Tag: COVID-19 Pandemic

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Finance

Amazon to Invest $18 Billion This Year to Help SMBs in US to Scale Their Operations and Grow

Amazon (Photo Credits: Amazon, Facebook Page)

Seattle, September 2: E-commerce giant Amazon on Wednesday announced that it will invest $18 billion this year to help small and medium businesses (SMBs) scale their operations and grow. The firm stated that in the next 12 months, it will provide more than 5,00,000 SMBs in the US currently selling on Amazon, with online selling guidance, education, and support. Moreover, the company plans to onboard an additional 1,00,000 US businesses as new sellers in its store. Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer at Amazon, said that at Amazon, the mission is to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, and part of fulfilling that mission is connecting small businesses with customers.

Wilke made the statement during Amazon Accelerate, a three-day virtual summit for SMBs in the US that was kicked-off on Tuesday. Wilke further said that Amazon’s success is directly tied to the success of independent businesses across the US. “We are passionate about supporting small businesses, investing and inventing on their behalf to help them be resilient through COVID-19 and beyond,” Wilke added.

Despite the impact of COVID-19 has had on small businesses, many American SMBs selling through Amazon have experienced continued growth. The e-commerce behemoth has launched more than 135 new tools and services this year to help sellers manage and grow their businesses, including new ways to connect brands with customers.

According to a report by IANS, the company said it will spend an additional $100 million this year to promote small businesses during Prime Day and through the holiday season. Last year during Prime Day, third-party sellers – mostly SMBs – exceeded $2 billion in global sales. The report added that the third-party sellers continue to account for more than half of all units sold in Amazon’s store, and even during the pandemic, third-party sales continued to grow faster than Amazon’s first-party sales.

 

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Business motivation Strategy

Jio Platforms’ Success and Growth Gives Hope to Struggling Indian IT Vendors Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic, Says GlobalData

Businesses (Photo Credits: Pexels)

Hyderabad, September 1: Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Indian IT vendors are struggling, having been affected considerably over the last few months. However, Mukesh Ambani-led Jio Platforms has transformed into a tech juggernaut during this hour of crisis.Global technology companies have seen a surge in their valuation over the past six months – with the most notable example being Apple passing the USD 2 trillion mark in market capitalization (MCap) value.

On the other hand, many Indian IT vendors are struggling as they have been largely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. While traditional Indian IT services giants have been waiting to tide over the impact of the pandemic, Jio Platforms has transformed into a tech powerhouse. A study by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, stated that while it may be difficult for others to replicate what Jio has achieved, the interest in Jio will definitely augur well for other Indian technology companies at a time when enterprises across the world are gearing up for digitization.

Nishant Singh, Director of Technology at GlobalData, said that while Indian IT vendors seeing such stark contrast to global counterparts is unfortunate, this is just the nature of the IT services business model, which, in contrast to software, needs projects in the pipeline. “With the COVID-19 outbreak, enterprises halted all non-critical expenses, including plans to upgrade or transform their IT infrastructure. This has had an impact on Indian IT companies, since most of their revenues are from IT services”, Singh said.

He added saying that a lot of the faith in global technology companies comes from the fact that they have a pretty robust suite of intellectual property, including hardware, software and ecosystems that serve consumers and enterprises alike. “The growth in stock prices merely reaffirms that technology companies – primarily ‘Big Tech’ companies – are well poised to tide over the pandemic-induced recession”, he said.

A report by news agency ANI stated that big IT companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCL have traditionally been IT services giants. The report adds that unlike their counterparts in the software space, IT services companies typically do not have a large stash of intellectual property, making it slightly difficult for the market to distinguish between the IT services companies. Despite these struggles, the near future should see the market showing more confidence in the traditional Indian IT vendors.

Singh further added saying with enterprises across the world now gearing up for digitization, Indian IT services vendors are set to witness a lot of action. Coupled with the market euphoria witnessed for Jio, the technology landscape in India will witness a drastic revival in investor confidence.

