Meesho Partners with Odisha Govt and World Skill Center to Empower Entrepreneurs

Bhubaneswar: Meesho, India’s leading e-commerce marketplace, has forged a significant partnership with the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), Government of Odisha, and the World Skill Center (WSC), Bhubaneswar, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration, facilitated by Palladium Consulting India Pvt Ltd, the lead implementation partner of the “SWAKALPA” program, aims to empower micro and nano entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals in Odisha, fostering economic growth and promoting gender equality.

The SWAKALPA program, envisioned to benefit 10,000 individuals, with 1,000 selected for comprehensive mentorship and enterprise setup support, seeks to address unemployment and underemployment among youth in the region. Meesho will play a pivotal role in executing the program, which includes 104 hours of entrepreneurship training, followed by an extensive 6-month mentorship period and setting up of enterprises.

As part of the partnership, Meesho will facilitate the seamless onboarding of entrepreneurs trained under SWAKALPA onto its platform. The company will provide assistance and resources to navigate the onboarding process, ensuring a quick and hassle-free launch of their online businesses. Dedicated training sessions will cover essential aspects of online selling, empowering entrepreneurs to manage their online stores effectively.

Expressing confidence in the partnership, Shri. Pinaki Patnaik, Additional Secretary, SDTE and COO, WSC, Government of Odisha, emphasized the importance of connecting local businesses to broader markets to drive economic growth in the state. Sanjeev Barnwal, Founder and CTO, Meesho, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its alignment with Meesho’s mission of empowering small businesses across India.

Mr. Sandeep Lanjewar, Director, Palladium, lauded the collaboration, highlighting its potential to showcase the unique products crafted by Odisha’s entrepreneurs on Meesho’s online platform. With a shared vision, the partnership aims to unlock boundless opportunities for the growth of entrepreneurs in the state.

With a focus on nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the SWAKALPA program, in collaboration with Meesho, is set to pave the way for a future where aspiring entrepreneurs in Odisha have the support and resources they need to succeed in the digital age.