Market Forward: Scaling Domestic Markets for Craft, Textile & Agri-Enterprises
Projects- Funder : Ford Foundation
- Duration : May 2007 – April 2010 | May 2017 – April 2019
- Theme : Expanding domestic market access for MSMEs in crafts, textiles, and agriculture
About the Project
The Market Forward project was conceived to strengthen India’s domestic market for small and medium enterprises engaged in crafts, textiles, and agri-based products. By promoting design innovation, skill enhancement, and value-added product development, SSA connected rural producer groups with growing urban markets and emerging consumer trends.
The initiative focused on strengthening market intelligence, enabling business planning, and establishing sustainable marketing networks, thereby improving sales and profitability for community-based enterprises.
Key Achievements
Developed sustainable market linkages for 35 enterprises, boosting local demand by 40%.
Trained over 500 artisans in design innovation, business planning, and product diversification.
Facilitated 20% income growth for participating artisans through improved sales and strengthened marketing channels.
