The Business Bytes
New Delhi, October 24, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant move aimed at bolstering the startup ecosystem in India, Amazon India has announced a partnership with Startup India under the auspices of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This collaboration seeks to launch multiple initiatives designed to empower startups in building and scaling their businesses through e-commerce.
As part of this partnership, Amazon India will facilitate eligible startups to access e-commerce opportunities by enabling them to register on Amazon’s marketplace through a dedicated page on the Startup India portal. This initiative aims to provide startups with a dedicated onboarding experience, allowing them to gain a foothold in the domestic market. Startups will also benefit from mentorship provided by Amazon leaders, comprehensive go-to-market support, and logistical guidance.
In a bid to further support women entrepreneurs, Amazon India will leverage its Saheli program. This initiative will focus on creating a high-impact learning program tailored for women-led small and medium businesses (SMBs) in India. The program will provide these startups with access to Amazon’s extensive suite of services, including Amazon Pay, Amazon Incentives, Amazon Business, Amazon Transport, AWS, Amazon Advertising, and Mini TV. The initiative will span a diverse range of sectors, including Fashion, Food & Beverage, Textile & Apparel, Toys and Games, Automotive, Art & Photography, Pets & Animals, Agriculture, and many more.
Additionally, Amazon India will collaborate with Startup India to promote awareness about the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, a pivotal component of the Startup India program. BHASKAR is a platform designed to centralize and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government entities.
Commenting on the partnership, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, expressed optimism, stating, “Our collaboration with Amazon is aimed at empowering startups to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and access new growth avenues. By combining Amazon’s e-commerce expertise with Startup India’s role as the Government of India’s flagship initiative for the development of the startup ecosystem, we will provide a robust platform for Indian startups to scale domestically. Furthermore, this collaboration is a testament to our commitment to the empowerment of Indian entrepreneurs across sectors and regions, driving economic development in the country through entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President of Public Policy at Amazon India, emphasized the inspirational nature of Indian startups, noting their determination to succeed in various industries. “By leveraging the power of e-commerce, they are scaling new heights and catering to customers across different parts of the country with their innovative products. We are honored to join hands with Startup India and DPIIT to pursue our common goal of empowering entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in India. This partnership underscores Amazon India’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive ecosystem, where women entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools and opportunities to realize their full potential.”
This comprehensive partnership between Startup India and Amazon India represents a powerful platform for driving startup growth in India. It will enable small and medium businesses to expand their reach through e-commerce, connecting them to a vast customer base across all serviceable pin codes where Amazon delivers, ultimately empowering them to become national brands.
