Mening of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the ability and willingness to create, organize, and manage a business enterprise, including all of its uncertainties, in order to earn profit. The most visible example of entrepreneurship is the establishment of new businesses. Entrepreneurship involving land, labour, natural resources, and capital can yield a profit. The entrepreneurial vision is defined by exploration and risk-taking, and it is an essential component of a nation’s ability to succeed in an ever-changing and more competitive global marketplace.
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ENTEREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- Entrepreneurs is the process of setting up one’s own business as distinct from pursuing any other economic activity, be it employment or practising some profession. The person who set-up his business is called an entrepreneur.
- The output of the process, they is, the business unit is called an enterprise. It is interesting to note that entrepreneurship besides providing self-employment to the entrepreneur is responsible to a great extent for creation and expansion of opportunities for the other two economic activities, that is, employment and profession.
- In the process, entrepreneurship becomes crucial for overall economic development of a nation. Characteristics of Entrepreneurship
Every country, whether developed or developing, needs entrepreneurs. Whereas, a developing country needs entrepreneurs to the developed one needs entrepreneurship to sustain it.
- Systematic Activity: Entrepreneurship is not a mysterious gift or charm and something that happens by chancel it is a systematic, step-by-step and purposeful activity. It has certain temperamental, skill and other knowledge and competency requirements that can be acquired, learnt and developed, both by formal educational and vocational trainings as well as by observation and work experience.
- Lawful and Purposeful Activity: The object of entrepreneurship is lawful business. It is important to take note of this as one may try to legitimize unlawful actions as entrepreneurship on the grounds that just as entrepreneurship entails risk, so does illicit businesses. Purpose of entrepreneurship is creation of value for personal profit and social gain.
- Innovation: Entrepreneurship is creative in the sense that it involves creation of value. By combining the various factors of production, entrepreneurs produce goods and services that meet the needs and wants of the society. Every entrepreneurial act results in income and wealth generation.
- Organisation of Production: Production, implying creation of form, place, time personal utility, requires the combined utilization of diverse factors of production, land, labour, capital and technology, entrepreneur, in response to a perceived business opportunity mobilizes these resources into a productive enterprise or firm.
- Risk-taking: It is generally believed that entrepreneurs take high risks. Yes, individuals opting for a career in entrepreneurship take a bigger risk that involved in a career in employment or practice of a profession as there is no “assured” payoff. In practice, for example, when a person quits a job to start on his, he tries to calculate whether he or she would be able to earn the same level of income or not. To an observer, the risk of quitting a well-entrenched and promising career seems a “high” risk, but what the person has taken is a calculated risk. They are so sure of their capabilities that they are so sure of their capabilities that they 100% success.
PROCESS OF ENTERPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
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- (i) Discover – Any new process begins with fresh ideas and objectives, wherein the entrepreneur recognizes and analyzes business possibilities. The analyzing of opportunities is a risky task, and an entrepreneur looks out for inputs from other persons, including channel partners, employees, technical people, consumers, etc. to reach an ideal business opportunity.
- (ii) Evaluation –The evaluation of an opportunity can be done by asking several questions to oneself. For instance, questions like whether it is worth taking a chance and investing in the idea, will attract the consumer, what are the competitive advantages and the risk linked with it are asked. A reasonable and sensible entrepreneur will also analyze his skill and whether it matches his entrepreneurial objectives or not.
- (iii) Developing a plan –After the identification of an opportunity, an entrepreneur has to build a complete business plan. It is the most important step for new business as it sets a standard and the assessment criteria and see if a company is working towards the set goals.
- (iv) Resources- Next step in the process of entrepreneurial development is resourcing here, the entrepreneur recognizes the source of finance and form where the human resources can be managed. In this step, the entrepreneur also tries to find investors for his new business.
- (v)Managing the company– After the hiring process and funds are raised now its time to start the operation to accomplish will decide on the management structure that will be assigned to resolve the operational problems whenever it occurs.
- (vi)Harvesting – The last step in this process is harvesting. Where an entrepreneur determines the future growth and development of the business. Here, real-time development is compared with the projected growth, and then the business security or the extension is initiated accordingly. START-UP INDIA SCHEME
The Startup India Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India with an objective to carve a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country. This drive will lead towards sustainable economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities. The government of India aims to empower startups to grow through innovation and design. The scheme specifically aims to:
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- Trigger an entrepreneurial culture and inculcate entrepreneurial values in society at large and influence the mindset of people towards entrepreneurship
- Create awareness about the charms of being an entrepreneur and the process of entrepreneurship especially among the youth,
- Encourage more dynamic startups by motivating educated youth, scientists and technologists to consider entrepreneurship as a lucrative, preferred and viable career, and
- Support the early phase of entrepreneurship development, including the pre-startup, nascent, as well as, early post startup phase and growth enterprises.
