The Government has taken several initiatives to expand the reach of GeM among MSEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs, including:

• Provision of Marketplace filters and product catalogue icons to distinguish product catalogues by MSMEs, Startups and Women entrepreneurs in Direct Purchase/ L1 mode of procurement.
• Reduced Vendor Assessment Fees for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and exemption from payment of caution money.
• Forward market linkages for Women, Startups, Self Help Groups, Artisans & Weavers, One District One Product (ODOP), Farmers Producer Organisation (FPOs) etc. through the creation of 8 “#vocalforlocal” GeM Outlet Stores.
• Application Programming Interface (API) integration with Udyam MSME database for 2-step seller auto-registration on the GeM platform.
• Strategic relationships through Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with key players namely; Laghu Udyog Bharati, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry Ladies Organization (FLO), Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) among others from the Industry, Government and Not-for-profit sector,

• Participation in Industry exhibitions, fairs, roadshows and events, etc. held at India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO)/ India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML)
• Immersive Onboarding (from seller registration to product catalogue upload on the portal) of sellers, catalogue success stories of sellers for enhanced interest and engagement among prospective sellers.

For increasing the participation of entrepreneurs from SCs and STs, GeM provides marketplace filters to distinguish product catalogues by SC/ST entrepreneurs in Direct Purchase/ L1 mode of procurement thus facilitating compliance with the Public Procurement Policies for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Order, 2012 by Government Buyers.

GeM had conducted a study through IIT Delhi during FY 2023-24. The key findings are as follows:

i. Economic Growth: The economic impact of GeM was measured through the cost of procurement. It was found that GeM enables broader access to Government Buyers while reducing transportation and advertising costs as compared to other Government procurement portals. Overall user feedback indicated that GeM was seen as a cost-effective and value-driven platform, reinforcing its contribution to transparent and efficient public procurement.

ii. Inclusivity: GeM's inclusivity was assessed based on its alignment with the Make in India policy and the opportunities it offers to startups, MSMEs, women-led businesses and SC/ST entrepreneurs. The findings reflected positive sentiment among stakeholders underscoring GeM’s success in creating a supportive, inclusive, and diverse procurement environment.

iii. Market Access for Marginalized Groups: The study highlighted significant growth of MSEs, startups and SC/ST entrepreneurs by providing them equal opportunity and facilitating ease of doing business.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Procurement access expansion: GeM broadens marketplace tools and reduces seller barriers to boost participation by MSEs and startups. GeM expands procurement access for micro and small enterprises, startups, women and SC/ST entrepreneurs through marketplace filters and catalogue icons for category specific procurement, reduced vendor assessment fees and exemption from caution money for OEMs, API based two step seller auto registration with the Udyam MSME database, forward market linkages via dedicated outlet stores, immersive onboarding for sellers, and strategic MoUs and outreach to boost market visibility and compliance with MSE procurement policies.