Jio Platforms Limited is an Indian digital services company. It is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited which was established in 2019. The company owns India’s largest mobile network operator Jio and other digital businesses of Reliance. On 8 May 2020, Jio Platforms was reported to be the fourth largest Indian company by market capitalization. Since April 2020, Reliance Industries has raised Rs 152,056 crore (US$21 billion) by selling 32.97% equity stake in Jio Platforms.

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Technology

Aadhaar Authentication to Help Businesses Get GST Registration Within 3 Days

Aadhaar For All (Photo Credits: Facebook)

In what is believed to be a major boost for businesses in India, the businesses that provide Aadhaar number while applying for registration under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will get the approval in three working days. Last week, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) had notified Aadhaar authentication for GST registration with effect from August 21, 2020. The notification also provides that in case businesses do not provide Aadhaar number, then GST registration would be granted only after physical verification of the place of business.

Sources believe that the Aadhaar authentication is expected to facilitate genuine and honest taxpayers while at the same time keeping fake and fraudulent entities away from GST.

Two important things to know:

  1. For a person opting for Aadhaar authentication for new GST registration would get it within just three working days, if no notice is issued and would not need to wait for physical verification.
  2. While applicants not opting for Aadhaar authentication for GST registration would be granted it only after physical verification of the place of business or documentary verification which may take up to 21 working days or more if notice is issued, sources said.

According to a report by PTI, sources of the Finance Ministry said the GST Council in its 39th meeting held on March 14, 2020, had approved operationalisation of Aadhaar authentication for new taxpayers. However, its implementation was postponed due to the lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources further said that keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in view, it has been provided that the officer may, if the circumstances warrant, opt for asking for additional documents in lieu of the pre-registration for physical verification of the premises.

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Finance Process & Business Expansion Startup Strategy

5 Ideas to Rebuild Small Businesses Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Few tips that can help small entrepreneurs to rebuild their business post COVID-19 pandemic
Few tips that can help small entrepreneurs to rebuild their business post COVID-19 pandemic. | Representative image

Mumbai, August 14: With the coronavirus lockdown still persistent in the country, small businesses are the most hit. While some have pulled down their shutters completely, others are looking for strategies to rebuild and reshape their businesses. Here are a few tips that can help small entrepreneurs to rebuild their businesses:

1) Financial Damage Assessment:

Every entrepreneur needs to analyse and calculate how bad their business has been affected in the COVID-19 lockdown. The first step that one entrepreneur shall take is to update the financial statements which include profit and loss or cash flow statements. Comparison with previous year’s numbers to see the loss is certainly a good idea to begin again.

2) Reshape Business Plan:

Ideas that might have worked pre-COVID-19 era, may not work after the lockdown. So it is very important to remodel the business strategy and do some fine-tuning. Paying close attention to competitors’ plan is another idea that would certainly help in reshaping the lost business.

3) Focus on Generation of Working Capital:

When an entrepreneur takes an initiative to rebuild the business, especially after COVID-19 pandemic, focussing on the generation of working capital becomes the priority. Without this essentiality, all plans to reshape a business model will turn into a failure. Look out for options for a sustainable and suitable financial lender/s who can show some faith in you (entrepreneur). But, for that, mutual understanding and trust are required, which an entrepreneur will have to build with the lender/s.

4) Revamp Budget Account:

Calculative risks during times like COVID-19 always help in revamping budget requirements for entrepreneurs who want to rebuild their businesses. All business ideas have pros and cons, however, a clear idea of what is needed for budgeting and what can be cut from the expenditure would certainly help in achieving the goal — monetary waste. Salary cut to self and only essential hiring are some of the good ideas that have been prescribed by experts.

5) Contingency Plan for the Next Crisis:

This is perhaps the last, but the most effective way to give life to business while rebuilding it. Learn from the previous mistakes and start working on the contingency plan for the next crisis. Saving the profits by cutting down useless expenditures and adapting self to the new way of business are some ways which will keep an entrepreneur in the market for a longer period. Moreover, thinking out-of-the-box to prepare for a worst-case scenario will be fruitful.

