SME Chamber of India

What SME Chamber of India does

SME Chamber of India (legally 'Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India') is a non-profit industry chamber registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 (formerly Section 25 of Companies Act, 1956), founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mumbai. The organization advocates for and supports India's small and medium enterprises, manufacturing industries, service sectors, start-ups, and allied industrial sectors, with the stated mission of strengthening SMEs for global competitiveness and contributing to India's goal of becoming a manufacturing hub. It serves four primary member constituencies: SMEs (primary), start-ups and women entrepreneurs, large corporates/MNCs seeking SME supply chain partners, and financial institutions seeking SME customers.

The chamber operates a portfolio of branded programs rather than technology products: the India SME Excellence Awards (running annually for 23 years), SME Connect Magazine (bi-monthly RNI-registered publication), India SME Leadership Council (15 chapters across major Indian cities), SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre (SEPFC), SME Electronic Products Export Promotion Council, National SME Manufacturing Mission, CFO and Financial Advisory Council for SMEs, Entrepreneurship Development Council, Entrepreneurs Leadership Dialogue, and the 'Invest in Indian SMEs' capital facilitation portal. Its international footprint spans 25+ countries via bilateral SME business councils (Europe, Japan, China, US, UK, GCC, Canada, Korea, Malaysia, ASEAN, etc.).

The business model is a hybrid membership-and-event model: recurring annual membership fees (Premium, Annual, Strategic Partners) plus event and exhibition revenue from stall bookings, sponsorships, and participation fees at summits such as the Gujarat Manufacturers & Exporters Summit and Maharashtra Industries & SME Summit. Notable financial partners include State Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, L&T-SuFin, Tata Power Solar, and Orb Energy, alongside technology partners (63SATS, LoanXpress, COMANO, InstaPe). The chamber has secured a USD 4 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant via the MSME Ministry for SME energy efficiency programs. It is led by Founder & President Chandrakant Salunkhe, who has directed the organization for all 33 years of its existence, supported by directors covering Gujarat state operations, healthcare, and general secretariat functions.

Name

SME Chamber of India

Legal name

Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India

Website

https://smechamberofindia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SME Chamber of India is a Mumbai-based non-profit industry chamber founded in 1993 that advocates for and supports India's SMEs, manufacturing, and start-up sectors through membership programs, export facilitation, international bilateral councils spanning 25+ countries, and an annual awards program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Chamber and Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

SME & Entrepreneurship Development (Trade-Linked) (BPADAMAE)

Keywords

• SME chamber of commerce
• Export promotion services
• Business networking platform
• SME policy advocacy
• Financial advisory services

Headquarters

HQ city

Mumbai

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: The chamber generates revenue through membership fees from Premium Members, Annual Members, and Strategic Partners. Members receive access to business networking, export facilitation, finance advisory, and various chamber services.
2. Event and Exhibition Services: Revenue generated from organizing and supporting events, exhibitions, summits, and conferences including stall bookings, sponsorships, and participation fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SME Chamber of India is a non-profit chamber of commerce organization that advocates for and supports the empowerment of SMEs, manufacturing industries, service sectors, and start-ups in India. It offers paid memberships, export promotion services, business networking events, financial advisory through its CFO Council, policy advocacy with the government, and operates multiple divisions including the India SME Excellence Awards program and the bi-monthly SME Connect Magazine.

Product overview

SME Chamber of India is a chamber of commerce organization (registered under Section 8 of Companies Act, 2013) providing a portfolio of services to support SMEs, manufacturing industries, service sectors, start-ups and allied business sectors. The organization operates as a unified platform with multiple divisions and councils including: the core SME Chamber of India, SME Export Promotion Council, SME Electronic Products Export Promotion Council, National SME Manufacturing Mission, India SME Leadership Council, SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre (SEPFC), CFO and Financial Advisory Council for SMEs, Entrepreneurship Development Council, Entrepreneurs Leadership Dialogue, Invest in Indian SMEs initiative, SME Connect Magazine (bi-monthly publication), India SME Excellence Awards program, and a network of International Business Councils covering 25+ countries. The chamber also maintains SME Consultant Directory, Strategic Partners program, Global Partners network, and organizes regular events including SME Business Forum meetings, webinars, and annual awards ceremonies. This is not a technology product company—it is a business development and advocacy organization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• India SME Excellence Awards: Annual awards program recognizing Small and Medium Enterprises and Entrepreneurs for their remarkable achievements, outstanding contributions, and business growth over 24 years.
• SME Connect Magazine
• India SME Leadership Council
• Entrepreneurship Development Council
• CFO and Financial Advisory Council for SMEs
• SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre
• National SME Manufacturing Mission
• SME Electronic Products Export Promotion Council

