MSMEs account for one-third of India's economy and are one of the key pillars of the country's Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.

At a time when digital transformation has become crucial for businesses to sustain and grow, the Government has identified digital and technology adoption as one of the core challenges for the MSME sector.

Recently, Vi Business, the enterprise arm of leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi), has once again reiterated its commitment to catalyse the digitalisation of MSMEs for enabling inclusive growth of the economy.

Having conducted the largest such assessment of India's MSME sector, covering nearly 1 lakh respondents across 16 industries - Vi Business shared insights on the digital readiness of MSMEs. The study is aimed at understanding the digital maturity of MSMEs and their level of digital adoption. The 16 industries include Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, IT & ITes, Education, Logistics, Professional Services, Banking, Construction, Mining etc.With the launch of a 360 degree #ReadyForNext 2.0 program covering - 1) Insights from its ‘Unlocking MSME Growth Insights' 2023; 2) Upgraded Digital Self Evaluation tool to help MSMEs harness technology; and 3) Exclusive MSME Offers to help them thrive - Vi Business has further strengthened its focus on growth from the segment.

Commenting on the program, Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea said "The Small and Medium enterprises contribute about 30 per cent of India's GDP. While this sector has seen unprecedented digitalisation, post pandemic, yet its digital maturity index is still just 55 to 60 per cent. We believe that with the right Technology tools, MSMEs can unlock their growth potential and be an even bigger growth driver for the country's economy. ReadyForNext program is our commitment to MSMEs to provide long-term solutions that simplify their decision-making process, as well as help them identify the right focus, direction, and solutions for their business, to make them ready for tomorrow. Our comprehensive portfolio of solutions is tailor made to enhance Productivity, Customer Reach and Security for MSMEs in the Digital era."   

Vi Business has created relevant propositions for MSMEs built on the insights from the study and catering to the emerging business needs of MSMEs. Additionally, Vi Business has also enhanced its Digital Assessment Tool this year.

ReadyForNext Digital Assessment Tool: Vi Business in association with Dun & Bradstreet, has developed a platform to help MSMEs assess their digital readiness, identify gaps, and take the required steps to become a future ready organisation. The digital evaluation process helps business owners assess their setup across three aspects: Digital Customer, Digital Workspace and Digital Business. Basis their responses, the platform will provide a relevant user specific report to the company stating their digital maturity scores, benchmark against the industry, and recommend technology-based solutions.

ReadyForNext 2.0 tool is an enhanced version with customised questionnaire, a more dynamic and personalised assessment which will be based on the MSME respondent's industry and annual turnover of the company. MSMEs can access this platform on: https://www.myvi.in/business/enterprise-segments/smb/msme-readyfornext-digital-assessment.

ReadyForNext Exclusive MSME Offers are built on three pillars - Collaboration & Productivity, Customer Reach and Security. To cater to the wide range of requirements for enhancing productivity, efficiency, reach to end consumer, and security, as well as based on the insights of the report - Vi Business is bringing a range of products tailor made for MSMEs at special prices.

In addition to above, the program also offers ‘Business Advice' to empower businesses to be future ready.