The Future of MSMEs The MSME sector in India is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advancements, shifting market demands, and government-backed initiatives. As businesses face both opportunities and challenges, it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to stay adaptable and proactive in adopting new trends. In an exclusive conversation with The Hans India, Suresh Mansharmani, Co-Founder, Tajurba Business Network, discusses the key trends shaping the future of MSMEs, the critical steps for growth, and how entrepreneurs can leverage available resources to thrive in an ever-changing environment. 1. The MSME sector has seen significant shifts in recent years. What trends do you think will define the future of MSMEs in India, and how should entrepreneurs prepare to stay competitive? The Indian MSME sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by advancements in technology, changing customer expectations, and government initiatives. Entrepreneurs must adapt to these shifts to stay competitive. Key trends shaping the future include digital transformation, where MSMEs must embrace digital tools, such as e-commerce, to expand into new markets with minimal costs. Access to credit remains a challenge for MSMEs, but financial inclusion efforts and alternative lenders are bridging the gap, offering more funding options. Additionally, growing awareness of environmental issues is prompting MSMEs to adopt sustainable and green practices, attracting eco-conscious customers while reducing environmental impact. 2. IPOs can be a game-changer for MSMEs. Could you walk us through the critical steps you advise businesses to take when preparing for an IPO, especially in a challenging market environment? An IPO is a key milestone for MSMEs, offering capital and credibility, especially in tough market conditions. To navigate this process successfully, MSMEs must ensure financial stability, healthy cash flow, and address any internal financial issues. Compliance with SEBI regulations, transparency in financial statements, and clear risk disclosures are crucial for gaining investor trust. Additionally, effective risk management strategies and contingency plans are necessary to mitigate potential market and operational risks. A fair, data-driven valuation and appropriate pricing are vital for attracting investors, while strong corporate governance structures, such as an independent board, further enhance credibility. Crafting a compelling narrative that highlights the business's value proposition, growth trajectory, and market positioning, along with a well-executed prospectus and roadshows, can help engage potential investors, even in a challenging market. 3. How do you see OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) transforming the landscape for MSMEs? OKRs are becoming increasingly important for MSMEs, providing a structured approach to goal-setting that enhances clarity, focus, and accountability. The framework helps teams align around shared objectives and transparently track progress through measurable Key Results. For MSMEs, OKRs act as a motivational "North Star," rallying employees behind a common vision while breaking down ambitious goals into actionable steps. The primary benefit of OKRs for MSMEs is the alignment it creates, ensuring everyone from top leadership to employees works toward common objectives. This promotes accountability and responsiveness to change. However, challenges like training employees unfamiliar with goal-setting frameworks and balancing ambitious yet attainable objectives must be addressed. When implemented effectively, OKRs help MSMEs improve productivity, agility, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving business landscape. 4. With multiple government initiatives aimed at supporting MSMEs, which ones do you feel are most beneficial, and how can business owners navigate these resources effectively? The Indian government offers several schemes to support the growth and stability of MSMEs, providing critical resources such as financial subsidies, training, and infrastructure support. Since 2008, District Industries Centres (DICs) and banks have distributed significant funding through schemes like the Margin Money subsidy, helping create millions of jobs. MSME owners can benefit by approaching local DICs for access to these resources and guidance on various government initiatives. Additionally, programs like the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) launched in 2022 aim to accelerate growth, improve market access, and support technological upgrades and sustainable practices. MSME owners can leverage RAMP for competitiveness, international market expansion, and improved access to finances. By aligning these initiatives with their business needs—such as technology upgrades or green practices—entrepreneurs can strengthen their operations and position themselves for long-term growth. 