Marketing Assistance

Marketing is key to the success of any enterprise and it is more relevant in regard to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This sector is characterized by absence of strong brand presence in the market and also largely unorganized marketing network unlike large enterprises. Due to resource limitations, the access to foreign market is not commensurate to their potentials.         This Office is implementing various schemes, which aim to provide a better competitive edge to the product of MSME sector in the market. The objectives of the Marketing Assistance can be summarized mainly as hereunder:  To encourage Small & Micro exporters in their efforts at tapping and developing overseas markets. To increase participation of representatives of small/micro manufacturing enterprises under MSME India stall at International Trade Fairs/Exhibitions. To enhance export from the small/micro manufacturing enterprises. To popularize the adoption of Bar Coding on a large scale. Name of the Schemes Government Purchase and Price Preference Policy for MSEs SSI-MDA » Participation in the International Exhibitions/ Fairs » Financial Assistance on Bar Code Vendor Development Programme for Ancillarisation

NMCP, Technology up-gradation & Productivity Enhancement

Competitiveness is determined by the productivity with which a nation uses its human, capital and natural resources. It is evident at both macro level (relatively low share manufacturing in GDP low impact on employment growth and poverty reduction) as well as micro level (low productivity, lack of international competitiveness). Studies on global competitiveness for selected sector of the industry have shown that among others, the factors inhibiting growth are: inefficient use of resources resulting in poor product quality accompanied by hidden high cost due to rejection and re-work in the course of manufacturing building up inventory at the various stages in the form of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished components, finished product etc. This calls for increasing competitiveness by boosting firms’ performance by systematically identifying and eliminating waste throughout the entire business cycle by applying appropriate managerial and technological practices.       In general MSMEs lack in accessing technology due to poor consultancy support/services for technological information, non availability of skilled man power, lack of awareness among entrepreneurs about emphasis on production and production cost, lack of managerial skills and poor adoptability to changing trade, trends, etc.       For technology up-gradation DC(MSME) provides capital subsidy and other assistance to strengthen the MSEs. The Schemes covered under Technology up-gradation & Productivity Enhancement also help MSEs to face the challenges of liberalization & globalization. The details of the schemes covered under Technology up-gradation & Productivity Enhancement are as under :- Purpose Name of the Schemes Capital subsidy for adopting the new Technology CLCSS Strengthening MSEs through competitiveness NMCP-Schemes ISO 9000 Reimbursement Scheme MSME-Schemes

Enterprise and Skill Development

The Office of DC (MSME) conducts a large number of vocational and entrepreneurship development programmes. The Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) are conducted through MSME-DIs, with focus on entrepreneurial skills development coupled with specific skills relating to trades like electronics, electrical, food processing, etc, which enables the trainees to start their own ventures. The programe includes the following :-    (i) Entrepreneurship Development Programmes(EDPs):- Entrepreneurship Development Programmes are being organized regularly to nurture the talent of youth by enlightening them on various aspects of industrial activity required for setting up MSEs. These EDPs are generally conducted in ITIs, Polytechnics and other technical institutions, where skill is available to motivate them towards self-employment. The course contents of such Entrepreneurship Development Programmes are designed to provide useful information on product/process design, manufacturing practices involved, testing and quality control, selection and usage of appropriate machinery and equipments, project profile preparation, marketing avenues/techniques, product/service pricing, export opportunities, infrastructure facilities available, financial and financial institutions, cash flow, etc. For further details click here... » Guidelines of "Entrepreneurship Development Programmes" Scheme (ii) Entrepreneurial Skill Development Programme (ESDP):-Comprehensive training programmes are organized to upgrade skills of prospective entrepreneurs, existing workforce and also develop skills of new workers and technicians of MSEs by organising various technical cum skill development training programmes with the basic objectives to provide training for their skill upgradation and to equip them with better and improved technological skills of production. The specific tailor made programmes for the skill development of socially disadvantaged groups (OBC, ST, ST, Minorities and women) are organized in various regions of the states, including the less developed areas. This programme covers training across 60 disciplines. For further details click here... (iii) Business Skill Development Programme (BSDP):-Tailor-made courses namely Business Skill Development Programme (BSDP) has been introduced for new Entrepreneurs through Select Business Schools / Technical Institutions etc. The programme has been devised to encourage educated unemployed youth basically from Business Schools / Technical Institutes to start self-employment ventures of Micro or Small Enterprises and thus instrumental in employment generation. For further details click here... (iv) Management Development Programmes (MDPs):- The objective of imparting training on management practice system is to improve the decision-making capabilities of existing & potential entrepreneurs resulting in higher productivity and profitability. Inputs on a variety of topics of managerial functions are provided to the participants in short duration training programmes. This programme covers training across 60 disciplines. These programmes are of short duration and the curriculum is designed based on the needs of the industry and are customized, if required by the clients. 20% of the targeted training programmes are conducted exclusively for the weaker sections of the Society (SC/ST/Women/Physically Handicapped), for which no fee is charged. Besides, a stipend of Rs.500/- p.m. is provided. During 2008-09, a total of 2400 training programmes were conducted and around 60,000 persons were trained. For further details click here... (v) Industrial Motivation Campaigns (IMCs):-Industrial Motivation Campaigns (duration of 1 day or 2 days) are organized to identify and motivate traditional / non-traditional entrepreneurs having potential for setting up MSEs so as and to lead them towards self-employment. For further details click here... (vi) Vocational and Educational Training:-The Regional Testing Centers, Field Testing Stations and Autonomous bodies like Tool Rooms and Technology Development Centers (TDCs) of the Ministry conduct long term, short term, trade/field-specific and industry-specific tailor-made courses as well as vocational training programmes. For further details click here...

