Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises

What Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises does

FISME (Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises) is India's largest not-for-profit MSME federation, founded in 1995 (with operations documented since at least 2012) and headquartered in New Delhi. It functions as an industry association for micro, small and medium enterprises across manufacturing, services, and trading sectors, representing an addressable base of 7.16 crore (71.6 million) registered MSMEs that contribute roughly 30% of India's GDP, 46% of exports, and employ 28-31 crore people.

The organization's core services fall into three buckets: (i) trade documentation and certification, notably Certificate of Origin issuance for exporters through the Trade Connect portal integration, where FISME operates as an authorized chamber under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of External Affairs; (ii) member services including grievance redressal (online portal handled by Grievance Officer Archit Tripathi) and an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) capability delivered through the MSME ODR Portal in partnership with WeVaad, which applies AI to pre-MSEFC settlements (5 cases resolved using AI as of October 2025, 26 cases totalling Rs 1.55 crore aggregate); and (iii) advocacy, research, and capacity building, including the fortnightly 'FISME Factor' newsletter, the National IP Yatra programme, Friends of MSMEs in Parliament group (extended to a UP Assembly chapter in August 2025), and joint reports such as the Delayed Payments Report 3.0 with GAME and C2FO.

FISME generates revenue through annual MSME membership subscriptions (not publicly priced), per-transaction Certificate of Origin fees set by DGFT and processed via the Trade Connect portal, and ancillary professional services for grievance and dispute resolution. Distribution is direct-to-member across a six-office footprint (Delhi HQ plus chamber offices in Jhandewalan, Mahipalpur, and Kalkaji; Bangalore; Hyderabad), supplemented by self-serve digital channels. Recent strategic activity centres on bilateral partnership expansion into South Korea and Mongolia, AI-upskilling programming with Dell and AMD, and energy/climate initiatives under a BEE MoU - reflecting an agenda of internationalising MSME representation while digitising internal service delivery. Leadership transitioned to Rakesh Chhabra (President, 2026-27) with Anil Bhardwaj continuing as Secretary General.

Name

Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises

Legal name

Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises

Website

https://fisme.org.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FISME is India's largest not-for-profit MSME federation, providing policy advocacy, Certificate of Origin issuance, grievance redressal, and dispute resolution services to micro, small and medium enterprises across manufacturing, services, and trading sectors, with a six-office footprint anchored in New Delhi.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL)

Keywords

• MSME advocacy services
• Industry federation representation
• Certificate of origin issuance
• Policy advocacy services
• Trade certification services

Headquarters

HQ city

New Delhi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: FISME generates revenue through annual membership fees charged to MSME enterprises and industry associations seeking representation, networking, and advocacy services.
2. Certificate of Origin Issuance: FISME issues Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) for export consignments as an authorized chamber of commerce by Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Processing fees are charged per certificate.
3. Grievance and Dispute Resolution Services: FISME provides grievance registration services for MSMEs including bank grievances, legal issues, and QCO-related complaints through dedicated online forms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

FISME is India's largest not-for-profit federation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognized by the Government of India. It functions as an industry association providing policy advocacy to government ministries and parliamentary bodies, issuing Certificates of Origin for exporters as an authorized chamber of commerce, operating grievance redressal and online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanisms, facilitating capacity-building programs, and engaging in international MSME partnerships.

Product overview

FISME (Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises) is India's largest MSME industry association providing advocacy, certification, and member services rather than a technology product company. The organization offers Certificate of Origin issuance for exporters, operates grievance redressal mechanisms, and facilitates dispute resolution through partnerships with ODR institutions. Key services include trade documentation authentication, IP facilitation through IPFC4MSME, and policy advocacy to government bodies. The association connects MSMEs with government schemes, skill development programs, and international trade opportunities through various partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) Issuance of Certificate of Origin for export consignments by an authorized chamber of commerce, including document authentication, visa recommendation letters, and attestation of export-related documents. Targeted at MSME exporters.
• Grievance Redressal Service Online grievance submission system enabling exporters and manufacturers to register complaints regarding CoO non-preferential, payment disputes, and other operational inconveniences. Targeted at FISME member MSMEs.
• MSME ODR Portal Online Dispute Resolution platform facilitating pre-MSEFC settlements and case management for payment disputes faced by MSMEs. Targeted at MSMEs seeking resolution of delayed payment and commercial disputes.
• Trade Connect Portal Service Digital platform integration enabling exporters to submit Certificate of Origin requests online with automated fee calculation per DGFT-determined rates. Targeted at MSME exporters seeking trade documentation.
• FISME Membership Recurring annual membership providing MSME enterprises and industry associations with policy advocacy representation, networking events, capacity building workshops, access to dispute resolution mechanisms, and exposure to international MSME partnerships. Targeted at Indian MSME enterprises.

