BRICS 2026: New Opportunities for MSMEs, Startups and Entrepreneurs

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BRICS 2026: New Opportunities for MSMEs, Startups and Entrepreneurs

The BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi has put small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs at the centre of discussions about future economic growth. Under India's chairship, BRICS members focused on practical ways to improve access to finance, technology, markets, skills and international business opportunities.

BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi

The New Delhi Declaration specifically recognized the importance of MSMEs, startups and entrepreneurship in creating employment, supporting innovation and strengthening economic growth. It also welcomed the establishment of the BRICS Incubator Network and further consideration of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund.

For entrepreneurs, this could be an important development because the future of BRICS cooperation is increasingly moving beyond government-to-government relationships toward direct connections between businesses and innovation ecosystems.

Why MSMEs Matter to BRICS Economies

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are an important part of economic activity across developing and emerging economies.

They create employment, support local communities and contribute to manufacturing, services, exports and innovation. However, smaller companies often face difficulties that large corporations can handle more easily.

Access to affordable finance, technology, skilled workers and international markets remains a major challenge.

The BRICS 2026 agenda recognizes these barriers and seeks to strengthen cooperation between MSMEs across member countries. The New Delhi Declaration highlighted the need to improve access to finance and technology while helping smaller businesses participate more effectively in global value chains.

A New BRICS Incubator Network

One of the notable initiatives from the 2026 summit is the BRICS Incubator Network.

The network is designed to strengthen connections between startups, incubators and innovation organizations across BRICS economies. India had proposed the initiative during its chairship as part of a broader effort to build stronger startup ecosystems.

For entrepreneurs, such a network could create opportunities to find international partners, mentors, investors and technology collaborators.

A startup in one BRICS country could potentially connect with an incubator or innovation organization in another country without having to build those relationships completely from scratch.

The Proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund

Another major proposal is the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund.

The New Delhi Declaration welcomed further consideration of the fund as a potential mechanism for supporting innovation-led growth.

The idea is significant because early-stage companies often struggle to obtain funding during the period between developing an idea and reaching commercial scale.

If the proposed fund develops into a practical financing mechanism, it could provide another potential source of capital for innovative businesses across BRICS markets.

However, the fund is still a proposal rather than an established universal financing programme, so its eventual structure, eligibility criteria and funding arrangements will be important.

Better Access to Finance for MSMEs

Finance remains one of the biggest challenges for small businesses.

A company may have strong products and customers but still struggle because it cannot obtain enough working capital. Delayed payments from buyers can make this problem even worse.

The New Delhi Declaration recognized affordable finance as a major structural constraint for MSMEs and welcomed BRICS guiding principles for credit assessment of export-oriented MSMEs.

These principles aim to use broader and more relevant data to improve risk assessment and reduce information gaps between businesses and financial institutions.

This could eventually make it easier for suitable small businesses to demonstrate their creditworthiness.

Invoice Financing Could Unlock Working Capital

BRICS also welcomed the Jaipur Consensus to study an invoice discounting mechanism for member countries.

Invoice discounting allows a business to obtain funds against unpaid invoices rather than waiting for customers to pay.

For an exporting MSME, this can make a major difference.

Instead of waiting weeks or months for payment, a business could potentially unlock part of the value of its outstanding invoices and use that money to purchase materials, pay workers or accept new orders.

The mechanism is still under study, but the initiative demonstrates a growing BRICS focus on practical financial solutions for smaller companies.

Expanding International Markets

A major opportunity for MSMEs is access to new customers.

Many small companies have strong products but remain focused on their domestic markets because international expansion can involve complicated regulations, logistics, payments and market research.

Greater BRICS cooperation could reduce some of these barriers.

The New Delhi Declaration calls for stronger MSME internationalization and recognizes their importance in global value chains.

This could encourage businesses to look beyond their domestic economies and explore opportunities across other emerging markets.

Connecting Startups Across Countries

Startups often grow through networks.

An entrepreneur may need a technology partner, investor, manufacturer, distributor or international customer. Building those connections can be difficult when operating alone.

The BRICS startup ecosystem initiatives are intended to make these connections easier.

The Startup Knowledge Hub, Startup Forum and proposed virtual platform for BRICS youth startups can provide additional channels for networking, information exchange and collaboration.

These platforms could become particularly valuable for young entrepreneurs entering international markets for the first time.

Technology as a Growth Opportunity

Technology is another major part of the BRICS entrepreneurship agenda.

Artificial intelligence, automation, digital payments, advanced manufacturing and data-driven business models are changing how companies operate.

The BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution has been strengthened to encourage innovation and deeper engagement among startups and SMEs.

The BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies is also supporting manufacturing companies, including SMEs, in adopting Industry 4.0 and advanced digital production technologies.

For smaller manufacturers, access to such knowledge could help improve productivity and competitiveness.

Artificial Intelligence and Small Businesses

Artificial intelligence can provide small businesses with tools that were previously available mainly to large companies.

AI can help with customer service, market research, translation, inventory planning, marketing, data analysis and business operations.

However, smaller companies may lack the technical skills and infrastructure needed to use AI effectively.

BRICS cooperation in technology and digital skills could help address this gap by supporting knowledge-sharing, training and capacity building.