- Broad base the entrepreneurial supply by meeting specific needs of under represented target groups, like women, socially and economically backward communities, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes: under represented regions to achieve inclusiveness and sustainable development to address the needs of the population at the bottom of the pyramid.
WAYS TO FUNDS STARTUP
- Boot strapping: Commonly known as self financing, it is considered as the first funding option because by stretching out your personal savings and resources, you are tied to your business. Also, at a later stage, investors consider it as your merit. However, it is a good option of funding only if the initial requirement is funding and handy.
- Crowdfunding: It is the pooling of resources by a group of people for a common goal. Crowdfnding is not new to India. There are many instances of organizations reaching out to common people for funding.
- Angel investment: Angel investors are individuals with surplus cash who have keen interest to invest in upcoming startups. They also offer mentoring or advice alongside capital.
- Venture capital: there are professionally managed funds which are invest in companies that have huge potential. Venture capitalists provide expertise. Venture capitalists provide expertise, mentorship and act as a litmus test of where a business organization is going: Evaluating business from sustainability and scalability point of view.
- Business incubators and accelerators: Early stage business can consider incubator and accelerator programmes as a funding option. These programs assist hundreds of startup businesses every year. These two are generally used interchangeably.
- Microfinance and NFBCs: Micro finance is basically access to financial services to those who either do not have access to conventional banking services or have not qualified for a bank loan. Similarly, NBFs (non Banking Financial Corporation) provides banking services without meeting legal requirement/definition of a bank.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND
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ENTERPRENEURSHIP
Intellectual property rights refer to all rights associated with indiscernible assets owned by a person or company to protect against any unauthorized use or misuse. Indiscernible assets mean non-physical property, including the right of ownership in intellectual property.
The concept of intellectual property was developed in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. The term “intellectual property” began to be use late 20th century that intellectual property became commonplace in the majority of the world’s legal system.
Intellectual property (IP) refers to the creations of the human mind, like inventions, literary and artistic works. Symbols, names, images and designs used in business. Intellectual property is divided into two broad categories: industrial property, which includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, while the other is copyrights, which includes literary and artistic works, such as novels, poems, plays, films, musical works, artistic works, such as drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures and architectural designs.
The most noticeable difference between intellectual property and other forms of property is that intellectual property is indentified by its own physical parameters.
Types of IPs
1. Copyright
Copyright is the right to “not copy”. It is offered when an original idea is expressed by the creator or author. It is a right conferred upon the creators of literary artistic, musical, sound recording and cinematographic film. The copyright is an exclusive right of the creator to prohibit the unauthorized use of the content which includes reproducing and distributing copies of the subject matter. The unique feature of copyright is that, the protection of work arises automatically as soon as the work comes into existence.
2. Trademark
A trademark is any word, name, or symbol (or their combination) that lets us identify the goods made by an individual, company, organization, etc. trademark also let us differentiate the goods of one company form another. In a single brand or logo, trademarks can let you know many things about a company’s reputation, goodwill, products and services. A trademark helps in distinguishing similar products in the market form its competitors. A competitor cannot use the same, or similar trademark to sell their product in the market as the same fall under the concept of deceptive similarity which may be deceptive similarity, which may be defined as phonetic, structural or visual.
3. Geographical Indication
A geographical indication (GI) is primarily an indication which identifies agricultural, natural or manufactured products (handicrafts, industrial goods and food stuffs) originating form a definite geographical territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic are essentially attributable to its geographical origin. GIs are part of our collective and intellectual heritage that need to be protected and promoted.
4. Patent
A patent is a type of IPR which protects the scientific inventions (products and or process) which shows technical advancement over the already known products. A ‘patent’ is an exclusive right granted by the Government which provides the exclusive ‘right to exclude’ all others and prevent them from making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing the invention.
5.Design
A ‘design’ includes shape, pattern, and arrangement of lines or colour combination that is applied to any article. It is a protection given to aesthetic appearance or eye-catching features. The term of protection of a design is valid for 10 years. Which can be renewed for further 5 years after expiration of this term, during which a registered design can only be used after getting a license from its owner and once the validity period is over, the design is in public domain.