Common Startup Mistakes

Making mistakes is part of the process of building a company; quickly recovering from them is what’s most important. It’s all part of the adventure of entrepreneurship, which will require all of your stamina, drive and determination.
But your way forward is not entirely uncharted: When you notice an opportunity that has never occurred to anyone else, there are certain steps to turning your vision into reality. You must formulate an innovative business plan, find funding, hire the right people to carry out the plan, and then step back from your role in the business at exactly the right moment.
Let’s take a look at these steps, and also at ways to avoid some of the most common mistakes new entrepreneurs make.

Step 1: Stay on Target
A mistake often associated with the first step is signaled by an entrepreneur’s inability to clearly and concisely convey his idea. You have to be able to generate buy-in from investors, partners and potential employees, so nail down your “elevator speech”—what you would say if you ran into an important potential investor in an elevator. Try to refine the essence of your concept into just 140 characters. Once you’ve done that, expand your message to a maximum of 500 characters. Remember, the shorter your pitch is, the clearer it will be.
An associated error is lack of focus. If your start-up has been tagged as “the next big thing,” the adrenaline rush that comes with building buzz can lead to impetuous decisions and a loss of a sense of purpose. Clearly define your goals, then establish a timeline.
Getting too far ahead of yourself is also dangerous. If your product or service is still on the drawing board, don’t get sidetracked by plans for future versions. Looking two or three years ahead is best, but the nature of your business and feedback from your investors will help you determine how far ahead you should plan.

Step 2: Be Realistic About Costs
Don’t shortchange your start-up when estimating the funds you’ll require. Keeping expenses under control is vital, but don’t confuse capitalization with costs.

Step 3: Hire People You Need, Not Like
As tempting as it may be to staff your new business with friends and relatives, this is likely to be a serious mistake. If they don’t work out, asking them to leave will be very tough. Take full advantage of the knowledge pool you’ve created; when a problem comes up, remember nobody has all the answers, including you. One of your goals should be to find a manager who shares your vision, and to whom you can someday confidently hand the reins to carry out the next step.

Step 4: Know When to Say Goodbye
A great entrepreneur knows when it’s time to leave the CEO role. It’s seldom easy, but it has to be done: few entrepreneurs make great managers. In my case, managing the daily operations of a business simply isn’t in my DNA.  Stepping back doesn’t mean turning your back on your business. Founders shouldn’t hesitate to re-insert themselves into their businesses when necessary—look at Larry Page, who temporarily returned to the CEO role at Google in April. 

INDIA AND MSME

India is richly endowed with abundance of diversified natural resources and is also the home of largest English speaking workforce and second largest population. But still India ranks poorly on almost all indices showing its dismal performance on socio economic sector. We at ALL ABOUT MSME believe that progress and prosperity of a nation like India depends largely on its small enterprises as is the case of China. Today the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has been recognized as the engine of growth all over the world. Many countries of the world have established a SME Development Agency as the nodal agency to coordinate and oversee all government interventions with respect to the development of this sector.The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are a vital part of the Indian economy. They contribute to over 45% of industrial production and around 40% of the total exports. There are about 13 million MSMEs in India, which employ about 31 million people. So, it is easily the single largest contributor in terms of employment generation in the manufacturing sector.

                                                  Realising the tremendous contribution of the MSMEs in industrial production, employment generation and exports, the Government of India has introduced several policies to increase business and promote growth among the MSMEs over the past few decades.

                                                  For the first time, in India, the Medium establishment has been defined in terms of a separate Act, governing the promotion and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. This is the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (which has come into force from October 2, 2006). The Office of Development Commissioner (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) functions as the nodal development agency under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

                                                  The post liberalisation era in the Indian economy has ushered newer opportunities and challenges for the MSMEs. As global competitiveness becomes intensive, with emergence of global supply chains, MSMEs are making a transition to a new business environment. MSMEs form an integral part of almost every value chain and there is a symbiotic relationship between the large corporations and relatively smaller-sized suppliers.

