Porvorim: Nearly 89% of the 30,206 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) surveyed across Goa are currently functional, according to a pilot study conducted by the industries department under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance Programme (RAMP).The survey, whose findings were finalised in Dec 2025, checked the operational status and challenges faced by manufacturing units located in industrial estates across Goa. Of the total units surveyed, 26,881 were found to be functional, while 3,325 units were identified as non-functional or sick.The study attributes the closure of many units to the economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely affected small businesses across sectors.The industries department initiated the process of drafting the Goa State Incentives to Encourage Investments Scheme.Officials are also considering a restructured umbrella scheme aimed at strengthening MSME growth by addressing gaps in funding access, market linkages, technology upgradation, gender inclusivity and export preparedness.“The process of drafting the Goa State Incentives to Encourage Investments Scheme and formulating a restructured and comprehensive umbrella scheme is under consideration,” said industries minister Mauvin Godinho.The directorate of industries, trade and commerce provided the data to the state legislative assembly in response to a question by opposition leader Yuri Alemao. The data shows the overwhelming dominance of micro enterprises within Goa’s MSME ecosystem. Among the functional units, 97% are micro enterprises, 2% are small enterprises, and 0.26% are medium enterprises.About 24% of the functional units are women-owned, indicating a growing presence of female-led enterprises in the state’s industrial landscape.Despite the high proportion of operational units, the survey highlights several structural challenges affecting MSMEs. Businesses reported limited access to formal credit, delayed loan disbursements, high interest rates, and stringent collateral requirements as major financial barriers. Market-related constraints were also flagged.The report also noted that several enterprises remain heavily dependent on the tourism sector, leaving them vulnerable to fluctuations in visitor inflow. In addition, a lack of export readiness continues to limit the ability of MSMEs to tap international markets.