Quantifiable outcome

• 26 cases successfully resolved through MSME ODR Portal with aggregate amount of Rs 1.55 crore since October 2025 transition
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Dell TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 May 2026Co-hosted a free online webinar titled 'Breaking the AI Iceberg: Demystifying AI from Hype to ROI for SMBs' on May 7, 2026, aimed at helping small businesses identify practical AI applications with measurable business returns.
• AMDminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 May 2026Co-hosted a free online webinar on practical AI adoption for small businesses alongside Dell Technologies and FISME on May 7, 2026.
• Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups (South Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026MoU signed during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation in MSME sector, establishing structured framework for trade, investment, knowledge exchange, and business matchmaking between MSMEs of both countries. Includes negotiations on India-Korea CEPA upgrade and Digital Bridge covering AI, semiconductors, and IT.
• Mongolian Association of Small and Medium Manufacturing and Services (MASMMS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2025MoU signed during Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh's state visit to India. Signed by Rakesh Chhabra, Vice President of FISME, and Dr. Davaabayar Chultemsuren, Chairman of MASMMS Board, to strengthen cooperation between Indian and Mongolian MSMEs.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2025MoU signed to promote energy efficiency in MSMEs under the ADEETIE scheme, helping small businesses reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
• IFCIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2024Established 'Centre of Excellence for Aspiring SMEs' in India to provide guidance, mentorship, and capacity building for small enterprises seeking to grow.
• Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative work program announced to promote MSMEs and entrepreneurship in India. Released Delayed Payments Report 3.0 jointly, highlighting persistent issues faced by small enterprises with data-backed policy recommendations.
• SBI Centre of ExcellencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with State Bank of India's Centre of Excellence for MSMEs at the State Bank Academy in Gurugram for capacity building, research, and industry collaboration.
• WeVaadcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership with WeVaad, an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) institution, to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms for micro, small and medium enterprises across India.
• SME Climate Hub (SMECH)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosted session 'Building Climate-Ready MSMEs: Free Tools for Measuring and Managing Emissions' at CRB's 12th Annual Sustainability Conference in November 2025, equipping MSMEs with tools to measure and manage carbon emissions.
• World BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJointly organized workshop on gender dimensions of trade facilitation in India, examining interlinkages between trade facilitation and gender in cross-border trade.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies): NASSCOM is India's premier IT and software industry association. While focused on a different sector, it represents an industry association model for SMBs and is comparable as a peer for federation/advocacy structure and government engagement, though not in direct MSME competition.

Direct peers

• SME Chamber of India: SME Chamber of India is a nationwide body representing small and medium enterprises, offering policy advocacy, trade facilitation, and member services. It is a direct competitor to FISME for MSME membership and policy voice.
• Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM): ASSOCHAM is a leading industry chamber that represents trade, commerce, and industry in India, including MSMEs. It competes with FISME for member enterprises, policy influence, and Certificate of Origin-like trade documentation services.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): CII is one of India's premier business associations, providing policy advocacy, industry representation, and member services. It competes with FISME for MSME member engagement and government influence, but at a much larger scale and broader industry scope.
• India SME Forum: India SME Forum is a national MSME advocacy and development organization. It directly overlaps with FISME's mission of representing small enterprise interests, policy advocacy, and capacity building, serving as a niche MSME-focused competitor.
• PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a multi-industry business chamber in India that also serves MSMEs through policy advocacy, trade fairs, and capacity building. It competes with FISME for member enterprises and policy influence.
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI): FICCI is the largest and oldest chamber of commerce in India, advocating for industry and trade policy. It overlaps with FISME in MSME representation, trade facilitation, and policy engagement, and competes for member dues and government recognition.

Broad incumbents

• International Trade Centre (ITC): ITC is a multilateral agency that supports SME internationalization and trade facilitation globally. It is comparable to FISME in mission (MSME trade support, capacity building) and overlaps in international partnerships and Certificate of Origin-like services, but at a global scale.

Others

• The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE): TiE is a global non-profit fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, and education. It is comparable to FISME in mission (serving entrepreneurs and small businesses) and structure (non-profit federation), though TiE focuses on high-growth startups.
• Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME): GAME is a global alliance focused on mass entrepreneurship and small enterprise growth, and is a strategic partner of FISME (joint Delayed Payments Report). It is thematically aligned and works collaboratively rather than competitively with FISME.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FISME_India
• Facebookfacebook.com/372232966120691
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2513704

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises