Genesis of
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 initiatives focused on inclusion and accessibility due to familial ownership and slim profit margins. Larger corporations recognize the benefits of diversity, but MSMEs face operational constraints that hinder their adoption.
Aligned with global calls for disability inclusion, efforts are underway to shift attitudes, reduce stigma, and dispel stereotypes based on identity, race, caste, gender, religion, ethnicity, background, or ability.
The Catalyst Program for MSMEs was conceived to address these challenges. Venture Center,
renowned for fostering innovation, is the implementation partner, while PeopleWiz Consulting LLP brings HR expertise focused on the MSME sector.
Together, these partners form a united team, driven by a common goal: to catalyze 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 inclusive practices, fostering 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
Entrepreneurship Development
Center (EDC)
Implementation Partner
The Venture Center (incorporated as the Entrepreneurship Development Center) is one of the top technology business incubators in India. Created in 2007 under schemes of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.
Venture Center has supported >750+ startups and entrepreneurs that also includes 180+ resident start-ups (the ones located physically within Venture Center campus) with 85% of the start-ups still active & thriving. Startup enterprises supported in FY 2021-22 have provided 1000+ direct jobs/year; Most of these are STEM jobs and attracted more than ~ INR 96 Cr (equivalent to $ 12M) in risk capital investments and funding, reported a revenue generation of ~ INR 370 Cr (equivalent to $ 45M) . The start-ups supported as current incubatee are holding >130 unique patent families and have developed world-class services and products several of which are first in India and first in the world.
About
PeopleWiz Consulting LLP
Knowledge Partner
Established in 2011, Peoplewiz Consulting is a premier firm with offices in Pune, Bangalore, and Singapore. The firm has emerged as a key contributor to the MSME ecosystem, offering expertise as HR mentors, organization design specialists, and cultivators of inclusive culture.
Peoplwiz Consulting recognizes the critical role that people play in the success of startups and focuses on building strong human resource frameworks that foster growth, innovation, and sustainability. Through its comprehensive services, national and international presence, and commitment to progressive people policies, Peoplewiz Consulting has established itself as a trusted partner for MSME . The firm continues to play a vital role in empowering organizations, driving their success, and contributing to the growth and development of the MSME sector.