Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) North East launched its exclusive member-driven platform, LEAP, during the 2-day celebrations of its 32nd Foundation Day in Guwahati from April 24-25. Described as a "real-time ecosystem" rather than just a business directory, LEAP aims to help MSMEs showcase products, source materials, and collaborate for joint ventures free of cost, marking a significant milestone for MSME-led economic growth in the region.
“LEAP is our digital leap,” said Ravi Sureka, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati North East, in an exclusive conversation with Business North East (BNE). “It’s not just a business directory. It’s a real-time ecosystem. Members can showcase products, source materials, and even collaborate for joint ventures. It is free and designed solely to help members grow together,” stated Sureka.
Laghu Udyog Bharati, a national organisation working to strengthen micro and small manufacturing enterprises, is celebrating its 32nd foundation day with a two-day program spanning April 24 and 25. The first day featured sessions on pollution control, plastic waste management, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), followed by an industry-government panel discussion that brought entrepreneurs and government departments together on one platform.
“We started operations in the North East in 2016 with just 15–16 members. Today, we have grown to around 800 active members across the region," said Sureka, highlighting the organisation's focused expansion strategy.
"Our strategy is to build local chapters, called 'ecais,' in each district. Given the challenging terrain and relatively lower industrial density in some northeastern states, we treat each state, like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, as a separate ECAI,” added Sureka while speaking about LUB’s journey in the Northeastern region.
Currently, LUB boasts a nationwide membership base of around 60,000 entrepreneurs, focusing exclusively on manufacturers rather than traders. Sureka explained that LUB operates as a bridge between the government and entrepreneurs, assisting members with marketing support, banking solutions, regulatory assistance, and policy access.
In addition, Vivek Agarwal, General Secretary of Laghu Udyog Bharati North East emphasised LUB's role in promoting economic activities in the region. “We have worked extensively to connect local entrepreneurs to larger markets. For instance, we sent artisans to Jaipur for export promotion, and now many of them are fully booked with orders. Our aim is clear—connect finance, market, and policy to the grassroots, helping businesses scale,” said Agarwal.
On the financial front, LUB operates differently from conventional industry associations. “We are a purely entrepreneurial organisation with no profit motive,” Sureka clarified and further stated, "We charge a one-time membership fee of Rs 6,500 for 10 years, and that is our only direct source of income. Programs are funded either through government support or private sponsorships. Even LEAP has been developed without charging members any additional fees.”
Moreover, a membership restriction for manufacturing enterprises exists. "We do not take traders or service providers," Sureka pointed out, adding that only registered manufacturers with a valid Udyog Aadhaar (now UDYAM registration) are eligible.
As part of its future plans, LUB North East aims to deepen its presence in remote districts and connect more small enterprises to national and global value chains through digital initiatives like LEAP. With growing interest in sustainable manufacturing practices and export potential, the Northeast’s micro and small industries are set to play a bigger role in India’s industrial future.
“We believe that real growth happens when small enterprises are given the right platform and support,” said Agarwal, adding that through initiatives like LEAP, they want to ensure no entrepreneur in the Northeast feels left out of India's growth story.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
