Overview
American Express, through its India CSR grants, is supporting programmes with three nonprofit partners to assist 7,500 micro‑entrepreneurs and artisans across Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Delhi NCR – ACCESS Development Services
ACCESS provides training on business skills, guidance on government schemes, mentoring in entrepreneurship, product quality, branding, packaging and marketing.
Rajasthan – Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS)
GVCS works with artisans in Barmer district, offering training in embroidery, appliqué, financial literacy, pricing and market readiness. Example: Mohini Devi, an appliqué and cut‑work artisan, reports improved earnings and better ability to support her family and children’s education.
Maharashtra – Mann Deshi Foundation
Mann Deshi assists micro‑entrepreneurs in onboarding to the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), delivering training on product quality, branding, packaging, business requirements and financial readiness for digital sales.
Leadership Comments
Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express India, said that micro‑entrepreneurs and artisans are vital to local communities and that the programmes build practical capabilities to strengthen businesses and reach new markets. Chetna Sinha, Founder of Mann Deshi Foundation, highlighted that digital commerce opens new possibilities but requires appropriate skills and support.
Impact
The combined initiatives target 7,500 beneficiaries, aiming to enhance business capabilities, digital readiness and market access, thereby contributing to livelihood improvement and economic inclusion.