WhatsApp launches initiative to help small businesses go digital

Bengaluru: WhatsApp India on Tuesday announced an initiative that aims to support small businesses by helping them adopt digital mediums such as the WhatsApp Business App to run their business.

WhatsApp has launched the programme, SMBSaathi Utsav, on a pilot basis in Jaipur’s Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar where more than 500 small businesses are being trained on various aspects of running their business online, the Meta-owned platform said. It is rolled out in collaboration with social media platform Josh Talks.

Head of WhatsApp India Abhijit Bose said small businesses are the backbone of the economy and technology has the potential to further boost their business. "During the pandemic, we saw several small business owners thriving by using simple platforms such as WhatsApp Business App to stay connected with their customers," added Bose.


As part of SMBSaathi Utsav, trained volunteers are providing one-on-one digital training to businesses in Johri Bazar and Bapu Bazaar. These trainings involve educating the business owners about building a digital presence on the WhatsApp Business App to help them better manage incoming leads and queries, build a product/services showcase and market to key audiences using online tools.

Businesses across sectors such as traditional arts and handicrafts, jewellery, fashion and apparel, food and beverage outlets and several others are being trained on using the various features of the WhatsApp Business App and are being guided on how they can market their product.

India is home to about 63 million micro, small and medium enterprises, accounting for 30% of the country’s GDP and employing more than 110 million people at present.