The National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises supports business development through training, consultancy, research and institutional partnerships. An autonomous body under the MSME Ministry, ni-msme works with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to improve management skills, encourage innovation and strengthen smaller enterprises.
The institute holds the Capacity Building Commission’s UTKRISHT 3-Star accreditation. Across its 66 years, its work has developed with the needs of entrepreneurs, public institutions, policymakers and industry, with attention to sustainable growth and business competitiveness.
Its origins go back to 1960, when the Central Industrial Extension Training Institute was established in New Delhi. After moving to Hyderabad in 1962, it became the Small Industry Extension Training Institute. The MSME Development Act of 2006 preceded its adoption of the ni-msme name in 2007.
Its areas of work span enterprise formation, finance, marketing, international commerce and technology adoption. Digital transformation and sustainable business practices are also part of its contribution to productivity, employment and inclusive growth.
International courses number 550, reaching 11,032 executives drawn from 150 countries.
Within India, 17,672 programmes have served 6,07,497 participants.
Its skills-development work comprises 6,840 programmes for 2,10,062 young people.
Cluster-development activity includes implementation of 27 MSME projects.
Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres have delivered 235 services.
The institute has completed 962 studies informing enterprise development and policy.
Adapting support to new business needs
Ni-msme’s programmes address digital marketing, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and technology-based manufacturing, alongside intellectual property, green energy and sustainable enterprise practices. These subjects help firms consider ways to improve operations, reach customers and develop products as markets and production methods change.
In March 2026, it held a national conference covering digital marketing, AI automation and e-commerce. A further conference on digitally enabled factories and Industry 5.0 examined AI, industrial connected devices and cloud technology. Such discussions offer enterprises a place to explore practical applications of new tools.
Business experiences highlighted by the institute
A handloom company develops digital markets
Mahankali Chandra Sekhar’s Amarchintha Handloom Weavers Producer Company in Wanaparthy, Telangana, is one example of the institute’s digital-support work.
With NABARD backing in 2024–25, its marketing executive attended five days of ni-msme training. A year of follow-up assistance helped the company develop branding and reach customers digitally.
Using Instagram, WhatsApp Business and Google Business Profile, the enterprise secured a ₹16 lakh order through Google. Its annual turnover reached ₹2.8 crore, illustrating how traditional producers can use digital channels to broaden their market.
A millet entrepreneur reaches more buyers
Shayampet entrepreneur Sunkishala Swarupa received five days of digital-branding and marketing training through a NABARD-supported project implemented by ni-msme. Follow-up support continued for a year as she applied the learning to her millet-food business.
Instagram, Google My Business and Canva helped her improve online visibility, promote products and connect with a wider customer base.
The reported monthly turnover increase was 10-fold, from ₹20,000 to ₹2 lakh.
Her experience demonstrates the potential of digital skills and continuing support to help women-led businesses grow and participate in the wider MSME economy.
Skills and knowledge for enterprise growth
Through enterprise development, research and capacity building, ni-msme aims to help businesses adapt to changing conditions. Training and follow-up support equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge while institutional programmes address wider development needs. Its stated focus combines competitiveness and innovation with inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to a more self-reliant MSME sector.
Further institutional information is available at http://www.nimsme.gov.in/.