SIDBI Industry Portal for MSMEs and Startups Empowers Growth Across India

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a new Industry Portal (https://dia-msme.in) at the Development of Industry Associations – National Conclave 2025. The platform is designed to transform MSME associations into startup-style growth engines, helping clusters innovate, collaborate, and scale globally.

The event brought together 150 delegates from 105 associations across 90 MSME clusters in 23 states, marking one of the most comprehensive efforts to unite India’s small business ecosystem under a digital umbrella.

Why the Portal Matters for MSMEs and Startups

Inaugurating the portal, M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, called MSMEs the “backbone of India’s economy.” He highlighted that they contribute 30% of India’s GDP, employ 30 crore people, and account for nearly half of exports.

He stressed that for India to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it must evolve beyond being a production hub and become a global innovation epicenter, with clusters and industry associations leading this transformation.

Features of the SIDBI Industry Portal

The DIA Industry Portal goes beyond being just a website. It is a B2B growth enabler designed to:

• Digitally strengthen industry associations
• Create a unified voice for MSMEs and startups with the Government and RBI
• Promote cross-cluster collaboration
• Improve adoption of government schemes
• Share best practices across sectors such as engineering, plastics, textiles, printing, and food processing

Prakash Kumar, Deputy Managing Director of SIDBI, explained that this initiative builds on the bank’s 25+ years of cluster development experience, while CMD Manoj Mittal emphasized that “Strong clusters need strong industry associations.”

Associations as Startup-Style Accelerators

Manoj Muttathil Ayyappan, Joint Secretary, DFS, highlighted the practical role of associations in improving cluster efficiency, profitability, and product quality. He urged that MSME associations replicate the successful Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) model to scale rapidly.

SIDBI leaders positioned the portal as a way to professionalize associations, turning them into startup-style acceleratorsthat provide capacity building, digital support, and policy advocacy in one place.

Impact on India’s Startup and MSME Ecosystem

For 63 million MSMEs and thousands of startups in India, the Industry Portal is a gateway to:

• Greater visibility in domestic and global markets
• Easier connections with financial institutions and policymakers
• Enhanced supply chain integration
• Support for sustainability and innovation practices

By giving MSME clusters a stronger digital backbone, SIDBI is enabling them to scale globally, attract investment, and foster inclusive growth.

Toward Viksit Bharat 2047

The conclave concluded with a collective vision: India’s MSMEs and startups will serve as the anchors of Viksit Bharat 2047, driving job creation, exports, and technological breakthroughs. With government backing, SIDBI’s leadership, and digital tools like the DIA portal, associations are poised to become more professional, data-driven, and globally competitive.

FAQs About SIDBI’s Industry Portal for MSMEs

What is the SIDBI Industry Portal?
It is a digital platform launched in 2025 to strengthen MSME industry associations, promote collaboration, and enable startups to scale globally.

How does SIDBI support MSMEs in India?
SIDBI provides financial support, cluster development, and now a digital ecosystem through the Industry Portal to empower MSMEs across 23 states.

Why is the DIA portal important for startups and SMEs?
It acts as a B2B growth enabler, helping associations share best practices, connect with policymakers, and access new market opportunities.

What role do MSMEs play in India’s economy?
MSMEs contribute 30% to GDP, employ 30 crore people, and drive nearly half of exports, making them vital to India’s inclusive growth journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.