American Express to Support 7,500+ Micro-Entrepreneurs and Artisans Across India

New Delhi, October 28, 2026: American Express is supporting initiatives aimed at helping more than 7,500 micro-entrepreneurs and artisans across India improve their business capabilities, strengthen digital skills and explore new market opportunities.

The programmes are being implemented in partnership with ACCESS Development Services, Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS) and Mann Deshi Foundation across Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Funded through American Express’s India Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grants, the initiatives focus on practical business training, financial and digital literacy, product development and market access.

Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager of American Express India, said that equipping entrepreneurs with relevant skills, digital capabilities and business connections can help them strengthen their enterprises and explore new opportunities. He added that working with nonprofit organisations enables the company to address the specific needs of local communities.

ACCESS Development Services to strengthen entrepreneurs’ business skills

In Delhi NCR, ACCESS Development Services is helping micro-entrepreneurs improve their understanding of business management and government support schemes.

The programme combines entrepreneurship training with mentoring in product quality, branding, packaging and marketing. Participants also receive guidance on identifying relevant government programmes and accessing available resources, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs improve their business practices, make informed decisions and build stronger connections with potential customers and support institutions.

Rajasthan artisans to combine traditional crafts with modern designs

In Barmer, Rajasthan, GVCS is working with artisans to help them preserve traditional craftsmanship while adapting their products to contemporary market demand.

The programme covers crafts such as embroidery, appliqué work and Ajrakh printing. Training includes contemporary design, digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, pricing, packaging, quality control and preparation for wider market access.

One participant, Mohini Devi, an appliqué and cutwork artisan from Barmer district, received training in design, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Devi said the programme helped her understand how to retain the cultural significance of traditional crafts while developing products suited to modern customers. She also reported improvements in managing customer orders and sales, along with better earnings that help her support her family and her children's education.

Her experience illustrates how combining traditional skills with business knowledge can help artisans strengthen their livelihoods and explore opportunities beyond their existing customer base.

Mann Deshi Foundation to help entrepreneurs enter digital commerce

In Maharashtra, Mann Deshi Foundation is supporting micro-entrepreneurs who want to expand their businesses through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

The programme helps participants prepare for online commerce through training and mentoring in product quality, packaging, branding, relevant business requirements and financial readiness. The objective is to help entrepreneurs develop the skills and processes needed to serve customers beyond their local markets.

Chetna Sinha, founder of Mann Deshi Foundation, said that digital commerce can create new possibilities for small businesses, but entrepreneurs also need appropriate guidance and preparation. She highlighted the importance of improving product presentation, packaging and financial and digital capabilities so participants can pursue new market opportunities with greater confidence.

American Express CSR initiative focuses on inclusive business growth

Through its partnerships with ACCESS Development Services, GVCS and Mann Deshi Foundation, American Express is focusing on different barriers faced by micro-entrepreneurs and artisans.

While the Delhi NCR initiative emphasises business development and awareness of government schemes, the Rajasthan programme combines traditional craft skills with modern design and commercial training. In Maharashtra, the focus is on preparing entrepreneurs for digital commerce.

Together, these initiatives are intended to help more than 7,500 people strengthen their enterprises, improve market readiness and explore additional income opportunities.

About American Express

American Express is a global payments and lifestyle company headquartered in New York. Founded in 1850, it provides payment products, services and experiences to consumers and businesses, with a focus on customer service, security and innovation.