Products and services

• SME Chamber of India Membership Premium and Annual memberships providing SMEs, manufacturers, service exporters, and start-ups with access to business networking, export facilitation, finance advisory, policy advocacy, and international business opportunities.
• SME Export Promotion Council Provides support services to Indian SMEs, manufacturers, exporters and service export companies to initiate and enhance export business, identify emerging markets, establish business contacts, promote products and services, channelize trade finance, and connect with buyers and importers.
• SME Electronic Products Export Promotion Council Exclusive division promoting exports of electronics, software and IT sectors through trade shows, conferences, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, business missions, matchmaking services, and publicity campaigns with India pavilions at major trade shows.
• National SME Manufacturing Mission A national initiative to promote and support the SME manufacturing sector through strategic interventions and programs aimed at strengthening manufacturing competitiveness.
• India SME Excellence Awards Annual awards program recognizing SMEs and entrepreneurs for achievements, outstanding contributions, unique vision, business growth, innovation, and global competitiveness across manufacturing, exports, service sectors, start-ups, women entrepreneurs, and corporate/financial institution categories.
• CFO and Financial Advisory Council for SMEs Financial advisory division providing CFO services, financial management solutions, bank loan documentation, strategic business advisory, cash flow analysis, private equity raising, joint venture preparation, business performance management, IFRS accounting, due diligence, and SME listing support through a panel of ex-bankers, CFOs, CAs and experts.
• SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre (SEPFC) One-stop resource centre supporting SMEs in international trade through export readiness assessment, customized export plans, training programs, market research, networking, matchmaking, trade missions, export financing solutions, regulatory compliance assistance, e-commerce enablement, logistics and shipping support.
• India SME Leadership Council Platform for successful entrepreneurs from SMEs with turnover of Rs. 50 crores or above to connect, establish business cooperation, explore emerging opportunities and present achievements, with chapters across 15 Indian cities.
• Invest in Indian SMEs Investment promotion initiative channelizing finance, private equity, venture capital, external commercial borrowings and strategic partners for SME business growth, expansion, joint ventures, technology transfers, industrial automation, and international expansion.
• International Business Councils Network Network of bilateral business councils facilitating trade and investment relations between India and other countries including Japan, China, US, UK, GCC, Canada, Poland, Netherlands, Africa, Hungary, Germany, Korea, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, ASEAN, Australia, Brazil, France, Israel, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and European markets.
• SME Connect Magazine Bi-monthly magazine registered under Registrar of Newspaper of India (RNI), circulated amongst members, government agencies, banks, financial institutions, start-ups, entrepreneurs, policy makers, embassies and corporates, publishing articles from thought leaders, technocrats, experts and government officials.
• SME Consultant Directory Consortium of SME consultants and business advisors providing advisory services in business growth, transformation, finance management, marketing, HR management, IT services, legal services, compliance, GST, capital market access, training, branding, customs, insurance, and energy conservation.
• Entrepreneurs Leadership Dialogue Interactive platform connecting entrepreneurs, business tycoons, technocrats, inventors, policy makers, financial institutions and diplomats to share success journeys, challenges, achievements and strategies for sustainable business growth and profitability.
• Entrepreneurship Development Council Council focused on developing entrepreneurship skills and supporting prospective entrepreneurs through guidance and resources.