6. Plant variety
Plant variety is essentially grouping plans into categories based on their botanical characteristics, it is a type of variety which is bred and developed by farmers. This helps in conserving improving and making available plant genetic resources. For example, hybrid versions of potatoes, such protection promotes investment in R&D, recognizes Indian farmers as cultivators, conservers and breeders as well as facilitates high quality seeds and planting material. This leads to the growth of the seed industry.
7.Semiconductor integrated circuits layout design
A semiconductor is an integral part of every computer chip. Any product that contains transistors and other circuitry elements use and formed on a semiconductor material as an insulating material, or inside the semiconductor material, its design is to perform an electronic circuitry function.
SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISE As DEFINED BY MSME’D Act 2006
MSME Definition
The classification of Micro, small and medium enterprises is defined under the MSMED act 2006 amendment dated 01/06/2020. The micro, small and medium enterprises is based on the investment in plant, machinery or equipment values (excluding land and building) and annual turnover. This shall come into effect from 01/07/2020.
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- Micro enterprise: where the investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed ten crore rupees and turnover does not exceed five crore rupees.
- Small enterprises: Where the investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed fifty crore rupees and turnover does not exceed fifty crore rupees.
- Medium enterprises: Where the investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed fifty crore rupees and turnover does not exceed two hundred and fifty crore rupees.
Important and Features of MSME’s
The most sector is considered the backbone of the Indian economy that has contributed substantially to the economic development of the nation. It generates employment
Opportunities and works in the development of backward and rural areas. India has approximately 6.3 crore MSMEs.
In addition, due to the following features, they are considered a viable source of income for those looking to venture into the manufacturing industry
Export promotion and potential for Indian products
- Funding – finance & subsidies
- Government’s promotion and support
- Growth in demand in the domestic market
- Less capital required
- Manpower training
- Project profiles
- Raw material and machinery procurement
Under the micro, small and medium enterprises development Act, 2006, the government of India established the national boar for micro, small and medium enterprises (NBMSME) to examine the factors affecting promotion and development of MSME. This board also reviews the existing policies and suggests
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Recommendations to the government for the growth of the MSME sector
The services provided by the Ministry of MSME are as follows:
- Facilities for testing, training for entrepreneurship development
- Preparation of project and product profiles
- Technical and managerial consultancy
- Assistance for exports
- Pollution and energy audits.
Role of small business in India:
Small Scale Industries play a very important role in the socioeconomic development of the country. These industries account for 95 per cent of industrial units, contribution up to 40 per cent of the gross industrial value added and 45 per cent of the total exports. SSIs are the second largest employers of human resources, after agriculture and produce a variety of products for the economy. These units contribute to the balanced regional development of the country by using locally available material and indigenous technology. These provide ample scope for entrepreneurship; enjoy the advantage of low cost of production; quick decision making, and have quick adaptability and are best suited to customized production.
Role of small business in rural India
Small business units provide multiple source of income, in wide range of non-agricultural activities and provide employment opportunities in rural areas, especially for the traditional artisan and weaker sections of the society.
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1.Economic Empowerment
Small businesses play a big part in boosting the economy of rural India. They create jobs and opportunities for folks in rural areas, positively impacting their lives. When people have their businesses, they contribute to the overall economic growth of their region. Small businesses are like the engines that power economic development in rural areas.
2.Employment Generation
Small businesses help to be the prominent job creators in rural India. For example, when someone sets up a shop, they don’t just sell things; they create jobs for the local folks. When small businesses hire people, they’re helping to fight against unemployment. So, offer services but also decrease unemployment. Worries and improve the whole economic scene in the area!
3.Local development
Small businesses are crucial in boosting local development in rural India. When these businesses thrive, they bring positive changes to the community. One significant way they contribute is by investing in essential services like schools grow, they often allocate resources to improve local infrastructure, making life better for everyone.
4.Cultural Preservation
Small businesses help in preserving the rich cultural tapestry of rural India. How? They take the skills passed down through generations, turn them into products that tell a story, and find their way into markets. So, when you buy that handmade pottery or wear traditional fabrics, you’re not just getting a product but embracing a piece of history.
