Dhan Samvaad: Empowering Nano and Micro Enterprises with Digital…

Dhan Samvaad: Empowering Nano and Micro Enterprises with Digital and Financial Literacy

Supported by Mahindra Finance

Project Synopsis

Dhan Samvaad by Mahindra Finance is a large-scale Financial and Digital literacy initiative designed to empower nano and micro enterprises—particularly street vendors and small, market-based businesses—to become financially aware, digitally capable, and growth-oriented.

The project was first introduced in 2024 (Phase I) and implemented across Delhi NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Chennai. It focused on building foundational knowledge enabling access to formal financial systems, and strengthening entrepreneurial capacity. The programme simplifies financial concepts, promotes the use of digital tools such as DigiLocker, online banking basics, mobile wallets and payment apps and facilitates linkages with government schemes and credit opportunities. It also promoted awareness on cybersecurity and fraud prevention, thereby supporting safe digital adoption.

In Phase I, the programme aimed to reach 25,000 nano and micro entrepreneurs. Building on its success, Phase II expanded its outreach to 42,500 enterprises across 12 districts in Delhi NCR, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The initiative, so far, has targeted 67,500 micro and nano enterprises, bridging the gap between informal businesses and the formal economy, and enabling them to transition toward sustainable and scalable growth.

Project Objective

The project aims to equip nano and micro entrepreneurs with essential financial and digital skills, enabling them to confidently engage with formal systems. It focuses on improving financial literacy, encouraging digital adoption, facilitating access to government schemes and credit, and building awareness around safe and responsible financial practices.

FMC’s Approach

To address these challenges, Foundation for MSME Clusters adopted a high-touch, structured approach that goes beyond one-time training. The programme emphasizes personalized handholding through one-on-one interactions, allowing trainers to address specific enterprise-level challenges. Continuous mentoring and follow-ups ensure that beneficiaries remain engaged and are able to translate learning into practice.

The initiative is delivered through a Training of Trainers (ToT) model, enabling localized and scalable outreach. Interactive sessions combine demonstrations and practical exercises, while on-ground camps support direct access to government schemes and financial services. The approach also focuses on facilitating linkages—supporting DigiLocker adoption, documentation, Udyam registration, and access to credit—ensuring that participants are not only informed but also able to act.

Impact / Achievements

The initiative has trained over 67,500 nano and micro enterprises across two phases, with 42,500 covered in Phase II alone. It has led to widespread awareness of financial and digital concepts, with around 80% of participants adopting DigiLocker for document management and nearly 75% being linked to relevant government schemes. A smaller but significant proportion has moved toward formalization through Udyam registration and improved access to credit.

Beyond these numbers, the programme has driven a clear behavioural shift—enterprises are increasingly adopting digital tools, managing finances more systematically, and engaging with formal institutions with greater confidence. This transition reflects a move from survival-based operations to more growth-oriented and resilient business practices.

Dhan Samvaad: Empowering Nano and Micro Enterprises with Digital…