Agra business forum focuses on finance, market access and stronger enterprises

AGRA: Access to institutional buyers, suitable finance and dependable business systems formed the enterprise agenda at the joint MSME and startup gathering held at The Grand Imperial on 24 October 2026.

The Sansad MSME and Investor Summit connected local business concerns with the wider entrepreneurship initiative conducted under the guidance of Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Its published programme included his address, ceremonial lamp lighting and recognition of selected brand partners.

Procurement awareness, vendor registration and market linkages gave the forum particular relevance to manufacturers and smaller enterprises seeking their next stage of growth. The shared agenda also explored supplier qualification, capital choices and the quality of data needed before adopting automation.

Prof. Sumita Srivastava of Dayalbagh Educational Institute participated in the discussions. Reflecting afterwards, she highlighted the opportunity for students to engage with founders and connect academic learning with real entrepreneurial decisions. The investor panel brought together Hardik Chadda, Neha Goel and CA Raghav Bansal, with Jignesh Shah moderating.

Institutional sponsor branding displayed at the venue included Amul, LIC, IRCTC, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, SIDBI, Central Bank of India, Mother Dairy and Balmer Lawrie & Co.

Consumer businesses added another perspective: ShopDeck demonstrated its D2C business-support proposition, while justyou.diamonds featured in the brand programme. MSME Business Association appeared in the organising network alongside Global Startups Club. Together, the sessions and exhibition brought finance, customers, digital commerce and enterprise development into a shared business conversation.