What Businesses Fall Under MSME? Complete Industry List
Reviewed by: Fibe Research Team
- Published on: 13 Mar 2025
Reviewed by: Fibe Research Team
The MSME sector touches almost every part of our daily lives now. They play a crucial role in boosting our economic growth. MSMEs contributed 45.79% of India’s exports up to May 2024. Apart from the exports’ heavy lifting, they also add diversity to our domestic markets by supporting innovation. They help fill gaps that larger companies sometimes overlook. For many, an MSME business idea might be the perfect stepping stone to entrepreneurship.
Read on to understand this in depth.
The MSME sector includes Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. These businesses might be small in scale but leave a mighty impact on the markets. They not only drive innovation but also create countless job opportunities. It’s the ecosystem of businesses that make up a major chunk of our economy.
Here are the MSME classifications for manufacturing and service businesses:
| Category | Investment in Plant & Machinery or Equipment | Annual Turnover |
|---|---|---|
| Micro | Up to ₹1 crore | Up to ₹5 crore |
| Small | Up to ₹10 crore | Up to ₹50 crore |
| Medium | Up to ₹50 crore | Up to ₹250 crore |
There are plenty of business types that fall under the MSME umbrella.
From auto components to toys for kids, small manufacturing plants and factories produce everything. They start on a smaller platform and scale up as they grow over time. They bring innovation and personalised touches to everyday products.
Food is something we all enjoy, and MSMEs in the food processing industry do it exceptionally well. They create local flavours and specialities that reflect regional tastes. Right from pickles to papads and even sauces and dips, food processing is booming in India.
You can find multiple textile industries throughout the country. Right from boutique clothing lines to large-scale fabric production, MSMEs in this space are doing exceptionally well.
Many MSMEs are centered around the Information Technology sector, covering areas like web development, digital marketing, and app development. The best part? They offer innovative solutions at competitive prices, making technology more accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Retail MSMEs include everything from small shops to online stores. They serve local communities with personalised service and unique products. These businesses are great for consumers who prefer a personal touch over impersonal corporate chains.
Many MSMEs offer services rather than tangible products. These include everything from logistics and transportation to consultancy and repair services. Service-based MSMEs are essential in keeping our daily lives running smoothly. They ensure that we have access to essential services, no matter where we live.
Small construction companies and real estate agencies also fall under the MSME sector.
Lately, this sector has seen a boom, with many MSMEs offering fitness centres, organic food outlets and wellness clinics. This change is making health and wellness accessible to everyone.
The MSME sectors in India are incredibly diverse, spanning multiple industries and offering a world of opportunities. MSMEs like Clairvoyant India Pvt Ltd, Olimax Systems Pvt Ltd and Acewin Agritech Limited are leading the way with innovative solutions in their respective sectors. These companies highlight the sector’s dynamic growth and impact. You can even check the MSME-registered companies list online for a snapshot of just how varied this sector truly is.
The world of MSMEs might seem complex at first. But when you break it down, it’s all about small businesses doing big things. MSMEs are growing in importance every day. With digital tools and social media, even small businesses have a chance to shine on a global stage. They are agile and can quickly adapt to changing market needs. This makes them especially attractive to young entrepreneurs and startups.
If you’re looking for an MSME business idea, think about your strengths and what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s crafting, coding, or cooking, there’s a place for you in this sector. The key is to start small, learn as you go and gradually scale up.
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Small manufacturing units, food processing companies, textile workshops, local retail stores or even service-based companies offering logistics and consultancy-based offerings fall under the MSME companies list.
Definitely, startups fall under the MSME bracket. But, they need to meet certain criteria related to investment and turnover set by the government. Many innovative startups begin as small MSMEs before scaling up.
