Surat: More than 1,700 business leaders from across Gujarat gathered in Surat for the Progress Alliance Mega Business Meet 2025, the flagship event of non-profit organisation Progress Alliance, on Tuesday. The event served as a platform for forward-looking business strategy, planning for the upcoming Diwali season, and discussion on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swadeshi (self-reliant) vision, in light of the recently imposed 25% US tariff on Indian goods.
The meet saw the participants reflecting on the possible impact of the tariff on Indian MSMEs and export-driven industries. With Diwali around the corner, participants collaborated on strategies to adapt and thrive, promoting indigenous enterprise and economic resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Kamal Deora, Founder of Progress Alliance, emphasised the urgent need to strengthen the local economy by prioritising Indian products, enhancing business networking, and adopting modern digital technologies to stay globally competitive.
“The US tariffs present a challenge, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision inspires renewed strength and self-reliance,” he said.
Discussions at the event revolved around emerging market trends, MSME opportunities, and digital innovation in business. A key highlight was the series of B2B meetings, where the participants explored new partnerships and collaborations.
Progress Alliance members shared inspiring success stories, with some members reporting 180% sales growth and 240% profit growth over the past year. Dedicated sessions were also organised for women and young entrepreneurs, focusing on digital marketing and leadership development.
Established in 2014, Progress Alliance has grown into a powerful platform with over 5,000 members across 13 cities. The organisation has facilitated over Rs. 400 crore in payment collections and enabled more than Rs. 2,000 crore in loan repayments. With over 700 B2B meetings, it has become a prominent force in supporting MSMEs, family-owned businesses, and women-led enterprises.
The organisation’s key initiatives include Shikhar (sales mastery), Yoddha (team training), Bharosa Hai Toh Mumkin Hai (debt-free living), Udaan (Development programme for teenagers), Leadership Funnel (leadership development), Excellence (annual awards to acknowledge the performance of the alliance’s partners), Vandan (gratitude towards parents), and Safal (appreciation awards for team members of the organisation’s partners).
Progress Alliance hosts two action-focused meetings every month.
