Wal-Mart attracts small women owned businesses for development venture

Wal-Mart will be initiating a supplier development program in India. The company will launch a private equity fund aimed at small businesses, especially women-owned ventures. The size of the fund has yet to be finalized, although sources suggest that it will follow Wal-Mart's global strategy. Beth Keck, senor director of international corporate affairs, said that, “These programmes are targeted at women, small farmers and other groups that may not have ready access to organised retailers and these initiatives have been very important in bringing local products into our stores.”