GAME and NITI Aayog Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Local Entrepreneurship Across India

New Delhi: In a significant move to energize grassroots enterprise development, the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) and NITI Aayog have announced a strategic partnership to foster vibrant and self-sustaining entrepreneurship ecosystems across multiple states in India. The collaboration will kick off with pilot initiatives in Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on place-based interventions tailored to local entrepreneurial needs.

The partnership aims to empower local entrepreneurs by bringing together a broad network of stakeholders—ranging from government and corporates to educational institutions, financial bodies, champion entrepreneurs, and community organisations. These stakeholders will work collectively to design localised solutions that address region-specific challenges and opportunities.

Ishtiyaque Ahmed, Programme Director – Industry/MSME vertical at NITI Aayog, highlighted the inclusive approach of the initiative. “Our strategy is grounded in end-to-end facilitation and collaboration across sectors. It’s critical to adopt a bottom-up approach that listens to and supports local entrepreneurs in overcoming their unique barriers,” he said.

The pilot programs in selected regions will implement GAME’s tested methodologies, which include improving access to finance, organizing capacity-building workshops, advocating for enabling policies, and launching community-driven initiatives. The overarching goal is to establish self-sustaining local ecosystems that not only foster business growth but also create extensive employment opportunities.

Ketul Acharya, President of GAME, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. “At GAME, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives and uplift communities. This partnership with NITI Aayog aligns with our mission to enable millions to start and grow businesses that leverage local resources to serve both domestic and external markets,” he remarked.

Since its inception in 2018, GAME has played a catalytic role in promoting mass entrepreneurship across India. The organisation has led efforts to strengthen MSME ecosystems, empower women entrepreneurs, and advocate for inclusive and sustainable business models in underserved areas.

By addressing systemic barriers such as lack of access to credit, markets, mentorship, and networks, the GAME-NITI Aayog collaboration aims to lay the groundwork for innovative and inclusive local economies. The initiative is expected to foster a culture of entrepreneurship rooted in local ownership, thereby creating a ripple effect of growth and job creation throughout the country.