American Express Supports 7,500 Micro-Entrepreneurs and Artisans in India
New Delhi, October 27, 2026: American Express is supporting programmes aimed at helping more than 7,500 micro-entrepreneurs and artisans across Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Maharashtra strengthen their business capabilities, improve digital skills and access new market opportunities.
Over the past three years, the company has partnered with nonprofit organisations ACCESS Development Services, Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS) and Mann Deshi Foundation through its India Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grants. The programmes focus on practical training, access to relevant resources and market readiness, with activities tailored to the needs of different communities.
Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express, India, said, “Micro-entrepreneurs and artisans are an important part of their local communities, and having the right skills, digital capabilities and connections can open up new opportunities. By working with nonprofit organizations that understand these communities, we’re helping entrepreneurs build practical capabilities to strengthen their businesses, reach new markets and build for the future.”
In Delhi NCR, ACCESS Development Services is helping micro-entrepreneurs develop business skills and understand relevant government programmes and schemes. The initiative provides guidance on available resources, subject to applicable eligibility criteria, alongside entrepreneurship training and mentoring in product quality, branding, packaging and marketing.
In Barmer, Rajasthan, Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan is working with artisans to connect traditional crafts with contemporary market requirements. The programme covers crafts such as embroidery, appliqué work and Ajrakh printing, with training in contemporary design, digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, pricing, packaging, quality control and market readiness.
Mohini Devi, an appliqué and cutwork artisan from Barmer district, has participated in the programme to develop her design, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills.
“Appliqué and cutwork are not just crafts. They are my identity and our family’s heritage. The project taught me how to preserve our traditions while creating products that appeal to today’s customers. I now manage customer orders and sales and have seen improvements in my earnings, helping me better support my family’s needs and my children’s education,” said Mohini Devi.
In Maharashtra, Mann Deshi Foundation is helping micro-entrepreneurs prepare to participate in digital commerce through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The programme includes training and mentoring in product quality, packaging, branding, applicable business requirements and financial readiness.
Chetna Sinha, Founder, Mann Deshi Foundation, said, “For many micro-entrepreneurs, building a business beyond their local market can feel like a big step. Digital commerce can open up new possibilities, but entrepreneurs also need the right skills and support to make the most of them. Through this program, we’re helping entrepreneurs strengthen everything from product presentation and packaging to financial and digital readiness, so they can participate more confidently in new market opportunities.”
Through these partnerships, American Express aims to support entrepreneurs in strengthening their businesses, improving access to resources and preparing to reach customers beyond their existing markets. The programmes combine business training, traditional craft development and digital commerce support to address different needs across the communities served.
