India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs continue to remain one of the strongest drivers of entrepreneurship, employment and economic momentum. Commenting on the Union Budget’s focus on the sector, Shwetank Dixit, Chief Growth Officer at Justdial, said the creation of a ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund, along with a ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund, marks a significant step in strengthening long-term MSME growth.
According to Dixit, the measures directly address three long-standing challenges faced by MSMEs—limited access to equity capital, inconsistent liquidity and delayed payments. He noted that structural reforms such as improved integration of platforms like the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) could help improve cash flows and bring greater predictability to payment cycles.
Dixit also highlighted the continued emphasis on digital infrastructure and simplified business processes as a critical enabler for MSMEs. As small businesses increasingly adopt digital platforms for discovery, market expansion and productivity gains, these initiatives provide a stronger foundation for sustainable scaling.
He added that a consistent policy focus on digital adoption and financial access will allow MSMEs to grow with greater confidence, efficiency and resilience.
Panaji, 16 January 2026: The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), successfully organised a Joint Professional Programme at GCCI, Panaji, as part of Startup Week 2026. The programme revolved around the themes “Igniting Growth: Startup Funding, Investment & Compliance” and “LLP & its Compliances” and received an encouraging response from entrepreneurs, professionals, startups, MSMEs, and students.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI, underlined the importance of awareness, compliance, governance, and continuous learning for sustainable business growth, particularly within the startup and MSME ecosystem. She highlighted GCCI’s role in supporting businesses through advocacy, capacity building, and professional collaboration.
CS Darshan Karekar, Chairman, ICSI Goa Chapter, stated that startups play a vital role in employment generation and national economic growth. He noted that the objective of the programme was to create awareness about regulatory compliances applicable to startups and business entities.
CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Secretary, GCCI, and Chairman, GCCI Taxation & Financial Services Committee, expressed satisfaction at the joint initiative being held on the occasion of National Startup Day. He emphasised that the programme reflected the shared vision of GCCI and ICSI in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and stressed the importance of continued collaboration on knowledge-driven initiatives for strengthening the business and professional community.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Trupti Sharma, ROC-cum-Official Liquidator for Goa, Daman & Diu, advised participants to actively engage with authorities and raise genuine grievances instead of facing compliance challenges in silence. She noted that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) remains receptive to valid concerns raised by stakeholders.
Elaborating on the relevance of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Ms. Sharma explained that the LLP concept was introduced in 2008 and that LLPs now account for nearly one-fourth of the total number of registered companies. She observed that registrations remain relatively low mainly due to lack of awareness. Highlighting LLPs as a preferred structure for family-run businesses, she pointed out that LLPs involve fewer compliances compared to companies, with the LLP agreement being the “soul” of the entity, and also offer easier and faster exit options.
Using an analogy, Ms. Sharma remarked that if MCA is the heart of compliances, professional bodies like ICSI and ICAI act as the arteries, while GCCI functions as the lungs, providing the oxygen necessary for the system to function efficiently.
Guest Speaker CS Vinayak Khanvalkar, Former President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, delivered an insightful session covering startup funding, investment avenues, and compliance-related aspects in line with the programme agenda.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing participants to seek clarifications and directly engage with the experts. The joint initiative was widely appreciated for its practical insights and relevance to the evolving needs of startups and businesses in Goa.
The event was compered by Ms. Rakhi Malkarnekar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Shantal Naik. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI, and Mr. Kiran Ballikar, Director, GCCI.
Panjim; January 2026: To celebrate National Startup Day 2026, the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, will organise a Startup Handholding Support Programme on January 19, 2026, at the Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar, aimed at strengthening the state’s growing startup ecosystem.
The programme will provide structured, end-to-end guidance to startups on understanding and availing benefits under various Government of India and Government of Goa schemes. Through panel discussions, scheme presentations and an interactive workshop, founders will gain practical insights into compliance requirements, funding readiness and best practices to scale their ventures. DS Prashant, Chief Executive Officer of SITPC, said the initiative will create a strong engagement platform for startups, incubators, industry associations and ecosystem enablers. He noted that registered startups will receive step-by-step guidance, enhanced awareness of schemes and follow-up assistance to help them successfully access government incentives and support mechanisms. Along with capacity-building sessions, the event will also felicitate successful startups and recognise key contributors to the Goa startup ecosystem, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and a future-ready, inclusive startup environment in the state.
