Management Development Program (MDP)Day 1 of the Management Development Program (MDP) laid a strong foundation in leadership and communication skills essential for MSME leaders and startup innovators. The day commenced with a welcome address by Sh. Anil Behal (Assistant Director, MSME), setting up an inspiring tone for the program. Dr. Radhika Trikha introduced participants to Entrepreneurial Leadership, focusing on key roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by leaders in small and medium enterprises. The session emphasized strategic thinking, decision-making, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Participants also reflected on their personal leadership styles and their impact on workplace effectiveness.The afternoon sessions, led by Ms. Karuna Kanwar, explored organizational behavior, team management, and effective communication. Participants engaged in case discussions of real MSME success stories, analyzing workforce dynamics, and team-building strategies. They also practiced interpersonal and persuasive communication skills, essential for leadership effectiveness. By the end of the day, participants had developed a clear understanding of how strong leadership, collaborative teamwork, and strategic communication form the foundation for sustainable business growth.

Day 2 focused on equipping participants with knowledge of compliance frameworks and government support mechanisms. Ms. Varinder Saini led the morning session, explaining GST, licensing, documentation, and drafting compliance checklists, along with negotiation strategies for vendor and customer engagement. Participants learned practical approaches to maintain operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory adherence.

Day 3 highlighted the critical role of technology and intellectual property in enhancing MSME competitiveness. Saurabh Arora led a session on IP management, trademarks, and patents, demonstrating how intellectual assets safeguard innovation, build credibility, and support scalability. Case studies across retail, agriculture, and service sectors illustrated the practical benefits of IP strategy in real business contexts.In the afternoon, Ms. Ishita Thaman from the Ministry of MSME presented a comprehensive overview of government schemes, including Udyam, PMEGP, Startup India, and the SC/ST Hub. Participants understood how to leverage these initiatives to access financial support, capacity-building programs, and technology assistance. The sessions reinforced the importance of regulatory awareness and strategic utilization of government schemes as enablers of MSME growth and sustainability, empowering participants to operate with confidence and credibility.

Day 4 emphasized building a strong digital presence and brand identity. Satvir Singh introduced participants to digital marketing fundamentals, social media engagement, and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and ONDC. The session demonstrated how online strategies can expand customer reach, improve visibility, and strengthen business positioning in a competitive marketplace.In the second session, Prerna Arora guided participants on branding and SEO strategies. They learned how to create a recognizable brand, optimize online discoverability, and engage customers effectively across digital channels. Hands-on exercises enable participants to draft actionable digital marketing plans. By the end of the day, participants were equipped with tools to enhance brand equity, digital visibility, and customer engagement, positioning their businesses for sustainable growth.

The final day of the MDP focused on integration, application, and networking. Participants presented group projects and investor-style pitch decks, showcasing problem-solution fit, market analysis, revenue models, and scalability roadmaps. The presentations reflected strategic thinking, creativity, and practical application of the week’s learning.Sharesth Vij and Jaskaran Singh moderated the pitching and mentorship session, providing guidance on refining value propositions, improving narratives, and delivering investor-ready presentations. Participants also had opportunities to interact with industry experts, policymakers, and consultants, expanding their professional networks. The day concluded with a certification ceremony, celebrating participants’ achievements and marking the start of a confident, strategic, and impact-oriented entrepreneurial journey.

Program Conclusion

The 5-day Management Development Program successfully combined leadership, compliance, technology, marketing, and practical application to empower MSME leaders and startup innovators. Through expert-led sessions, case studies, hands-on exercises, and mentorship, participants gained actionable insights, practical skills, and confidence to navigate the challenges of growing and scaling their ventures.This holistic program has prepared participants to adopt innovative solutions, leverage government support, manage teams effectively, and build strong business identities in the digital era. The MDP has not only enhanced their knowledge and skills but also fostered connections, collaboration, and a mindset geared toward sustainable growth. For all participants, this marks the beginning of a future-ready entrepreneurial journey with the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact in the MSME and startup ecosystem.