MSMEs are no longer competing only with businesses in their neighbourhood.
Today, they face competition from digital-first brands, online platforms, and larger companies moving into niche markets.
Speaking at MSME Sparks 2026, a five-day celebration that ran virtually from June 22-25 and culminated on June 26 at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, Srivardhini Jha, Chairperson of Entrepreneurship at IIM Bangalore, said this changing landscape requires MSMEs to rethink what truly sets them apart.
During a session titled ‘Moving Markets: What Must MSMEs Do Differently?’, in conversation with Shivani Muthanna, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Content at YourStory Media, Jha said founders need to examine which parts of their traditional strengths remain relevant and which need to evolve.
One advantage, she believes, continues to endure.
