Nagpur: Vidarbha Specific Training for Empowering MSMEs – VSTEM – was successfully conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Nagpur, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and MSME development in the Vidarbha region.
VSTEM programme, along with a Town Hall Meeting, was held in Yavatmal on February 23, 2026, drawing participation from over 200 MSME entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs from the district.
Organised in pursuance of the objectives of financial inclusion and MSME development in Yavatmal district, VSTEM was designed with a district-specific customised approach aligned to the local economic profile.
The workshop integrated key themes such as credit literacy, preparation of bankable projects, and awareness of various government schemes.
Through VSTEM, participants were provided a platform for direct interaction with bankers and government officials to address their operational and financial concerns.
The VSTEM programme placed special emphasis on digital and compliance frameworks, including the GST platform, Udyam Registration, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal integration, and understanding of basic financial terminologies.
The initiative sought to strengthen the formalisation of MSMEs by enhancing their awareness and practical understanding of institutional processes.
The event was graced by Sachin Y Shende, Regional Director, RBI Nagpur; Anjana Shyamnath, Deputy General Manager, FIDD, RBI Nagpur; Kush Ganhotra, Deputy General Manager, Bank of India; Sunil Pandey, Regional Manager and Lead District Manager, Central Bank of India; and Sushil Garud, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Yavatmal.
Senior officials from SIDBI, NABARD and major banks in the region were also present. Banks set up dedicated stalls at the venue to assist MSME participants with information related to credit facilities and financial products.
VSTEM: Empowering MSME Entrepreneurs and Improving Access to Institutional Credit
While addressing participants during VSTEM, Sachin Y Shende, Regional Director, RBI Nagpur, emphasised the critical importance of capacity building and integration of entrepreneurs into the formal financial ecosystem, supported by appropriate financing and skill development initiatives.
Anjana Shyamnath, Deputy General Manager, RBI Nagpur, elaborated on the conceptual framework and genesis of VSTEM.
She highlighted that the initiative was conceptualised by the Reserve Bank of India through its Nagpur office to respond directly to local opportunities and constraints in the Vidarbha region.
Officials from SIDBI and NABARD also shared the initiatives undertaken by their respective institutions to empower MSME entrepreneurs and improve access to institutional credit.
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The VSTEM workshop focused on district-specific opportunities and potential areas for MSME development in Yavatmal. It covered practical aspects relating to Udyam Registration, record-keeping practices, and key features of Central and State Government schemes such as PMEGP, CMEGP, MUDRA, CGTMSE and PM Vishwakarma.
Specialised sessions under VSTEM were conducted on MSME-related digital platforms, offering step-by-step guidance on Udyam Registration and the GST platform.
Dedicated sessions also familiarised entrepreneurs with established market access avenues such as the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. Participants were provided clarity on fundamental banking concepts and commonly used financial terminologies to strengthen their financial literacy.
A highlight of VSTEM was the sharing of success stories by MSME entrepreneurs from Yavatmal district, whose journeys of resilience and enterprise served as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
