Women-led enterprises and small businesses across Maharashtra have received a major boost with the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) announcing that its MSME Helpline has supported more than 2,500 MSMEs, including over 400 women entrepreneurs, in the last one year.
Sharing the update during a media briefing on Friday, Director General Prashant Girbane said the helpline, which is currently in its pilot phase, has emerged as a crucial platform for entrepreneurs seeking guidance on finance, taxation, legal compliance, technology adoption, marketing, exports and government schemes. The service, now extended across 35 districts, aims to bridge knowledge gaps, improve decision-making and enhance competitiveness among MSMEs.
MCCIA has also released a bilingual FAQ handbook in Marathi and English covering 21 common MSME queries, ensuring easy and accessible information for small businesses.
Along with business guidance, MCCIA’s Applied AI Studio has enabled more than 350 MSMEs to adopt artificial intelligence for real-world applications including automation, customer engagement, analytics and inventory management. Girbane said the initiative is designed to help enterprises build clarity, capability and confidence while adopting emerging technologies, with a target of supporting 1,000 MSMEs by the end of the financial year.
During the briefing, MCCIA also announced three major industry events scheduled for December. The Pune GCC Summit on December 9 at the MCCIA Trade Tower will bring together leaders from Global Capability Centres to discuss India’s growing strategic role, innovation pathways and leadership models. The CSR Synergy Conclave on December 3 will focus on the transformation of CSR from compliance-driven giving to purpose-led and outcome-based impact, with discussions on inclusion, strategic planning and collaborative development. The 14th Pune Expo, to be held from December 10 to 12 at the Auto Cluster in Chinchwad, will showcase more than 200 exhibitors from sectors such as engineering, AI, robotics, automation, defence and sustainable manufacturing, and is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors.
Girbane encouraged enterprises, industry leaders and the media to participate in these events, highlighting Pune’s growing influence as a centre for innovation, responsible business practices and industrial advancement.