Goa has taken a significant step toward strengthening its innovation landscape with the launch of the Campus Innovation Scheme under the Goa Startup Policy 2025. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) under the leadership of Minister Rohan Khaunte, the initiative seeks to nurture early-stage ideas developed within educational institutions and encourage students to explore emerging technologies through hands-on research and prototyping.
The scheme offers financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 per application, covering actual project expenses, and is open exclusively to bonafide students enrolled in UGC-recognised institutions in Goa. By limiting support to 10 beneficiaries each financial year, the program ensures focused funding and close monitoring of selected projects. Colleges are required to set up dedicated selection committees that carefully evaluate proposals based on sustainability, innovation potential, technical depth, and relevance to evolving technological domains.
Students must submit their project proposals through their respective institutions, after which recommendations from the college committees are forwarded to the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) for further evaluation. Approved applicants receive reimbursement after the expenditure is made, encouraging accountability and proper utilisation of funds. To maintain progress transparency, institutions must also submit quarterly reports to SITPC in the prescribed format.
In November, DITE&C hosted a meeting with Training and Placement Officers from various colleges to familiarise them with the scheme and encourage active participation. This interaction was aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between government bodies and educational institutions in nurturing a new generation of innovators.
The Campus Innovation Scheme serves as a launchpad for students aspiring to transform their ideas into tangible prototypes and impactful solutions. By equipping them with the resources and support they need at an early stage, Goa is cultivating a culture of innovation within campuses and preparing young minds for the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey.
Goa has taken a visionary step toward redefining tourism, technology and next-generation mobility with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
The agreement, signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, aims to establish an Advanced Design & Development Center in Goa while setting the foundation for integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into the State’s future tourism and mobility ecosystem.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside key officials including Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Shri Kedar Naik (Director, DOT), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), Shri Shawn Mendes (OSD, Tourism), Shri Neville Noronha (OSD, IT), Shri D.S. Prashant (CEO, SITPC) and Mr. Adrian Schmidt (Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation).
Goa’s Vision for Next-Gen Mobility
Minister Khaunte highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating that VTOL technology and aerospace design will unlock new opportunities for innovation, tourism enhancement and high-value employment for Goan youth. He noted, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”
Sarla Aviation’s Long-Term Base in Goa
Sarla Aviation, backed by prominent investors including Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, will establish a dedicated centre focusing on:
Advanced aerospace design
System engineering
Prototype development
Testing and R&D
The company is developing a six-seater electric VTOL aircraft designed to reduce congestion by introducing clean and efficient aerial mobility.
Roadmap for VTOL-Based Aerial Tourism and Transport
The MoU outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:
Collaboration with hotel and hospitality partners for premium aerial tourism routes
Development of a Goa-specific UAM (Urban Air Mobility) Policy
Exploring airport-to-resort aerial connectivity
Identifying and supporting a local VTOL service operator
These initiatives aim to make Goa the first Coastal Aerial Mobility State in India, combining innovation with sustainable tourism.
Voices from the Collaboration
Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C) emphasised that the partnership aligns with Goa’s long-term technology vision, enabling the State to become a platform for designing and scaling next-generation mobility solutions.
Shri Kedar Naik (Director, Tourism) highlighted the potential for VTOL services to redefine connectivity across beaches, hinterland and resorts, promoting eco-conscious travel and elevating the tourist experience.
Sarla Aviation’s CEO, Mr. Adrian Schmidt, expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa, noting the potential to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029 and build a talent-rich satellite studio in the State.
A Unified Vision for Goa’s Future
The collaboration strengthens Goa’s commitment to innovation, advanced technology and future-ready tourism. It also opens pathways for high-value skilling, aerospace design careers and cutting-edge mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.