5. What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs who are just starting, especially in today’s highly competitive environment? Success in entrepreneurship is rooted in a foundation of curiosity and a willingness to learn. This adaptability helps navigate challenges, while strong communication and salesmanship build trust and relationships. Empathy and respect for others' viewpoints are also crucial for fostering teamwork. Financial responsibility is key, as securing funding should aim toward building a profitable, sustainable business rather than relying on successive rounds of investment. A solid learning foundation, including skills like communication, financial literacy, and market trend understanding, is essential for long-term success. Entrepreneurship requires resilience to overcome setbacks, viewing failures as lessons rather than obstacles. Surrounding yourself with a network of skilled, goal-oriented individuals, such as mentors and peers, accelerates growth and provides valuable support, helping entrepreneurs refine their vision and approach.80jili link 。

Billionaire Media and Sports Mogul Charles Dolan Dies at 98

LSU applies latest rout of Mississippi Valley State 110-45Once seemingly outrageous predictions about the trajectory of cryptocurrency bitcoin now look much less crazy. The digital coin's price has more than doubled year-to-date, inching closer to the $100,000 threshold and increasing the implied value of all bitcoin in circulation to almost $2 trillion. With a friendly White House, a buyer spending billions, and new financial products launching, there's reason to think it could stay there. Donald Trump's US presidential election victory heralds an administration that has enthusiastically embraced crypto. During his campaign, the president-elect touted ideas like creating a strategic bitcoin reserve, support for "miners" who create new coins, and firing the US Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who has pushed back against exotic schemes. Already, Trump's team has met with industry executives to discuss creating a White House job focused on cryptocurrency policy, Bloomberg reported. That could nix litigation against cryptocurrency purveyors, or speed crypto-friendly legislation, further solidifying bitcoin's incursion into traditional finance. Under the first Trump administration, US traders gained access to regulated products like futures and options contracts. In early 2024, exchange-traded funds run by giants including BlackRock that track the spot price won approval, and now collectively hold $85 billion in digital assets. Following their roll-out, which opened crypto up further to retail buyers, bitcoin's price spiked. Artificial intelligence is an endless devourer of data, power, chips, and above all, capital. The latest novelty is options trading on those ETFs, which began Wednesday for BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust , drawing $2 billion in volume that day alone, according to Bloomberg. A derivatives market could smooth bitcoin's famed volatility, while pulling in buying from market makers. It also helps that there's a $100 billion buyer with a seemingly inexhaustible appetite in MicroStrategy. The company owns about 1.6 percent of all bitcoin and said in October that it would raise $42 billion over three years to buy more. The market, for now, is eagerly feeding the beast: on Wednesday, MicroStrategy priced $2.6 billion of bonds bearing zero interest that can convert into stock. Others are joining in. Some 78 companies together hold more than $80 billion, opens new tab in bitcoin as treasury assets, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.net. They may be encouraged by MicroStrategy's example. Its shares, despite effectively being a bet on bitcoin, have outperformed the currency's vertiginous rise. This is, to be clear, a moment of extreme hype, and "crypto winters" have crushed bitcoin's price before. Yet it's also a perfect storm of political and financial support. Now more than ever, the hype cycle might become self-sustaining. Bitcoin rose 2.4 percent to $96,728 as of 1604 GMT and has climbed over 40 percent in the two weeks since Republican Donald Trump was elected as the next US president on Nov. 5.Galaxy aim to complete journey back to top in MLS Cup final

( MENAFN - The Conversation) Indonesia's decision to pursue membership in BRICS – an emerging Economy bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – signals that President Prabowo Subianto is steering foreign policy in a direction contrasting with his predecessors. During Joko“Jokowi” Widodo's two-term administration, then-former Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi led efforts to integrate Indonesia's economy with Western institutions by working to secure membership with the OECD. Since BRICS is an alternative to Western-dominated organisations , many observers scrutinised and questioned Indonesia's nonalignment commitment. However, Foreign Minister Sugiono argued that BRICS aligns with Indonesia's 'free and active' foreign policy, allowing Indonesia to collaborate widely without aligning too closely with any single bloc. For Sugiono, joining BRICS means paving the way to advance the new government's goals of food security, energy independence, poverty alleviation, and human capital development. The bloc offers access to funding, technology, and trade opportunities to tackle key challenges in those