9 Essential SMB/SME Stories for Indian Entrepreneurs

In today's press review, we bring you the most important news on small and medium businesses from Indian print media. From Meesho's million-seller milestone to the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana's push for women's self-reliance, these stories matter for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, here are the 9 stories you need to know.

1. Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Beyond Financial Aid

A front-page report in Economic Times says the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana is being positioned as more than a monthly financial assistance scheme of Rs 2,500 for women in Delhi. A comprehensive Convergence Framework is being developed to connect women beneficiaries with government schemes and services, including APAAR ID, ABHA ID, Poshan Tracker, vaccination services, the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and the Swachh Bharat Mission. The programme envisions a journey from assistance to savings, skills and opportunities, so women can one day earn, save and move forward on their own terms.

Why it matters: This scheme aims to empower women financially and connect them to skill development and entrepreneurship.

Key detail: Rs 2,500 monthly aid, with a Convergence Framework linking to government schemes.

Source: Economic Times, Times of India

Next step: Women can apply at www.dly.delhi.gov.in.

2. Meesho's Seller Base Crosses 1 Million

A front-page report in Mint says Meesho is redesigning its seller ecosystem to turn small businesses with little online-selling experience into direct-to-consumer brands, after its seller base crossed 1 million. Annual transacting sellers rose 87% year-on-year to 9.61 lakh in FY26, while the net loss narrowed to Rs 132 crore in Q1 FY27 and revenue from operations rose 48% to Rs 3,713 crore. Meesho Mall, its premium section featuring brands such as Hindustan Unilever and Philips, crossed 1,200 brands as Mall net merchandise value rose about 93%.

Why it matters: Meesho is turning small businesses into D2C brands.

Key detail: Seller base crossed 1 million, transacting sellers up 87% YoY to 9.61 lakh.

Source: Mint

Next step: Small businesses can join Meesho to reach customers directly.

3. Kerala Nuns Turn Entrepreneurs to Survive

A front-page report in Deccan Herald says three nuns in Kerala, locked in a legal battle against former Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal over sexual assault claims, are now making bags and dresses for women under the brand "Stand By Me - Survivors of Gender-Based Violence" after their congregation withdrew all support. The sisters at St Francis Mission Home in Kuravilangad, Kottayam, have sold their products at exhibition-cum-sales events in Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, with the next event scheduled in Kozhikode on September 5. Though Mulakkal was acquitted by the Kottayam Additional Sessions Court in 2022, an appeal is pending before the Kerala High Court and the nuns remain determined to pursue the case.

Why it matters: A story of resilience and entrepreneurship amid legal battles.

Key detail: Three nuns launched "Stand By Me" brand, selling bags and dresses.

Source: Deccan Herald

Next step: Support their products at exhibitions.

4. Ankit Gupta Meets Dr Jitendra Singh on Startups

A front-page report in State Times says BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Ankit Gupta met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to discuss the expanding startup ecosystem and growing entrepreneurial culture in Jammu and Kashmir. Gupta said India's recognised startups have grown from around 350 in 2014 to over 2.3 lakh, generating nearly 25 lakh employment opportunities, while youth in Jammu and Kashmir increasingly turn to innovation, enterprise and self-employment. Dr Singh assured full support, saying the government remains committed to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation among the youth.

Why it matters: Government support for startups in Jammu & Kashmir.

Key detail: India's startups grew from 350 to 2.3 lakh since 2014.

Source: State Times

Next step: Youth can explore startup opportunities.

5. True Colors FY26 Revenue Up 29.2%

A front-page report in Business Standard says Surat-based digital textile printing firm True Colors Limited posted FY26 revenue of Rs 301.55 crore, up 29.2%, with profit after tax rising 28.6% to Rs 31.16 crore in its first full year as a listed entity. Consumables such as inks and sublimation paper now make up half of sales after 109 machine placements, and the company is bringing ink manufacturing in-house through the merger of group firm Inkia Inks.

Why it matters: Surat-based digital textile printing firm shows SME growth.

Key detail: Revenue Rs 301.55 crore, PAT up 28.6%.

Source: Business Standard

Next step: Watch for in-house ink manufacturing.

6. Anlon Technology Solutions Doubles FY26 Revenue

A front-page report in Business Standard says Anlon Technology Solutions Limited, a specialised engineering and airport infrastructure solutions provider, more than doubled its revenue to Rs 105.92 crore in FY26 from Rs 50.23 crore in FY25, with profit after tax rising to Rs 13.88 crore. The Bengaluru-based company, listed on the NSE SME platform, has commenced full-scale assembly operations at its new Doddaballapura Industrial Area facility and is manufacturing firefighting vehicles and sewage-cleaner machines in India through partnerships with Austria's Rosenbauer International AG and Switzerland's Bucher Municipal. Managing Director Unnikrishnan Nair PM said the company's order book stood at Rs 411.19 crore as of July 31, 2026, with a FY27 bidding pipeline of Rs 285.80 crore.

Why it matters: SME on NSE SME platform scaling up.

Key detail: Revenue doubled to Rs 105.92 crore, order book Rs 411.19 crore.

Source: Business Standard

Next step: Track their Make in India initiatives.

7. DGFT's INR Settlement Rules

A front-page report in Business Standard says that DGFT Notification No. 30/2026-27 aligns the Foreign Trade Policy with the existing INR settlement framework permitted under FEMA/RBI regulations. This notification changes the FTP consequences of certain INR settlement transactions.

Why it matters: Aligns Foreign Trade Policy with INR settlement framework.

Key detail: Notification No. 30/2026-27 changes FTP consequences.

Source: Business Standard

Next step: Exporters should review their settlement processes.

8. Maharashtra Pauses Loose Oil Ban

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says the Maharashtra government has granted a one-year exemption from the state Food and Drug Administration's decision to prohibit the sale of loose edible oil. The relief follows objections from traditional oil traders, who argued that selling loose oil is part of their traditional occupation and that low-income consumers depend on its affordability. The decision was taken at a meeting between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and representatives of the edible oil industry, after the FDA under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe had moved to ban loose oil citing adulteration and food safety concerns.

Why it matters: Relief for traditional oil traders and low-income consumers.

Key detail: One-year exemption from FDA ban.

Source: Free Press Journal

Next step: Traders can continue selling loose oil for now.

9. IIM Jammu Welcomes Sixth IPM Batch

A front-page report in State Times says the Indian Institute of Management Jammu has welcomed its sixth batch of the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM 2026-31) with a three-day holistic orientation programme at Mandapam. Director Prof. B.S. Sahay presided over the inaugural ceremony and urged students to become job creators rather than job seekers, contributing towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Sessions covered academic rigour, entrepreneurship and incubation, internships, campus security, hostel life and student affairs.

Why it matters: Encouraging job creators over job seekers.

Key detail: Orientation programme at Mandapam.

Source: State Times

Next step: Aspiring entrepreneurs can consider IPM.

These stories highlight the dynamism of India's SMB/SME sector. For daily media monitoring and press review, trust Press Monitor to keep you ahead. What story matters most to you? Share your thoughts.