GAME & NITI Aayog Join Forces to Power Startups in Small-Town India

In a bold move to boost grassroots entrepreneurship across India, the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) and NITI Aayog have formed a strategic partnership to build thriving local business ecosystems. The initiative will kick off with pilot projects in Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and select districts of Uttar Pradesh, aiming to unlock entrepreneurial potential in underserved regions.

As India eyes inclusive economic growth, this collaboration brings a bottom-up, place-based approach to entrepreneurship—empowering local entrepreneurs, enabling access to capital, and driving job creation through tailored solutions.

Why the GAME–NITI Aayog Partnership Matters for Entrepreneurs

India has seen a surge in entrepreneurial activity, but most support systems remain concentrated in metros. Entrepreneurs in smaller cities often face limited access to finance, mentorship, and policy support.

The GAME–NITI Aayog initiative is designed to change that. 

By uniting local governments, corporates, banks, academic institutions, and community organizations, the program aims to remove barriers for entrepreneurs and foster sustainable, self-sufficient business ecosystems.

“We believe in a bottom-up model that listens to local entrepreneurs, understands their challenges, and works alongside them to develop viable solutions,” said Ishtiyaque Ahmed, Programme Director for Industry/MSME at NITI Aayog.

What Entrepreneurs Can Expect: Practical Support and Real Opportunities

The pilot regions will implement GAME’s proven frameworks that focus on:

✔ Access to Finance – Easier loans and investment opportunities for small businesses.

✔ Skill Development – Hands-on business and technical training.

✔ Policy Advocacy – Reforms that create a better business environment.

✔ Community-Led Growth – Building strong local networks for long-term impact.

This model ensures that solutions are localized, scalable, and built with input from entrepreneurs themselves.

Mass Entrepreneurship as a National Movement

GAME sees entrepreneurship not just as a business activity, but a transformative tool for social and economic progress.

“Our partnership with NITI Aayog marks a crucial milestone in building a national movement where millions can start and grow businesses,” said Ketul Acharya, President of GAME. “This is about inclusive growth, local innovation, and community resilience.”

GAME believes regional ecosystems are key to unlocking India’s next wave of economic development—especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Since its founding in 2018, GAME has worked with over 300,000 entrepreneurs across India. Its programs have helped founders:

• Secure funding and credit
• Gain market linkages and distribution channels
• Navigate regulatory challenges
• Launch women-led and green enterprises

The organization has also played a key role in influencing national MSME policy, especially around simplifying processes and boosting support for underserved regions.

Scaling India’s Local Business Potential

This partnership will serve as a blueprint for building entrepreneurship ecosystems nationwide. By focusing on region-specific interventions, the model promises to:

• Build resilient local economies
• Reduce unemployment through business-led growth
• Increase participation from youth, women, and marginalized communities

As the pilot projects expand, the GAME–NITI Aayog collaboration is expected to drive systemic change, proving that India’s economic future can be powered by millions of local entrepreneurs—not just a few tech unicorns.

If you're a founder in a smaller city or an ecosystem enabler, this partnership could open new doors. From funding access to skill-building, the focus is clear: empower the local to scale the national.