5.Financial Inclusion
Small businesses contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services and credit facilities to individuals otherwise excluded from the formal financial sector. These businesses make financial services more inclusive. Without them, many folks in rural areas might struggle to save, borrow, or invest. Small businesses bring financial opportunities to the doorstep, ensuring no one gets left out in the economic journey.
6.Supply Chain Integration
Many small businesses in rural India are involved in agriculture and related industries. Their integration into the supply chain ensures a more sustainable and efficient distribution of goods, benefiting producers and consumers.
Government Agencies for Small Scale Industries
The two main government agencies for the development of small-scale industries are National Small Scale Industries Corporation (NSIC) and District Industrial center (DIC).
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- National Small-Scale Industries (NSIC)
NSIC works under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. It was launched in 1955 for the growth of small-scale industries. It supports small and medium businesses by improving profitability and creating employment. Also, they enable smooth credit flow by partnerships with banks.
- Schemes of NSIC for Industries in Rural and Backward Regions
NSIC has launched several schemes for the upliftment of India’s rural and backward regions. Some government schemes under NSIC are discussed below.
- ASPIRE Schemes
The scheme aims to create employment opportunities by encouraging startups. The Make in India initiative is a part of this scheme. Some of the objectives are as follows:
- Increase job opportunities and reduce areas
- Economic development in the rural areas
- Encourage entrepreneurship
- Create new ways to provide services that are not available in India
- Promote new inventions to strengthen the Indian economy. National scheduled caste and scheduled tribe hub
The scheme was launched to uplift the weaker sections of society. It encourages backward classes to become entrepreneur to contribute to national growth. The following are the objectives:
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- Improve the socio-economic equality of SC/STs.
- Encourage them to create startups.
- Provide supports to SC/ST in public procurement, i.e., purchase of goods and services by government
- Marketing Assistance Scheme
Small scale businesses do not have adequate resources for marketing their products. This government scheme aims to provide marketing assistance to small and medium enterprises. Some objectives are :
- Provide marketing assistance by showcasing new product and services in international exhibitions.
- Providing space for new products and services in exhibitions in India are significantly reduced rates. 30% of the area is reserved for SC/ST, women, and other underprivileged sections.
- Organize buyer-seller meets to bring bulk buyers and small businesses to one place.
Very Short Answer Questions
- Which year the MSMED Act passed?
Ans:
The classification of Micro, small and medium enterprises is defined under the MSMED act 2006 amendment dated 01/06/2020.
2. What is the micro enterprise.
Ans:
Micro enterprise: where the investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed ten crore rupees and turnover does not exceed five crore rupees.
3. What is a cottage industry?
Ans:
A cottage industry refers to a small-scale, decentralized manufacturing or production process that is typically carried out at home or in small workshops rather than large factories. It involves individuals or families producing goods, often by hand, with limited use of machinery. These industries are usually based on traditional skills or crafts and can include textiles, food production, pottery, and other handcrafted items. Cottage industries often emerge in rural or less-industrialized areas and can be a source of supplementary income for families.
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4. What is meant by Village and Khadi Industry?
Ans:
Village Industry refers to the types of businesses or economic activities that are traditionally carried out in rural areas or villages. These industries are often small-scale and focus on utilizing local resources and labor. Examples include agriculture, handloom weaving, pottery making, and other crafts or manual work that has been passed down through generations in rural communities.
Khadi Industry specifically refers to the production of Khadi, a handspun and handwoven fabric, typically made from cotton, silk, or wool. The Khadi industry is closely tied to India’s independence movement, as it became a symbol of self-reliance and resistance to British colonial rule. The fabric is made by artisans in villages, using traditional methods, and it supports local economies. The Khadi industry is often associated with rural empowerment and sustainable practices.
5. Give any two characteristics of entrepreneurship development.
Ans
Every country, whether developed or developing, needs entrepreneurs. Whereas, a developing country needs entrepreneurs to the developed one needs entrepreneurship to sustain it.
- Systematic Activity
- Lawful and Purposeful Activity
- Innovation
- Organisation of Production
- Risk-taking
Short Answer Questions
- What is MSME?
Ans
The classification of Micro, small and medium enterprises is defined under the MSMED act 2006 amendment dated 01/06/2020. The micro, small and medium enterprises is based on the investment in plant, machinery or equipment values (excluding land and building) and annual turnover. This shall come into effect from 01/07/2020.
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2. State the meaning of entrepreneurship?
