates, helping them earn steady incomes.

Impact: Addressing plastic pollution and rural unemployment simultaneously.

4. Aarohana EcoSocial (Pune)

Aarohana upcycles plastic waste into fashionable bags and accessories while offering employment to tribal women. Their colourful, conscious products are now exported globally, spreading the message of sustainability.

Impact: Over 10 tonnes of plastic removed from landfills and 50+ families supported through regular employment.

5. Hasiru Dala Innovations (Bengaluru)

What if we told you the people who pick up your garbage could become entrepreneurs? That’s the story of Hasiru Dala, which formalizes the work of waste-pickers and gives them dignified jobs and business opportunities in waste management.

Impact: Integration of 9,000+ informal waste workers into structured, sustainable livelihoods.

6. Anthill Creations (Bengaluru)

Founded by IITians, Anthill Creations transforms junk into joy by building low-cost, eco-friendly playgrounds for children using recycled materials. Their mission is simple: every child deserves a space to play.

Impact: Over 350 playgrounds created across 21 states, impacting 1,00,000+ children.

7. Goonj
Transforms urban waste, especially discarded clothes, into resources for rural infrastructure projects. This innovative recycling model reduces urban pollution while empowering rural communities.

8. Farmizen (Pan-India)

A tech-based farming initiative that connects urban families with farmers who grow chemical-free food on mini-farms. Users can subscribe to weekly baskets of fresh produce and even visit their farm plots.

Impact: Boosts income for small farmers while promoting mindful, sustainable eating among urban consumers.

9. Kilkari (Bihar)

Kilkari runs early childhood education centres in under-resourced communities, providing low-cost, play-based education for children under six. Their local teacher-led model ensures both community engagement and sustainability.

Impact: Improved school readiness for thousands of children in Bihar’s poorest districts.

10. Green The Map (Delhi)

This quirky social enterprise upcycles waste material (from seatbelts to tyre tubes) into funky bags and lifestyle accessories. Run by the NGO Swechha, it’s making sustainability fashionable for the youth.

Impact: Diverted over 30 tonnes of waste from landfills and engaged 200+ underprivileged artisans.

Trends We Can’t Ignore

As we explored these inspiring MSME in India, a few trends stood out:

• Women-led leadership and gender inclusion
• Deep integration with local communities
• Focus on circular economy and climate resilience
• Use of technology for impact rather than just efficiency

These businesses are setting a precedent. They’re showing that even with limited resources, massive impact is possible when passion meets purpose.

Government Support That Fuels the Mission

India has launched several schemes to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, including:

• Udyam Registration: A simplified registration process to get MSME recognition
• MUDRA Yojana: Easy microloans for small entrepreneurs
• ZED Certification: For promoting Zero Defect Zero Effect manufacturing
• Stand-Up India Scheme: Focus on SC/ST and women entrepreneurs

However, awareness and access remain a challenge. Bridging this gap is crucial for more such MSME in India to emerge.

Preparing for MSME Day 2025: Connecting Entrepreneurs

These Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises show that collaboration is key to success. Whether it’s RangSutra linking artisans with markets or Farmizen connecting farmers with consumers, their stories align with the MSME Day 2025 theme, Business for MSMEs – Connecting the Entrepreneurs. Here’s how MSMEs and readers can prepare:

• Tap into Networks: Use platforms like Udyami Mitra or government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (₹4.14 lakh crore sanctioned in FY25) to connect with mentors and funding.
• Go Digital: With 900 million internet users in India, MSMEs can join e-marketplaces to reach global customers, as IBEF suggests.
• Collaborate: Partner with startups or academic institutions for innovation, like MedPrime’s work with clinics.

Readers, you can support MSME in India by buying local—choose organic produce, handmade crafts, or eco-friendly products. Share these stories to amplify their reach. Every step counts!

Wrapping UP

From empowering communities to greening our planet, these 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises prove that small businesses can create big change. As India aims for a $5 trillion economy, MSME in India are leading the charge, driving jobs, exports, and innovation. This MSME Day 2025, let’s connect entrepreneurs and celebrate their impact

As we gear up for MSME Day 2025, let’s move beyond applause.

• Shop local. Every rupee spent is a vote for the India we want to build.
• Share their stories. Visibility can change lives.
• Support with skills or time. Volunteer, mentor, collaborate.

India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are not just shaping markets—they’re shaping mindsets, futures, and hope. Let’s stand with them.

Let’s use MSME Day 2025 to support VocalforLocal. At TheUnitedIndian – we believe your trusted voice for stories that matter. Follow The United Indian for more stories that spark pride and progress. Together, we’ll keep India’s MSMEs shining bright!