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Finance Process & Business Expansion Startup Strategy

Emergency Credit Facility Under ECLGS for Small Businesses Hiked From Rs 25 Crore to Rs 50 Crore, NCGTC Modifies Operational Guidelines

MSME (Photo Credits:
Emergency Credit Facility Under ECLG for small businesses hiked from Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore by NCGTC. | Representational Image.

New Delhi, August 12: The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC) on Wednesday issued a circular regarding the modification of operational guidelines for Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The common trustee company informed that the new operational guidelines will now cover individuals and more enterprises amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Informing about the minutes of the modification of operational guidelines for ECLGS, the NCGTC stated that the upper ceiling of loans — outstanding as on February 2, 2020 — has been increased under the scheme from Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore. Apart from this, there has been a hike in the upper ceiling of annual turnover from Rs 100 crore to Rs 250 crore. This has been done in line with the increased ceiling of loans outstanding and revised definition of MSME issued by Union Ministry of MSME.

Among other details, the NCGTC circular stated that there has been an increase in the maximum amount of NCGTC to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) under the ECLGS. The amount limit has been raised from Rs 5 crore — at present 20 per cent of Rs 25 crore — to Rs 10 crore, which is 20 per cent of Rs 50 crore. However, it has been made clear that those individual loans given for business purposes should fulfil the eligibility criteria prescribed under the scheme.

NCGTC Circular Regarding the Modification of Operational Guidelines for ECLGS:

Earlier on May 23, 2020, the NCGTC was set up by the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Financial Services as a common trustee company to manage and operate various credit guarantee trust funds. It was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 on March 28, 2014, with a paid-up capital of Rs 10 crore.

Under the NCGTC, five trust funds currently operate:

1) Credit Guarantee Fund for Skill Development (CGFSD
2) Credit Guarantee Fund for Education loans (CGFEL)
3) Credit Guarantee Fund for Factoring (CGFF)
4) Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU)
5) Credit Guarantee Fund for Standup India (CGFSI)

The NCGTC was launched ECLGS on May 23, 2020, for all the financial institutions of India. Among the four key points, which differs it from other schemes include — 100 per cent credit guarantee, zero guarantee fee for banks and customers, pre-approved loans and minimum bank’s risk weight allocation. However, the scheme will continue till October 31, 2020, or till the time Rs 3 lakh crore of the loan amount is sanctioned. The NCGTC has also made it clear that borrowers must be GST registered wherever it is necessary.

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Process & Business Expansion Sales Startup

Steps Taken by Modi Government to Give Relief to MSMEs, to Accelerate the Wheel of Economy That Slowed Down Due to Lockdown

Business in India | Representational Image Only (Photo Credits: Pexels)

The government has said that the recent steps that it has taken are aimed at giving relief to MSMEs which will in turn accelerate the wheel of economy in India. Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari, during a webinar said that the changing the definition of MSMEs, Scheme of Fund of Funds, Champions portal, extended credits to MSMEs will certainly accelerate the wheels of economy which had slowed down due to lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

During his address, Gadkari informed that loans of about Rs 1,20,000 crore have been disbursed to MSMEs out of Rs 3 lakh crore announced in the relief package. Discussing about the problem of delayed payments, he said that instructions have been given to all Ministries, Departments and PSUs to clear pending bills of MSMEs within 45 days. He also urged all Chief Ministers to issue directions for clearing MSME dues by their State/UT Ministries/Deptts and PSUs on priority. The Minister added that we are closely monitoring the complaints lodged at SAMADHAN Portal also.

Gadkari said this while addressing a Virtual MSME Conclave organized by FICCI Karnataka State Council. The Minister further appealed to all the stakeholders to do away with all kinds of fear and negativity and assured that government is doing everything possible to make the country a super economic power. The Minister informed the participants of the webinar that we are working on the idea of a Land Bank and Social Micro Finance Institution which will be very helpful for entrepreneurs and persons who want to run small shops and businesses.

While discussing Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gadkari said that handloom, handicrafts, khadi industries and agro-based industries should be encouraged especially in 115 aspirational districts in India. He said planning will be taken up for special policies for agricultural, rural and tribal sector because they have huge potential of creating employment.

