Hello Mumbai Entreprenuer Desk
Darshana Thakkar
Founder – Transformation – The Strategy HUB | National President – Entrepreneurship Development Council, WICCI | MSME Transformation Specialist
Hello Mumbai News
On the occasion of World MSME Day, what message would you like to give to India’s MSME entrepreneurs?
Darshana Thakkar
MSMEs are not just the backbone of India’s economy—they are the driving force behind innovation, employment, and inclusive growth. My message is simple: Don’t just work hard; build businesses that are scalable, technology-enabled, and globally competitive. Invest in systems, people, and continuous learning because the future belongs to businesses that are agile and adaptable.
Hello Mumbai News
How do you assess the current growth of the MSME sector in Gujarat, and what makes the state a strong business ecosystem?
Darshana Thakkar
Gujarat has consistently demonstrated why it is India’s entrepreneurial powerhouse. Strong infrastructure, proactive government policies, industrial clusters, ease of doing business, and an entrepreneurial mindset create an ideal environment for MSMEs. The state’s growing focus on startups, manufacturing, exports, and digital adoption further strengthens its competitive advantage.
Hello Mumbai News
What are the biggest challenges MSMEs are facing today, and what practical solutions do you recommend?
Darshana Thakkar
The biggest challenges include access to skilled talent, technology adoption, rising operational costs, finance, market expansion, and compliance. The solution is not only financial support but also capacity building. MSMEs should adopt digital tools, strengthen financial discipline, build standard operating procedures (SOPs), invest in employee development, and seek mentoring instead of trying to solve every challenge alone.
Hello Mumbai News
In your experience, why do many MSMEs struggle to scale from small businesses into national or global brands?
Darshana Thakkar
Many MSMEs remain owner-driven instead of becoming system-driven. Growth requires professional management, standardized processes, strong branding, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. Businesses that invest in governance and long-term strategy are far more likely to scale successfully.
Hello Mumbai News
How important are digital transformation, AI, automation, and Industry 4.0 for the future of MSMEs?
Darshana Thakkar
These technologies are no longer optional they are business necessities. AI, automation, predictive maintenance, cloud platforms, and data analytics improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance quality, and enable faster decision-making. MSMEs should start with small, practical implementations that deliver measurable business value.
Hello Mumbai News
WICCI has been actively promoting women entrepreneurship. What more should be done to increase women’s participation in business and manufacturing?
Darshana Thakkar
We need easier access to finance, stronger mentorship, industry exposure, digital skills, market linkages, and supportive business networks. More importantly, we must encourage women to enter manufacturing, technology, and export-oriented businesses. Empowering women entrepreneurs creates stronger families, stronger industries, and a stronger nation.
Hello Mumbai News
How can startups and MSMEs work together to create innovation and employment opportunities?
Darshana Thakkar
Startups bring innovation and new technologies, while MSMEs bring manufacturing expertise, market understanding, and execution capabilities. By collaborating instead of competing, they can co-develop products, improve productivity, generate employment, and accelerate industrial innovation.
Hello Mumbai News
What policy reforms or government initiatives would you like to see to strengthen India’s MSME ecosystem?
Darshana Thakkar
Greater awareness and easier access to government schemes, simplified compliance, faster credit approvals, stronger digital transformation support, export readiness programs, AI adoption incentives, and structured mentoring initiatives can significantly improve MSME competitiveness.
Hello Mumbai News
Gujarat is often considered a model for entrepreneurship. What lessons can entrepreneurs from other states learn from Gujarat?
Darshana Thakkar
Gujarat teaches us that entrepreneurship is built on trust, calculated risk-taking, long-term relationships, discipline, and continuous reinvestment in business. The culture encourages innovation while maintaining financial prudence—an approach every entrepreneur can learn from.
Hello Mumbai News
What advice would you give to first-generation entrepreneurs who want to start an MSME with limited capital?
Darshana Thakkar
Capital is important, but clarity, commitment, and customer understanding are even more important. Start small, validate your business model, maintain financial discipline, focus on solving real customer problems, and reinvest profits into sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion.
Hello Mumbai News
Sustainability and green business practices are becoming increasingly important. How can MSMEs adopt these without significantly increasing costs?
Darshana Thakkar
Sustainability begins with efficiency. Reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, recycling materials, optimizing production processes, and adopting resource-efficient technologies often reduce operating costs while improving environmental performance. Green practices should be viewed as investments, not expenses.
Hello Mumbai News
What role do mentorship, networking, and business chambers like WICCI play in helping entrepreneurs succeed?
No entrepreneur succeeds alone. Mentorship helps avoid costly mistakes, networking creates new opportunities, and chambers like WICCI provide knowledge, policy advocacy, collaborations, leadership development, and business connections. Together, they help entrepreneurs grow faster with greater confidence.
Hello Mumbai News
What are the top three mistakes you commonly observe among MSME founders, and how can they avoid them?
Darshana Thakkar
First, operating without a clear business strategy. Second, delaying technology adoption. Third, trying to manage everything personally instead of building capable teams and systems. Entrepreneurs should plan strategically, embrace digital transformation, and delegate effectively to achieve sustainable growth.
Hello Mumbai News
Looking ahead to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, what role do you see MSMEs playing in India’s economic growth?
Darshana Thakkar
MSMEs will be central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. They will drive manufacturing, innovation, exports, employment generation, regional development, and inclusive economic growth. By becoming globally competitive and technology-driven, MSMEs will help position India as a leading economic powerhouse.
Hello Mumbai News
Finally, what is your message to young entrepreneurs, women business leaders, and aspiring startup founders on World MSME Day 2026?
Darshana Thakkar
Dream boldly, learn continuously, and build with purpose. Don’t wait for perfect conditions—start with what you have and improve every day. Technology, resilience, ethical leadership, and collaboration will define the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. India’s future will be shaped by those who create opportunities, generate employment, and contribute to nation-building.
