MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative

The MSME TEAM Initiative under the RAMP Programme helps micro and small enterprises connect with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). It aims to boost your market reach, cut costs, and support women entrepreneurs through digital enablement.

In this scheme:

What is the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative?
Objectives of the MSME TEAM Initiative
Key Features of the MSME TEAM Initiative
Financial Assistance Offered Under the MSME Team Scheme
Eligibility Criteria for MSME TEAM Initiative
Documents Required for the MSME Team Scheme
How to Apply for the MSME TEAM Initiative
Benefits of the MSME TEAM Initiative
Real-World Examples of MSME TEAM Initiative
Related Government Support Plans with MSME TEAM Initiative
Final Words

You, as a new MSME owner, can benefit greatly from the MSME Trade Enablement & Marketing (TEAM) Initiative launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME). The scheme is designed especially to help micro and small enterprises embrace e-commerce by leveraging India’s digital public infrastructure through ONDC. With a focus on women-led businesses and helping you reach wider customer bases, this initiative intends to reduce the cost of doing business, formalise your operations, and build digital transaction credibility.

What is the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative?

The TEAM Initiative was launched on 27th June 2024 under the Central Sector Scheme Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Program. It aims to propagate e-commerce adoption among MSMEs by integrating them into the ONDC network.

The initiative has a financial outlay of Rs 277.35 crore allocated over three years (2024-2027), targeting around 5 lakh MSMEs, with 50% women entrepreneurs getting special focus. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is the implementing agency running awareness workshops and onboarding sessions across Tier 2 and 3 cities

Objectives of the MSME TEAM Initiative

Facilitate MSMEs' integration with the ONDC network through digital storefronts and tools.
Enable wider market access and customer outreach for micro and small enterprises.
Provide support in payments, logistics, and digital marketing.
Reduce operational costs and barriers to digital commerce.
Focus on formalising MSME operations and building digital transaction histories, improving credibility and trust.
Promote women-led MSMEs and emerging entrepreneurs in Tier 2/3 cities.

Key Features of the MSME TEAM Initiative

You can benefit from this scheme, which was launched on 27th June 2024 under the RAMP programme.
You are part of a Rs 277.35 crore initiative that will run for three years (2024–2027).
If you're among the 5 lakh targeted MSMEs, especially if you’re a woman entrepreneur, this scheme is designed for you.
You will be supported by NSIC in partnership with ONDC and your state government.
You can attend over 150 workshops aimed at building your awareness and digital skills.
You will get help setting up digital storefronts, integrating payment systems, and connecting to logistics services.
You’re eligible if you run a micro or small enterprise, as medium enterprises are mostly excluded.
You won’t deal with interest rates or loan repayments here, since this scheme focuses on marketing and digital trade support instead of direct credit.

Financial Assistance Offered Under the MSME Team Scheme

The MSME TEAM Initiative primarily provides:

Grants and support for digital onboarding on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Capacity building through workshops and training sessions.
Assistance in creating digital product catalogues for online sales.
Logistic and payment integration support through digital infrastructure.
Financial assistance is generally for marketing enablement, digital platform on-boarding, rather than direct loans or credit.

Name	Incentives
Cataloguing	Incentives to Selling Network Participants (SNPs) Up to INR 2,500 per MSE B2C @INR 50/ SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) B2B @INR 125/ SKU To be paid out only after 2 successful transactions Targeting - 5 lakh MSEs
Transactions	Incentives to SNPs Up to INR 5,000 per MSE B2C @5% of Sales B2B @INR 250 per transaction These incentives will come in place only after the first 2 transactions have been done. Targeting - 1.5 lakh MSEs
Demand Generation	Incentives to Buyer Network Participants (BNPs) Up to INR 500 per MSE @INR 50 per order These incentives will come in place only after the first 2 transactions have been done. Targeting - 1 lakh MSEs
Logistics	Incentives to MSEs B2C: @ INR 50 per order for 10 orders per MSE B2B: @INR 200 per order for 10 orders per MSE These incentives will come in place only after the first 2 transactions have been done. Targeting - 1.25 lakh MSEs
Packaging	Incentives to MSEs B2C @INR 20 per order up to 10 orders B2B@INR 250 per order up to 10 orders These incentives will come in place only after the first 2 transactions have been done. Targeting - 1.25 lakh MSEs