Ans:
Entrepreneurship is the ability and willingness to create, organise, and manage a business enterprise, including all of its uncertainties, in order to earn profit. The most visible example of entrepreneurship is the establishment of new businesses. Entrepreneurship involving land, labour, natural resources, and capital can yield a profit. The entrepreneurial vision is defined by exploration and risk-taking, and it is an essential component of a nation’s ability to succeed in an ever-changing and more competitive global marketplace.
3. MSME and Entrepreneurship are connected. Do you agree. Give two reasons.
Ans:
Yes, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and entrepreneurship are closely connected. Here are two reasons:
MSMEs Are a Product of Entrepreneurial Efforts:
Entrepreneurs often establish MSMEs to bring their ideas to life, create products or services, and generate economic value. These businesses serve as a platform for entrepreneurs to innovate, take risks, and contribute to economic growth.
MSMEs Foster Entrepreneurial Ecosystems:
MSMEs play a key role in developing local economies by creating jobs and fostering innovation. They provide a foundation for other entrepreneurs by creating supply chains, offering mentorship, and cultivating markets that encourage new entrepreneurial ventures.
This symbiotic relationship drives both economic and entrepreneurial development.
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4. State the role of MSME in development of a country?
Ans:
Small Scale Industries play a very important role in the socioeconomic development of the country. These industries account for 95 per cent of industrial units, contribution up to 40 per cent of the gross industrial value added and 45 per cent of the total exports. SSIs are the second largest employers of human resources, after agriculture and produce a variety of products for the economy. These units contribute to the balanced regional development of the country by using locally available material and indigenous technology. These provide ample scope for entrepreneurship; enjoy the advantage of low cost of production; quick decision making, and have quick adaptability and are best suited to customized production.
5. What are the different parameters used to measure the size of MSME?
Ans:
The size of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in most countries is categorized based on certain parameters. In India, the Ministry of MSME defines these categories primarily based on investment in plant and machinery or equipment and annual turnover, as per the MSME Development (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Parameters Used to Measure the Size of MSMEs:
- Investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment: This refers to the amount invested in fixed assets like machinery, tools, and equipment. It excludes land and building costs.
- Annual Turnover: This refers to the total revenue generated by the business in a financial year.
6. State the meaning of Village and Khadi industries?
Ans:
Village and Khadi industries refer to traditional, small-scale industries rooted in rural areas, aimed at promoting self-reliance, employment, and economic development.
Village industries focus on utilizing local resources and skills to produce goods and services such as handicrafts, pottery, bee-keeping, and agro-based products like oil pressing and flour milling.
Khadi industries, on the other hand, specialize in producing hand-spun and hand-woven textiles made from cotton, silk, or wool, following traditional methods. These industries not only preserve cultural heritage but also align with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance. Supported by bodies like the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), they contribute significantly to rural development and sustainable livelihoods.
7. State any three major problems faced by MSMEs?
Ans:
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face several challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability. Three major problems include:
- Limited Access to Finance:
MSMEs often struggle to secure adequate and timely credit due to a lack of collateral, high-interest rates, and lengthy loan approval processes. This financial constraint limits their ability to expand, innovate, and compete effectively.
2. Technological Deficiencies:
Many MSMEs lack access to modern technology and digital tools, which affects productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Limited awareness and high costs of adopting advanced technologies exacerbate this issue.
3. Market Access and Competition:
MSMEs face difficulties in accessing broader markets due to insufficient marketing strategies, lack of branding, and limited knowledge of export opportunities. Additionally, they struggle to compete with larger enterprises and cheaper imports.
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Long Answer Questions
- How do small scale industries contribute to the socio-economic development of India? Discuss
Ans: small-scale industries play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of India. Their contributions are multi-dimensional, influencing both economic growth and social upliftment. Here’s a detailed discussion:
Economic Contributions
- Employment Generation—SSIs are labor-intensive and provide employment to a significant portion of the workforce, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. They help in reducing unemployment and underemployment, contributing to poverty alleviation.
- Balanced Regional Development—–SSIs promote industrial development in rural and backward areas by utilizing local resources and manpower. This helps reduce regional disparities and prevents excessive urban migration.
- Contribution to GDP and Exports—SSIs contribute significantly to India’s GDP and exports. They produce a wide range of products, including handicrafts, textiles, and engineering goods, which are in demand in global markets.
- Support to Large Industries—-These industries act as ancillary units, providing raw materials, components, and intermediate goods to large industries. This symbiotic relationship strengthens the industrial ecosystem.
