Furthering the mission to democratize internet commerce for everyone, Meesho, India’s only true e-commerce marketplace announced a visionary goal to onboard 10 million small businesses by 2027 and help them succeed online. The announcement, made at an event in Delhi on August 22nd, embellishes Meesho’s image as a flagbearer of SMB empowerment at grassroots. The aspirational goal marks a remarkable ten-fold expansion of Meesho’s current seller base of 1.3 million, simultaneously unlocking new opportunities for small, medium, and local enterprises with an annual turnover below 40 lakhs, to embrace the realm of digital commerce. This initiative also aligns with the decision taken by the Government of India to relax the mandatory GST requirement for online sales for businesses with annual turnover of less than 40 lakhs.
According to a recent report by RedSeer, India boasts an estimated 85 million MSMEs, yet only a mere 1.5 million currently operate within the online sphere. This glaring disparity underscores the immense untapped potential within this sector – a potential that can empower even the smallest sellers from every corner of the nation to partake in the e-commerce revolution and uplift their businesses. With a substantial portion of new seller registrations faltering during the GST registration phase, Meesho intends to take advantage of the anticipated easing of GST regulations and unlock opportunities for micro and small enterprises to embark on their inaugural online journey. This strategic shift is set to usher in a new wave of entrepreneurs, spanning homemakers, boutique owners and mom-and-pop stores.
Vidit Aatrey, CEO and Founder at Meesho, said “Our commitment to onboard 10 million sellers onto the platform by 2027 serves as a resounding testament to our ongoing mission of democratizing internet commerce for all. The resilience and vitality of MSMEs form the backbone of our nation, and their empowerment holds the potential to breathe life into a rejuvenated economy.
Guided by an unwavering dedication to technological advancement, innovation, and inclusivity, we are poised to unlock secondary income avenues for offline sellers. Our vision extends beyond mere figures; it envisions a nurturing environment that catalyzes the expansion of over 80% of the existing MSMEs. As we embark on this transformative journey, we not only bridge the digital divide but also champion ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by cultivating a thriving online community that embodies progress and self-reliance.”
The momentous announcement was made during an illustrious event held in Delhi, where Meesho came together with various industry stakeholders like ONDC and CAIT to honor and celebrate MSME sellers across eight different categories such as ‘Most Innovative Seller’, ‘Most Trusted Seller’, and ‘Customers’ Favorite Seller’ among others. The event served as a platform to recognize the remarkable achievements of these enterprising individuals who form the backbone of India’s economic fabric. This collaborative effort showcased the shared commitment towards nurturing the growth and success of India’s small businesses, thereby fostering a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurial excellence. Shri Narayan Rane, Hon’ble MSME minister was the Chief Guest at the event.
Meesho’s journey towards achieving its audacious goal of onboarding 10 million sellers by 2027 is poised to reshape the landscape of Indian commerce, bolstering small businesses, MSMEs, and individual entrepreneurs on their path to success.