VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh, September 28 2026: Walmart Vriddhi, in partnership with Ideas to Impact Foundation (i2i), hosted Walmart Vriddhi MSME Connect 2026 in Visakhapatnam, a major financial and industrial center of Andhra Pradesh. The event included participation from the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation, Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), AP Chamber of Commerce, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Walmart Marketplace; Flipkart; and other ecosystem stakeholders.
Andhra Pradesh today represents one of the country’s most significant MSME landscapes and the eight-largest base in India. The state is home to iconic, indigenous products such as Kondapalli toys, Kalamkari textiles, marine and aquaculture products, and agro-based products like spices.
As Andhra Pradesh’s primary port city, Visakhapatnam serves as a strategic maritime gateway and provides a platform for entrepreneurs to enhance export readiness along with other MSME hubs like Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, and Nellore. To support local MSMEs in accessing broader markets, state development initiatives and Walmart Vriddhi are collaborating to focus on offering digital enablement, personalized mentoring and export capability building.
The MSME Connect Visakhapatnam 2026 event focused on practical ways for entrepreneurs to strengthen their business and digital capabilities, understand export readiness, and reach customers in India and internationally. MSMEs also engaged with experts on digital commerce and pathways to market access through platforms including Walmart Marketplace and Flipkart. Through sessions and workshops, entrepreneurs gained insights into business readiness, digital commerce, and cross-border trade.Walmart Vriddhi has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), an initiative of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, to strengthen the state’s innovation and startup ecosystem. By combining RTIH’s incubation ecosystem with Walmart Vriddhi’s business enablement, the partnership will build a robust pipeline of market-ready enterprises, equipping founders to scale resilient businesses, create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth across Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at the event, Shri Kondapalli Srinivas, Hon’ble Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty, Government of Andhra Pradesh said, “The Andhra Pradesh MSME and Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2024–29 lays the foundation for strengthening MSME infrastructure, improving access to finance, promoting technology adoption, and expanding market opportunities. Through partnerships with initiatives such as Walmart Vriddhi, we aim to empower entrepreneurs in Visakhapatnam and across the state to scale their businesses, access wider domestic and international markets, and contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth.”
“The Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation is committed to strengthening MSME in the state by supporting enterprise development, promoting digital adoption, and creating avenues for businesses. We aim to empower entrepreneurs across Andhra Pradesh to realize their growth potential and contribute to the state’s vision of becoming a leading destination for enterprise and investment,” said Shri Tammireddy Sivasankara Rao, Hon’ble Chairman, Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation.
“Andhra Pradesh has a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and equipping students aspiring to be business leaders with practical business capabilities can help strengthen this ecosystem further. Our collaboration with Walmart Vriddhi will provide students with exposure to business learning and entrepreneurial skills, helping them better understand what it takes to translate an idea into an enterprise. We look forward to bringing together RTIH’s innovation ecosystem and Walmart Vriddhi’s supplier development expertise to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities across the state.,” said Shri M. Suryateja (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH)
Innovation-led enterprises are a vital part of India’s future and their growth depends on more than ideations. Through our partnership with RTIH, Walmart Vriddhi is bringing its business enablement expertise to founders who are ready to go digital, help startups strengthen their digital capabilities, commercialize their innovations and build resilient businesses equipped to access new market opportunities,” said Avaneesh Gupta, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising & Fashion Sourcing, Walmart.
The impact of the program is reflected in the business growth journeys of entrepreneurs across Andhra Pradesh. By applying key digital strategies from the Walmart Vriddhi program, P. Vamsi Krishna began selling on Flipkart in January 2026 and generated nearly ₹20 lakh in online revenue within the first five months, demonstrating the strong potential of eCommerce for his business. Through the program’s personalized mentorship, he gained the practical skills required to effectively list products online, manage digital sales operations, and navigate the essentials of eCommerce growth.
Since its launch in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi has trained over 115,000 MSMEs across India. With a goal of supporting a total of 170,000 MSMEs by 2028, the program continues to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities and help businesses expand into domestic and international markets.
MSMEs can register for Walmart Vriddhi here: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/register-with-walmartvriddhi Sellers looking to expand internationally through Walmart Marketplace can register here: https://www.walmartvriddhi.org/en/marketplace
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 280 million customers and members visit more than 10,900 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2026 revenue of $713 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
About Ideas to Impact Foundation
Ideas to Impact (i2i) Foundation, implementation partner of Walmart Vriddhi, is a nonprofit committed to driving sustainable human development through innovative, community-focused solutions. i2i partners with governments, civil society and corporates to create scalable programs that empower marginalized communities and support the Sustainable Development Goals. The Foundation’s work spans education, health, environment and gender inclusion, focusing on building resilient, inclusive societies. Rooted in collaboration and transparency, i2i Foundation strives to create lasting positive impact for a better future. Additional information about Ideas to Impact Foundation can be found at: i2ifoundation.org/about-i2i-foundation
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