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Finance Process & Business Expansion Startup Strategy

Innovative Ideas for Entrepreneurs to Keep Restaurant Startups Rolling Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Apart from unique challenges, the COVID-19 brought fresh opportunities for India in the hospitality and allied sectors. Here are few ideas which entrepreneurs in restaurant startups can try to keep their businesses rolling.
Innovative Ideas for Businesses

Mumbai, August 11: With almost five months out of business due to the coronavirus lockdown, one of the worst-hit sectors in India is the food and restaurant businesses. While many startups opted for innovative ideas, others failed to survive the lockdown. India’s lockdown against COVID-19 is considered to be among the toughest, however, relief measures given by the central government did keep the hope alive.

Apart from unique challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic brought fresh opportunities for India in the hospitality and allied sectors. Many startups succumbed, but few thrive as they looked for a window to keep their businesses running. Use of social networking and personal relations still make those few reaping profits in adverse market conditions.

Here Are Some Ideas Which Helped Small Restaurant Businesses Survive:

1) Use of Social Media:

During the lockdown, the biggest challenge for a restaurant business is to connect with their customers. Social media became a boon for all those startups who remained in contact with their valued customers. Be it Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Gmail or Instagram, these social media apps helped the small entrepreneurs to keep their businesses running.

Apart from providing the latest information regarding the renovations in restaurants to take away services, people came to know it from social media only — if their favourite dining places are open or closed. Also, updating the precautionary measures taken by the firm to keep its customers safe, did make a lot of difference.

2) Adaptations and Collaborations:

Adaptation to norms and guidelines issued by the administration did play a great part for startups. For example, Chaayos — which started in 2012 — joined hands with another influencer marketing platform called Pulpkey. Apart from serving the ‘signature “Meri Wali Chai“, they also decided to create awareness among people. For this, they hired renowned content creators and influencers and started sharing quality content straight to the customers’ mobiles via social media. Hence, Chaayos is still serving the ‘chai drinking nation’ with the same zeal and love.

3) Takeaway and Door-Step Delivery With COVID-19 Protection:

Foodies anywhere are foodies. Be it rain, dawn, dusk or midnight, foodies will order food online. However, the COVID-19 stopped the wheels of food-delivery guys for some time. Business took a hit and many wrapped up their shops.

With the Unlock guidelines issued, the wheels started to roll and food-delivery was again back on track. This time, the food delivery system was a little different. First, the delivery guys maintained a 6-feet distance and secondly hygiene maintenance was observed very strictly. The result was small entrepreneurs in the hotel business managed to survive. Special mentions to food warriors of Swiggy, Uber Eats and Zomato.

4) Marginal Charge for Hygiene:

This is something that customers in India don’t like. Since lockdown is in place and sit-in dining is almost restricted in most places, charging extra for take-away to door-step deliveries — by asking customers to pay for hygiene practices — may take not be a welcome move.

However, making valuable customers understand the importance of hygiene practices and costs associated with it, the gesture might help. These days customers are well aware of the dangers of COVID-19 and are willing to pay extra to cleanliness and hygiene. So looking at the broader prospect, the idea of charging a marginal fee for cleanliness may help entrepreneurs to keep their business functioning.

5) Financial Management and Revenue Generation:

Among all the other factors, the utmost requirement is to keep the startup moving forward with proper financial management skills. Due to the COVID-19 revenues of almost all food-allied entrepreneurs declined, some even bailed-out too. But few are still sustaining and may sustain for long as they have ample revenues for it.

For those, whose revenues are crippling and businesses are on the verge of shutting down, one of the easiest ways is to reach out to banks — which provides loans under MSME schemes at nominal interest rates and easy instalments. Reaching out for funds to family members and friends is another good idea.

6) Patience and Perseverance:

Difficulties and challenges are part of startups. COVID-19 may have seized the business ideas and expansion, but what’s important is entrepreneurs shall not lose hope and patience. They should keep inventing innovating ideas and persevere to reach their goals. Things may take a little time, but with calculative risks and patience, the flower of success will bloom.