The objective should be to make advanced technology practical and accessible for smaller businesses rather than limiting its benefits to large corporations.

Opportunities in Manufacturing

Manufacturing is another area where MSMEs can benefit.

The New Delhi Declaration encourages industrial development that can improve manufacturing exports, technology transfer, productivity and market access for MSMEs.

This could help businesses move from local production toward participation in international supply chains.

For example, a small component manufacturer could potentially become a supplier to a larger company operating in another BRICS market.

Such connections can create long-term opportunities for investment, employment and skills development.

Startups and Deep Technology

The 2026 BRICS Summit also showcased technology-driven innovation.

India's Bharat Innovates exposition presented deep-tech projects involving artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and other advanced technologies, providing opportunities for startups and researchers to connect with international businesses, investors and academic institutions.

This illustrates how BRICS cooperation can extend beyond traditional business sectors.

Startups working on complex technologies may benefit from access to international research networks, funding opportunities and commercial partnerships.

Women Entrepreneurs

Women-led businesses are another important part of the BRICS entrepreneurship agenda.

The BRICS Women's Business Alliance has been working to strengthen women's entrepreneurship, leadership and economic participation across member countries.

The New Delhi Declaration welcomed recommendations focused on improving access to finance, markets, technology, skills and digital opportunities for women-led enterprises.

Greater international networking could help women entrepreneurs develop partnerships and access markets beyond their home economies.

Young Entrepreneurs and Innovation

Young people are also central to the future of BRICS entrepreneurship.

The New Delhi Declaration encouraged stronger engagement of young researchers and startups through existing initiatives such as the Young Scientists Forum and Young Innovators Prize.

It also noted the proposed Virtual Platform for BRICS Youth Startups, which could support networking and voluntary exchanges among young innovators.

For younger entrepreneurs, these networks could provide exposure to ideas and markets that may otherwise be difficult to access.

Digital Skills and Training

Technology alone cannot create successful businesses.

Entrepreneurs and employees need the skills to use new tools effectively.

BRICS has therefore emphasized digital skilling, research cooperation and capacity building. The New Delhi Declaration also noted proposals for capacity-building centres aimed at creating a future-ready workforce.

Training in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing, advanced manufacturing and international trade could improve the competitiveness of small businesses.

Better Integration Into Global Value Chains

One of the biggest opportunities for MSMEs is moving into global value chains.

Instead of simply selling finished products locally, a small company can become a supplier of components, software, services or specialized products to international businesses.

BRICS cooperation can support this process through better access to finance, technology, trade networks and market information.

The New Delhi Declaration specifically connects MSME finance with their participation in global value chains.

This is important because integration into international production networks can provide businesses with more stable demand and opportunities to develop new capabilities.

The Importance of Logistics

Even the best product cannot reach an international customer without reliable logistics.

Transport costs, customs procedures, shipping delays and supply-chain disruptions can make international expansion difficult for smaller businesses.

India's 2026 BRICS chairship also advanced discussions around logistics and supply-chain cooperation.

Improving logistics connectivity between BRICS economies could therefore complement the group's work on MSMEs and startups by making cross-border trade more practical.

From Local Businesses to Global Businesses

The larger goal of these initiatives is to give entrepreneurs more opportunities to grow.

A small business does not have to remain limited to its local market.

With digital technology, international payments, improved logistics and access to business networks, a company can potentially serve customers in several countries.

BRICS cooperation could provide additional infrastructure for this transition.

The combination of startup networks, financing initiatives, digital tools and trade cooperation could create a more supportive environment for businesses seeking international growth.

Challenges Ahead

The opportunities are promising, but implementation will be critical.

Not every startup will qualify for funding, and not every MSME will immediately gain access to international markets.

Different BRICS countries also have different regulations, banking systems, business environments and levels of digital development.

Building effective cross-border programmes will therefore require coordination and clear rules.

The proposed Startup Innovation Fund, for example, still needs practical details before entrepreneurs can assess its potential impact.

What Entrepreneurs Should Watch

Entrepreneurs interested in BRICS opportunities should pay attention to several developments.

The BRICS Incubator Network could become important for startup partnerships and mentoring. The potential Startup Innovation Fund could create another financing channel. MSME cooperation initiatives could improve access to trade finance and international markets.

Digital platforms and business forums may also provide opportunities to connect with companies in other BRICS economies.

For entrepreneurs, the most important development will be whether these initiatives move from declarations and proposals into accessible programmes.

Conclusion

BRICS 2026 has placed MSMEs, startups and entrepreneurs much closer to the centre of its economic cooperation agenda.

The establishment of the BRICS Incubator Network, consideration of a Startup Innovation Fund, stronger SME cooperation, improved access to trade finance, invoice-discounting initiatives and expanded technology cooperation all point toward a more practical approach to entrepreneurship.

The biggest opportunity is connectivity.

If entrepreneurs can connect more easily with investors, customers, technology providers, incubators and business partners across BRICS economies, small companies could become more active participants in international trade and innovation.

The success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on implementation. But the direction set in New Delhi is clear: the future of BRICS economic cooperation is not only about governments and large corporations. It is increasingly about the entrepreneurs, startups and MSMEs that create jobs, develop new ideas and drive economic growth.