The economic reforms India launched in the early 1990s led to more than a decade of unprecedented economic growth. While the steady growth brought millions out of poverty, more than 300 million Indians still live on less than a dollar a day. To bring more Indians out of poverty, the country’s economic prosperity needs to reach more deeply and broadly. To unleash entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities, India needs sustainable institutions and policies that enable smaller business to grow.

USAID’s Growth Oriented Micro-Enterprise Development (GMED) program helps existing Indian organizations act as intermediaries that improve the delivery of business development services, increase access to financial services and promote policies that help micro and small businesses grow. GMED focuses on the specific areas of urban solid waste management, maize for poultry feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and organically certified foods. Activities undertaken under the project include:

• Acts as catalyst to create linkages between small and large businesses in selected value chains;
• Improves coordination between business to increase end product value and competitiveness; and
• Increases entrepreneurs’ ability to promote their activities and connect with other businesses in their industry.