Latest news with #MSME)Day
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
SMEs with product ideas to compete in US
Listen to article B2B e-commerce platform has announced a newly expanded pitch competition, CoCreate Pitch, which will take place at the company's annual CoCreate event. The competition will allow global small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with product ideas to compete for a $1 million prize pool. Selected SMEs and entrepreneurs from Pakistan will have the opportunity to participate in the US event to be held in Las Vegas from September 4 to 5 this year. In addition to the CoCreate Pitch competition, is also introducing CoCreate Europe, which will be held in London on November 14, coinciding with the World Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day on June 27. CoCreate Pitch will attract SMEs from around the globe, offering the opportunity for financial support, a diversified supply chain and mentorship. Two grand champions, one from each CoCreate event, will each receive a financial award valuing at $200,000 (50% cash and 50% sourcing credits). Twenty winners will be awarded up to $40,000 each under the same terms. All participants will gain free access to AI-powered sourcing tools and supplier network, enabling rapid prototyping and cost-efficient production. The competition spans two to four months, with submissions evaluated on innovation, feasibility and market potential. Finalists will pitch live at events in Las Vegas. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry leaders and investors. "The passion SMEs will bring to their innovative product ideas, and their entrepreneurial energy, shines brightly on stage," said Kuo Zhang, President of Despite global economic uncertainty, the SMEs continue to demonstrate resilience and a strong capacity to adapt and thrive. Recent data from reveals that SMEs are actively positioning themselves for new opportunities.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Dream it, build it
It often starts with a simple idea — a soap handcrafted in a home kitchen, a puzzle designed at the dining table, or a small store on a bustling street deciding to take the plunge online. Ahead of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day (June 27), it's these stories that deserve the spotlight, stories of humble beginnings that dared to grow, adapt, and dream bigger. 'Earthy Sapo started as a passion project, not a business plan,' shares Sheetal Kabra Mohanty, founder of the Hyderabad-based personal care brand. 'When I first began making soaps, I shared them with friends and family and participated in farmers' markets around the city. My goal was simple, to connect with people, understand their skin and hair care concerns, and see if my products could genuinely help. I wasn't in a rush. I spent nearly two to three years just doing that — listening, learning, and gathering honest feedback,' adds Sheetal. What followed was no overnight transformation. Sheetal spent years refining formulations and deepening her understanding of what customers truly needed. 'The response I received was not just positive, it was heartwarming. That's when I began thinking of Earthy Sapo not just as a passion but as a business,' she says. A key turning point came in 2017–18, when a loyal customer encouraged her to explore online retail. 'Amazon was the first e-commerce platform I joined. Their onboarding was seamless, and their vast reach — both across India and internationally which helped me take Earthy Sapo beyond local markets. Their robust logistics, user-friendly tech tools, and deep expertise in online selling made a huge difference. For me, Amazon became the launchpad that transformed Earthy Sapo from a farmers' market brand into one serving customers nationwide and beyond,' she notes.