- Promotion of Entrepreneurship—-SSIs encourage entrepreneurship by enabling individuals with limited capital and skills to start businesses, fostering innovation and self-reliance.
- Utilization of Local Resources——They efficiently utilize local resources like raw materials, skills, and traditional knowledge, contributing to sustainable development.
Social Contributions
- Empowerment of Marginalized Sections——SSIs provide opportunities to women, artisans, and marginalized communities, promoting inclusivity and reducing social inequality.
- Preservation of Traditional Arts and Crafts—-Many SSIs focus on traditional industries like handlooms, pottery, and handicrafts, preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Improvement in Living Standards—-By providing employment and income opportunities, SSIs improve the living standards of individuals and their families, particularly in rural areas.
- Promotion of Self-Employment—–They encourage self-employment, reducing dependence on government jobs and large corporations, fostering a culture of independence and innovation.
- Community Development——SSIs often involve local communities, contributing to the development of social infrastructure like schools, healthcare, and public utilities in their areas of operation. 2. Describe the role of small business in rural India. Role of small business in rural India
Ans:
Small business units provide multiple source of income, in wide range of non-agricultural activities and provide employment opportunities in rural areas, especially for the traditional artisan and weaker sections of the society.
i. Economic Empowerment
Small businesses play a big part in boosting the economy of rural India. They create jobs and opportunities for folks in rural areas, positively impacting their lives. When people have their businesses, they contribute to the overall economic growth of their region. Small businesses are like the engines that power economic development in rural areas.
ii. Employment Generation
Small businesses help to be the prominent job creators in rural India. For example, when someone sets up a shop, they don’t just sell things; they create jobs for the local folks. When small businesses hire people, they’re helping to fight against unemployment. So, offer services but also decrease unemployment. Worries and improve the whole economic scene in the area!
iii. Local development
Small businesses are crucial in boosting local development in rural India. When these businesses thrive, they bring positive changes to the community. One significant way they contribute is by investing in essential services like schools grow, they often allocate resources to improve local infrastructure, making life better for everyone.
iv. Cultural Preservation
Small businesses help in preserving the rich cultural tapestry of rural India. How? They take the skills passed down through generations, turn them into products that tell a story, and find their way into markets. So, when you buy that handmade pottery or wear traditional fabrics, you’re not just getting a product but embracing a piece of history.
v. Financial Inclusion
Small businesses contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services and credit facilities to individuals otherwise excluded from the formal financial sector. These businesses make financial services more inclusive. Without them, many folks in rural areas might struggle to save, borrow, or invest. Small businesses bring financial opportunities to the doorstep, ensuring no one gets left out in the economic journey.
vi. Supply Chain Integration
Many small businesses in rural India are involved in agriculture and related industries. Their integration into the supply chain ensures a more sustainable and efficient distribution of goods, benefiting producers and consumers.
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3. Discuss the problems faced by small scale industries.
Ans:
Small-scale industries (SSIs) face several challenges that can hinder their growth and sustainability. Some of the key problems they encounter include:
- Limited Access to Finance: Small-scale industries often struggle to secure adequate funding. They may not have the required collateral for loans or may face high-interest rates, which can limit their ability to expand or modernize.
- Technology Gap: Many small-scale industries lack access to the latest technology and machinery, which affects their productivity and competitiveness. The inability to upgrade to modern production methods makes it harder to meet industry standards and consumer demands.
- Skilled Labor Shortage: There is often a lack of skilled workers, as small businesses may not have the resources to provide training or attract well-trained personnel. This can lead to inefficiencies and poor-quality output.
- Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Small-scale industries often find it difficult to navigate complex regulations, including tax laws, labor laws, and environmental norms. Compliance costs can be burdensome for small businesses.
- Market Competition: SSIs face tough competition from larger corporations that benefit from economies of scale, brand recognition, and extensive marketing reach. This makes it challenging for small enterprises to maintain profitability.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure, such as unreliable power supply, inadequate transportation, and limited access to modern communication networks, can significantly affect the efficiency of small-scale industries.
- Marketing and Branding Challenges: Small industries typically lack the resources to invest in marketing and branding, making it difficult for them to reach a broad audience or effectively promote their products.
- Supply Chain Issues: Small businesses often face difficulties in managing their supply chains efficiently. They may have limited bargaining power with suppliers, resulting in higher costs for raw materials or delays in production.