The domestic market is no more an insulated zone in a controlled economy; the competitive pressures of a free market economy are catching up in India. In the earlier protected economy scenario, even inefficient MSMEs in the manufacturing sector managed to be profitable. However, with the opening up of economy, the MSMEs have to catch up with global standards of excellence to remain competitive and profitable. MSMEs, therefore, have to adapt to new standards in technology, quality and pricing to be able to survive in the market place.

The future of the MSMEs will depend on overcoming the challenges of the liberalised world and by enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.

WHAT IS MSME

An MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) is defined by RBI/GOI differently for the Manufacturing and the Services Sector, as follows: Manufacturing Sector Manufacturing sector refers to enterprises engaged in manufacture or production, processing or preservation of goods. The definition of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under the manufacturing sector is as below:
i	A micro enterprise is an enterprise where investment in plant and machinery [original cost excluding land and building and the items specified by the Ministry of Small Scale Industries vide its notification No. S.O. 1722(E) dated October 5, 2006 does not exceed Rs. 25 lakh;
ii	A small enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in plant and machinery [original cost excluding land and building and the items specified by the Ministry of Small Scale Industries vide its notification No. S.O. 1722(E) dated October 5, 2006] is more than Rs.25 lakh but does not exceed Rs.5 crore; and
iii	A medium enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in plant and machinery (original cost excluding land and building and the items specified by the Ministry of Small Scale Industries vide its notification No. S.O. 1722(E) dated October 5, 2006) is more than Rs.5 crore but does not exceed Rs.10 crore.
Services Sector Services sector refers to enterprises engaged in providing or rendering of services. These will include small road & water transport operators (owning a fleet of vehicles not exceeding ten vehicles), small business (whose original cost price of the equipment used for the purpose of business does not exceed Rs.20 lakh) and professional & self employed persons (whose borrowing limits do not exceed Rs.10 lakh of which not more than Rs.2 lakh should be for working capital requirements except in case of professionally qualified medical practitioners setting up of practice in semi-urban and rural areas, the borrowing limits should not exceed Rs.15 lakh with a sub-ceiling of Rs.3 lakh for working capital requirements). The definition of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under the services sector is as below:
i	A micro enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in equipment does not exceed Rs.10 lakh;
ii	A small enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in equipment is more than Rs.10 lakh but does not exceed Rs.2 crore; and
iii	A medium enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in equipment is more than Rs.2 crore but does not exceed Rs.5 crore.

Here is how to start up your app, your business

The idea: This is half the game. Your idea for the app needs to be solid, or it could end up as one of those least-downloaded ones. Your idea should be either so fun that it’s a must-have or it should be a major problem solver. It’s the make or break part of your app.

Get started: First up, get yourself an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac computer. Enroll for the Apple iPhone Develop Program (Rs.4,455). Download iPhone SDK and iPad SDK, the software development kit.

Make your team: If you are an entrepreneur with no developing experience, you may need a team that can develop, research, design, market, and advertise the app. If you are a developer, ask yourself if you are a good designer, a good marketer and a capable researcher. If the answers are no, you need a team.

Know your iPhone and iPad: You must know your toy, its user interface and its capabilities. We suggest you download the 10 coolest apps, and go mad with them! This will help you figure out which features you would want in your app and which ones you wouldn’t. Also read up on the Apple Guidelines for UI design.

Research, research, research: There is no such thing as too much research. Browse the App Store. See what others are doing and what people are downloading. Look at the Apps that are sitting idle and not being downloaded. That should give you a lot of dope on what not to do.

Ideate: Take a diary or a sketchbook, preferably one that’s the size of an iPhone or an iPad. Now sketch, sketch and sketch some more. Figure out what you would like the home screen to be. What colors would you use? What will be the various buttons on the screen? What sizes would they be? Where will the buttons lead? Repeat this exercise over and over again.

Design it: If you aren’t a designer, hire one. You could look for someone who has designed for mobiles at Coroflot and Elance. If you are a designer yourself, download templates that will make designing less of a chore—provided you have fixed on the layout of the app.

Coding time: If you aren’t a developer, look for developers at Odesk and iPhoneFreelancer. Tip: Opt for developers from the Eastern Bloc and Asia. They are as good as the rest and will cost you less (no disrespect intended!). If you’re a developer, just remember to keep abreast of the latest at all the developer forums.

File it: Once your app is ready, your developer will have to take the lead in submitting it to Apple. You would have to do a bunch of tasks with your developer, too, like creating and publishing the binaries for iTunes. Fix a timeline for this and get cracking.

Shout it out: Your app is ready and published. But
no one’s buying? Well, that’s because you may not be shouting out loud about it. Get on Facebook and set up a fan page for it. Use Twitter to talk with your users to get feedback and drive new traffic to the app.

E-mail everyone on your list personally to give them a preview of the app. Make them feel special about it, and they will talk positively about it to others. Also, interact on fanboy blogs and forums where app lovers converge; listen for feedback there. All that’s left to do, then, is adapt and keep going.