Genesis of
DEIA Catalyst Program
Program Inception
Committed to an inclusive and vibrant
MSME ecosystem
MSMEs, vital to India’s economy, contribute nearly 30% to the GDP and employ over
110 million people, second only to agriculture.
Despite their significance, these enterprises often overlook Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives due to familial ownership and slim profit margins. Larger corporations recognize the benefits of diversity, but MSMEs face operational constraints hindering their adoption.
Aligned with President Biden’s call for global LGBTQI+ rights and disability inclusion, the U.S. Mission in India is working to shift attitudes, reduce stigma, and dispel stereotypes based on identity, race, caste, gender, religion, ethnicity, background, or ability.. The U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai has conceived the DEIA Catalyst Program for MSME. Venture Center, renowned for fostering innovation, is the implementation partner, while PeopleWiz Consulting LLP brings HR expertise focused on the MSME sector.
Collectively, these partners form a formidable team, driven by a common goal: to catalyse a paradigm shift in the MSME landscape, where diversity is not just embraced but celebrated. Their collaboration signifies a commitment to creating a more inclusive and vibrant ecosystem, where every voice is heard, and every talent is valued.
Vision
Empowering India’s MSMEs to thrive through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, driving sustainable growth and innovation.
Diversity is the art of thinking independently, together
– Malcolm Forbes
Team
United in vision, strength and purpose
Unified
Steps Toward
Success
Together
on the
Forward Path
Diversity
Equity
Inclusion
Accessibility
Partners
Meet Our Partners: Empowering Success, Together
About
The U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai
Partner
The U.S. Mission in India endeavors to shift attitudes, reduce stigma, and dispel stereotypes based on identity, race, caste, gender, religion, ethnicity, background, or ability. The DEIA Catalyst Program aligns
perfectly with its mission to promote democratic values and human rights, both locally and globally. By supporting initiatives like this, the U.S. Mission aims to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in India’s business landscape.
About
Entrepreneurship Development
Center (EDC)
Implementation Partner
Venture Centre supports the DEIA Catalyst Program because it is deeply committed to fostering innovation within the MSME ecosystem. The organization firmly believes that diversity is not only essential but also
catalytic for innovation to flourish. Embracing diversity in all its forms creates an environment where different perspectives and experiences converge to drive groundbreaking solutions. Venture Centre’s dedication to promoting diversity as a catalyst for innovation underscores its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fueling transformative change. Through initiatives like the DEIA Catalyst Program, Venture Centre aims to champion inclusivity and propel the MSME sector towards greater heights of success and impact.
About
PeopleWiz Consulting LLP
Knowledge Partner
PeopleWiz is an integral part of the program due to their unwavering commitment to the transformation of MSMEs, recognizing them as the backbone of the country. Leveraging their expertise in organization design and
HR, PeopleWiz plays a pivotal role in the cultural transformation of cohort members. Their dedication to empowering MSMEs aligns seamlessly with the program’s objectives, ensuring that businesses are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in a dynamic landscape. By nurturing a culture of innovation and inclusivity, PeopleWiz contributes significantly to the sustainable growth and success of MSMEs within the program and beyond.