Quantifiable outcome

• 110 million+ employment through supported SMEs
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• 63SATScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partner providing technology and digital services to SME Chamber of India members.
• LoanXpresscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partner offering loan and financing services to chamber members.
• COMANOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partner providing communication and technology services.
• InstaPecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partner offering digital payment and financial technology solutions.
• L&T-SuFincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent sponsor and strategic partner for industrial and manufacturing sector support.
• Tata Power SolarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent sponsor supporting sustainable energy initiatives for SMEs.
• Orb EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent sponsor providing solar and energy solutions for SME sector.
• Europe-India SME Business Council (EISBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership for facilitating business cooperation between Indian and European SMEs. Covers multiple European countries including Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Greece, Netherlands, and more.
• India-Japan SME Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division facilitating business partnerships between Indian and Japanese SMEs. Includes partnerships with JETRO, Tokyo SME Support Center, and Japan Chamber of Commerce.
• India-China Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division for India-China business cooperation with partnerships including CCPIT, China International Exhibition Centre, and Suzhou Industrial Park.
• India-US SME Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division facilitating US-India SME business partnerships. Connected with US Commercial Service and National US India Chamber of Commerce.
• India-Canada SME Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division for India-Canada SME business cooperation with partnerships including Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Corporation of City of Brampton.
• India-Korea SME Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division with partnerships including Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, Gyeonggi SMB Center, KOTRA, and Korea Importers Association.
• India-UK SME Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division with UK partnerships including UK India Business Council, London Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Chamber, and University of Wolverhampton.
• SME Corporation MalaysiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner for SME development cooperation with Malaysian organizations including Young Entrepreneur Organization and Malaysian Franchise Association.
• National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for capital market access initiatives for SMEs. MD & CEO Ashish Kumar Chauhan has participated in chamber events including launch of SME Electronic Products Export Promotion Council.
• Global Environment Facility (GEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through MSME Ministry for USD 4 million project promoting energy efficiency and sustainability among SMEs.
• Start-Ups Council of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDivision of the chamber focused on start-up ecosystem development and support.
• SME Finance Facilitation CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber division providing finance and investment facilitation services for SMEs.
• Maharashtra Industry Development Association (MIDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociated organization led by the same founder, Chandrakant Salunkhe, working synergistically on SME and industrial development in Maharashtra.
• Women Entrepreneurs Development CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber division focused on women entrepreneurship development and support programs.
• SME Business Management InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociated institute providing business management education and training for SMEs.
• Packaging Industry Association of India (PIAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for packaging industry SME development and export promotion.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): CII is one of India's premier business chambers with direct overlap in policy advocacy, events, awards, and SME/industry facilitation. It is the most direct comparable to SME Chamber of India in terms of membership model, government engagement, and event-driven GTM.
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI): FICCI is a leading national business chamber that runs policy advocacy, industry events, SME programs, and international trade facilitation. It competes for the same SME/member mindshare and government access that SME Chamber of India targets.
• Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM): ASSOCHAM is a national trade body running SME councils, trade fairs, policy committees, and awards. Its SME-focused verticals and event/conference business are directly comparable to SME Chamber of India's core offering.
• PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI): PHDCCI is a national chamber offering membership services, sector-specific events, advocacy, and SME development programs, mirroring the SME Chamber's mix of memberships, summits, and government interface.

Emerging players

• India SME Forum: India SME Forum focuses specifically on SME policy advocacy, capacity building, and access-to-finance initiatives. It is an emerging, niche player that overlaps with SME Chamber of India's target membership and donor-driven SME programs.
• World SME Forum (WSF): WSF is an international body promoting SME development through global cooperation and policy exchange. It is comparable on the international SME-advocacy side of SME Chamber of India's mandate, though with a more cross-border focus.
• Maharashtra Industry Development Association (MIDA): MIDA is led by the same founder (Chandrakant Salunkhe) and works synergistically with SME Chamber on industrial and SME development in Maharashtra. It is a closely affiliated state-level peer with overlapping membership and program structures.

Broad incumbents

• NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies): NASSCOM is a large, established industry body that supports a specific SME/startup segment (IT/ITES) through advocacy, events, and awards. It is comparable in chamber operating model but serves a narrower sector.
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): ICC is a global business organization promoting cross-border trade, SME engagement, and policy advocacy. It is comparable in mission and international-trade facilitation scope, though at a much larger global scale.

Regional players

• World Trade Centers Association (WTCA): WTCA is a global network facilitating trade and investment through member WTCs, including India offices. It overlaps with SME Chamber's international business councils on trade matchmaking, market entry support, and business missions across geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCn5ZlSdkQbX9g9z9e_mvPQA
• Xx.com/smechamber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sme-chamber-of-india

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about SME Chamber of India