sectors. BRICS, with its emphasis on fairness and cooperation, supports Indonesia's vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future. The shift from Retno's OECD focus to Sugiono's BRICS approach reflects at least two visions. First, Indonesia seeks to reassess its strategic position as the leading economy in Southeast Asia. Second, the country seeks to switch from its nonalignment stance to multi-alignment . The later will help navigate partnerships with both developed and emerging economies , balancing traditional alliances with new opportunities. Joining BRICS can amplify Indonesia's influence in its already strong ties with each of the member countries and unlock opportunities beyond one-on-one partnerships. Indonesia's pivot to BRICS reflects both its relationship with major powers, such as China and the US, and regional pressures. Neighbouring countries Malaysia and Thailand have recently expressed interest in BRICS, creating a sense of competition within Southeast Asia. Both countries joining the bloc could erode Indonesia's leadership and influence in the region, especially in affecting global affairs. Through ASEAN, Indonesia has sought to act as a regional stabiliser and mediator amid rising polarisation between the West and China . As its de facto leader, Indonesia has historically championed initiatives like the South China Sea Code of Conduct and Myanmar's peace process. Its G20 presidency further underscored its role as a mediator between global powers. This 'fear of missing out' has spurred Indonesia's interest in BRICS. Joining BRICS ahead of its regional peers ensures that Indonesia maintains its leadership position in ASEAN. For Prabowo's administration, BRICS offers a platform to advance Indonesia's interests in maritime security, economic growth, and global governance. It is a strategic move beyond an economic decision to amplify its voice on global issues and prevent fellow Southeast Asian countries from overtaking it in shaping the bloc's agenda. Indonesia's BRICS membership announcement highlights the new administration's foreign policy ambitions, centred on two key shifts: adopting a multi-alignment strategy and strengthening its 'good neighbour' policy. Prabowo envisions engaging with all nations, fostering friendly relations while opposing oppression. This approach resonates with Indonesia's historical commitment to sovereignty and equality in international relations. Indonesia has traditionally adhered to a nonalignment principle . This virtue has aided the country navigating major power blocs without binding itself to any single alliance. However, the current geopolitical climate – marked by intensifying tensions between global powers, regional conflicts, and intricate challenges – demands a more flexible and strategic approach. By joining BRICS, Indonesia avoids taking sides and instead diversifies its partnerships to maximise benefits. This multi-aligned approach enables active participation in BRICS discussions on multilateral reform. Prabowo's 'good neighbour policy ' further underscores the importance of maintaining positive relations with all countries. It empowers developing nations and advocates for a more equitable global order and economic system. This strategy also facilitates Indonesia's resilience by fostering partnerships in food and energy security, poverty alleviation, and human capital development . Such collaborations reduce reliance on Western financial systems and enhance Indonesia's autonomy. Ultimately, these strategic directions position Indonesia as a sovereign and dynamic player capable of balancing global relationships while advancing its own priorities . This move does not mean the OECD is off the table for Indonesia. Instead, Prabowo's approach reflects a dual-track strategy that values both alliances for their respective benefits. The OECD remains a long-term objective to enhance Indonesia's economic governance and regulatory standards. It serves the goal of providing the country with stable relationships within the Western economic framework. Meanwhile, BRICS offers an immediate avenue for Indonesia to deepen ties with equivalent economies and actively shape policies that impact the Global South. Sugiono's statement in Kazan emphasised Indonesia's commitment to engaging in other forums, including the G20 and OECD discussions. It highlighted the country's flexibility in international alliances. This dual-track strategy reinforces Indonesia's role as a bridge between developed and developing nations, maximising the benefits of both alliances without sacrificing its autonomy. Indonesia's decision to join BRICS marks a significant evolution in its foreign policy. By participating in BRICS, Indonesia positions itself as a critical player in global discussions on economic reform and development, asserting its voice within a multi-polar world order. Indonesia is charting a path that balances traditional alliances with emerging opportunities, reinforcing its role as a dynamic, independent player on the world stage. MENAFN21122024000199003603ID1109020039 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. 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