Additional Initiatives to support MSME by ONDC

Activity	Description
Awareness Creation & Demand Generation	Incentives: Rs. 50 per order (max 10 per MSE) via Buyer Network Participants. Rs. 450 per MSE onboarded for digital marketing.
Onboarding & Digital Catalogue Creation	Incentives: Rs. 2,500 per MSE for cataloging (B2C: Rs. 50 per SKU up to 50 SKUs; B2B: Rs. 125 per SKU up to 20 SKUs). Minimum 2 successful orders required before claiming benefits.
Account Management Support	Incentives (capped at Rs. 5,000 per MSE) for SNPs to assist with order fulfilment, logistics, operations, and contract management. Payouts: B2C: 5% of net sales (up to Rs. 5,000 per MSE). B2B: Rs. 250 per transaction (up to Rs. 5,000 per MSE).
Transportation & Logistics Subsidy	Incentives through SNPs: B2C: Rs. 50 per order (up to 10 orders per MSE). B2B: Rs. 200 per order (up to 10 orders per MSE).
Packaging Material Subsidy	Incentives through SNPs: B2C: Rs. 20 per order (up to 10 orders per MSE). B2B: Rs. 250 per order (up to 10 orders per MSE).
Packaging Design Subsidy	Incentives through Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP): 20% of design cost or Rs. 2,000 per MSE (whichever is lower).
	Note Benefits for activities 3, 4, and 5 must be availed within 6 months of the first transaction. Each MSE can claim cataloging benefits from only one SNP SNPs using AI-based cataloging cannot claim separate cataloging support. No SNP can claim over 20% of the budget allocated for activities 2-5.

Eligibility Criteria for MSME TEAM Initiative

Eligibility

As an aspiring MSME owner, you are eligible if:

You are a Micro or Small Enterprise registered with a valid Udyam Registration.
Your enterprise is engaged in manufacturing or service sector activities.
You operate within India and are willing to adopt digital commerce via Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Women entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply.
Medium Enterprises are generally not eligible for most benefits under this scheme.

Non-Eligibility

You may not be eligible if:

You represent a Medium Enterprise.
Your business lacks a valid Udyam registration.
You do not intend to participate or integrate with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.
You are outside the manufacturing or service sectors covered by the scheme.

Documents Required for the MSME Team Scheme

Valid Udyam Registration Certificate.
Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card).
Proof of business address.
Bank account details for transactions.
Digital presence proof or intent to onboard on the ONDC platform (if available)

How to Apply for the MSME TEAM Initiative

Step 1: Ensure you have a valid Udyam Registration for your MSME.

Step 2: Visit the official MSME TEAM website or NSIC portal.

Step 3: Register yourself and submit your MSME details with supporting documents.

Step 4: Attend workshops or training sessions conducted by NSIC and partners.

Step 5: Get assistance for digital onboarding on the ONDC platform.

Step 6: Set up your digital storefront, create product catalogues, and enable integrated payments.

Benefits of the MSME TEAM Initiative

Enhanced Market Reach

You will be able to showcase your products on digital platforms under Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) , helping you reach more customers across India. This increases your chances of growing sales beyond your local market.

Reduced Operating Costs

By using shared digital infrastructure, you can cut down on marketing, logistics, and customer acquisition costs. This makes it easier and cheaper for you to do business online.

Improved Credibility

As you start transacting digitally, your business builds a digital footprint and transaction history. This helps establish your credibility with customers, partners, and financial institutions.

Women Entrepreneur Support

If you're a woman business owner, you'll get priority support under this scheme. This includes access to resources, workshops, and onboarding help designed just for you.

Capacity Building

You can join training and awareness workshops that teach you how to run your business online. This helps you confidently handle digital tools, payments, and product listings.

Logistics & Payment Integration

The scheme helps you set up smooth logistics and payment gateways. This means faster deliveries, easy payments, and a better experience for both you and your customers.

Real-World Examples of MSME TEAM Initiative

A small local distillery is now selling its traditional beverages online through ONDC, reaching customers across different states.
A women-led handicraft unit has joined ONDC to showcase and sell handmade products all over India.
A small apparel manufacturer has started using e-commerce platforms to grow sales and reach new markets beyond their town.

Scheme Name	How It Links with MSME TEAM Initiative
RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Productivity)	MSME TEAM is a sub-scheme under RAMP focusing on digital trade.
Stand Up India Scheme	Promotes entrepreneurship which can leverage TEAM’s digital platform.
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)	Supports MSMEs financially; synergises with TEAM’s marketing support.

Final Words

As a new MSME owner, the MSME TEAM Initiative is a great opportunity to digitally transform your business, gain access to digital marketplaces, and connect with a larger customer base, especially if you are a woman entrepreneur. Embrace this scheme to enhance your competitiveness and grow your enterprise in the digital economy.