Kolkata, 28 October 2025 :
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the world’s largest professional body of Chartered Accountants, organized the ‘ICAI MSME Connect: Stakeholders Strategic Meet 2025’ in Kolkata, bringing together key stakeholders to enhance India’s MSME and Start-up ecosystem.
The event was inaugurated by Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India, in the presence of CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI; CA (Dr.) Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary, ICAI; CA. Gyan Chandra Misra, Chairman, Committee on MSME & Startups, ICAI; CA. Arpit Jagdish Kabra, Vice-Chairman, Committee on MSME & Startups, ICAI, along with Central and Regional Council Members of the Institute.
More than 80 participants representing Ministries, Regulators, Financial Institutions, Industry Bodies and Incubators from over 60 organizations discussed collaborative strategies to accelerate MSME growth, improve access to finance, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Launch of MSME Clinic Initiative
A major highlight of the meet was the launch of the ‘MSME Clinic Programme’, envisioned as a one-stop facilitation centre offering advisory support in:
- Finance and compliance
- Taxation and accounting
- Digital transformation
- Business sustainability
The initiative will operate across 183 ICAI branches and regional offices, supporting entrepreneurs through professional mentorship and knowledge-driven solutions.
Recognized for Mentoring Excellence
During the event, ICAI was felicitated by the World Book of Records, Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for achieving the maximum number of MSME mentorships in a single day — mentoring 19,355 MSMEs on June 27, 2025.
The recognition was presented to the ICAI President by Dr. Rajeev Shrivastava (World Book of Records) and Dr. Pradeep Bhardwaj (Asia & India Book of Records).
Strategic Collaborations Formalized
Two key MoUs were signed:
1️⃣ ICAI – NBBL (NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited)
To boost digital payments adoption among MSMEs, startups and ICAI members through product enablement, knowledge exchange and support for a stronger digital economy.
2️⃣ ICAI – FITT, IIT Delhi
To advance innovation, entrepreneurial growth and global market linkages for startups. The collaboration will drive incubation, training, financial literacy and regulatory preparedness.
Key Speakers Emphasize Global Competitiveness
Smt. Smriti Irani stressed the growing importance of credibility and compliance in global supply chains and expressed confidence that the MSME Clinic would uplift enterprises through digital and strategic matchmaking.
ICAI President CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through financial integrity and capacity-building, calling the initiative “a pivotal step toward a self-reliant and globally competitive India.”
Chairman CA. Gyan Chandra Misra highlighted how tariff reforms and professional handholding can strengthen local innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Stakeholders Meet marks a significant step in ICAI’s mission to empower MSMEs and contribute to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, enabling sustainable economic progress through financial discipline, innovation and professional excellence.
