NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

The Creative Manufacturing and Handmade (CMH) ecosystem is a massive subset of India’s creative and cultural industries but falls squarely within the ‘informal’ or ‘unorganised’ economy. In this conversation, Priya Krishnamoorthy introduces and analyses the efforts of craft-led MSMEs who are increasingly building much-needed linkages with the first-mile communities – artisans and creative producers – by taking ‘New Formal’ approaches. Priya will share insights and findings from Business of Handmade – 1st Edition, a qualitative research study that explores informality through 12 formal, craft-led enterprises, and Business of Handmade – 2nd Edition – Financing a Handmade Revolution, a pioneering study that mapped the challenges and financing needs of 500+ craft-led, micro and small enterprises across India. The recently launched 2nd Edition also offers segmentation of craft-led enterprises and insights on the ideal financing fit for each enterprise segment. The talk aims to start a conversation on reimagining growth for India’s many craft-led enterprises.

Speaker bio: Priya Krishnamoorthy is an award-winning broadcast journalist, arts manager and impact strategist, passionate about bringing creativity and culture in conversation with sustainable development. Priya is the Founder and CEO of 200 Million Artisans (200M) an organisation focussed on bridging gaps in knowledge, networks and capital for craft-led, impact enterprises via collaborative projects and platforms.

Time: 7:30 AM ET