- Limited Access to Global Markets: While larger industries can tap into global markets, small-scale industries often face barriers when attempting to export their products due to lack of infrastructure, knowledge of international regulations, and competition from established international brands.
- Economic Instability: Small businesses are more vulnerable to economic fluctuations, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, or shifts in consumer demand. These industries have less financial cushion to weather such shocks.
4. What measures has the government taken to solve the problem of finance and marketing in the small scale sector?
Ans:
Governments around the world have introduced several measures to address the financial and marketing challenges faced by small-scale industries (SSIs). These measures typically include:
1. Access to Finance—-Subsidized Loans and Credit Schemes Many governments offer low-interest loans and subsidies to SSIs to ease their financial burden. For example, in India, the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) provides credit guarantees for loans without collateral. Governments often collaborate with MFIs to provide small loans to businesses that may not qualify for conventional bank loans.
2. Tax Benefits and Incentives—–Tax holidays, deductions, and exemptions on income and sales taxes are often provided to SSIs to reduce their operational costs. In countries like India, small businesses benefit from a simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime with lower tax rates and fewer compliance requirements.
3. Government Schemes and Programs—–Governments often fund skill development programs aimed at improving the skills of the workforce in small industries, enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Programs like the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) help small industries upgrade their technology and machinery to improve efficiency and product quality.
4. Marketing Support— Many governments support SSIs in reaching global markets by providing subsidies for trade fair participation, marketing research, and export logistics.Governments encourage SSIs to tap into e-commerce platforms for broader reach, providing them with the necessary infrastructure and support for online marketing and sales.
5. Government-Industry Partnerships—-In Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Governments collaborate with private sector players to enhance the reach and capabilities of SSIs, offering both financial support and access to advanced marketing strategies.
5. ‘Innovation is integral to MSME’. Discuss giving reasons to your answer.
Ans:
Innovation is integral to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for several key reasons:
- Competitive Edge: Innovation helps MSMEs differentiate themselves from larger competitors. By developing unique products, services, or business models, MSMEs can attract customers who are seeking something different or more tailored to their needs.
- Adaptation to Market Changes: The market landscape is constantly evolving, and MSMEs that innovate are better equipped to adapt to changing consumer preferences, technological advances, and industry trends. Innovation allows them to stay relevant and avoid stagnation.
- Cost Efficiency: Many MSMEs operate with limited resources, so they need to find innovative ways to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. This could involve adopting new technologies, improving production processes, or finding more cost-effective ways of delivering products or services.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: Innovation by MSMEs leads to the creation of new products and services, which can open up new markets and drive economic growth. It also often results in the creation of new jobs, especially in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services.
- Access to Funding: Investors and financial institutions are more likely to fund MSMEs that demonstrate a commitment to innovation. A unique, innovative product or service can make a business more attractive to potential investors, ensuring sustainable growth.
- Customer Loyalty and Retention: Innovative MSMEs can build stronger relationships with their customers. By consistently offering innovative solutions, MSMEs can foster customer loyalty, as consumers are likely to return to businesses that offer cutting-edge, reliable products or services.
- Improved Productivity: Through innovation, MSMEs can optimize their operations, leading to better productivity. This can be achieved by automating processes, improving quality control, or introducing better management systems.
6. ‘Creativity and Innovation is the key to MSME’. Justify the statement.
Ans:
The statement “creativity and innovation are the key of MSME” is justified because:
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- Adaptation to Market Demands: MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) often operate in competitive markets where customer preferences evolve rapidly. Creativity and innovation allow them to introduce unique products, services, or processes that meet these changing demands, helping them to stand out from larger competitors.
- Cost Efficiency and Productivity: Innovation enables MSMEs to optimize their processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Creative solutions in production methods or business models can help MSMEs survive and thrive even with limited resources.
- Growth and Scalability: By embracing creative thinking and innovative strategies, MSMEs can explore new markets, diversify their offerings, and scale their operations. Innovation helps them evolve with technological advancements and capitalize on emerging trends.
- Problem-Solving: Many MSMEs face challenges such as resource constraints, access to finance, and limited market reach. Creativity and innovation allow them to find novel solutions to these problems, making them resilient in a dynamic business environment.
- Sustainability and Long-Term Success: Through innovation, MSMEs can develop sustainable practices, adopt green technologies, and improve their overall value proposition. Creative approaches also enhance their ability to navigate disruptions in the market, ensuring long-term success.