A Humble Beginning with a Vision for Change

In the quiet village of Panitola, nestled in Assam’s Tinsukia district, a young Vikash Kumar Agarwal was growing up with little notion that his future would one day impact hundreds of MSMEs across the Northeast.

“I come from a rural background,” says Vikash, now 51, “but even in those early days, I understood the value of resilience and learning.”

Armed with a master’s degree in science from Dibrugarh University, Vikash entered entrepreneurship in his hometown before moving to Guwahati in 2002. Over the next 17 years, he advanced from Production Manager to General Manager in manufacturing. But in 2017, a deeper calling set him on a new path.

The Spark Behind SGM Consultancy Services

Vikash recalls a pivotal moment in 2016–17:

“One of my directors saw potential in me and encouraged me to step forward and address the broader issues faced by the manufacturing sector in Assam.”

At the time, he was involved in quality improvements for a sister concern struggling to meet industrial benchmarks. That experience planted the seed for SGM Consultancy Services—a venture designed not just to advise, but to work alongside industries through compliance, documentation, and government incentives.

Bridging the Gaps in the Northeast Industrial Ecosystem

Vikash noticed a critical gap: many MSMEs were unaware of regulations and government incentives.

“There was a critical lack of structured support,” he says.

Unlike traditional consultancies, SGM would be deeply rooted in local challenges, providing end-to-end execution.

“I wanted to be more than a consultant. I wanted to be a partner who stands with you, from day one to the final audit.”

Inside the SGM Service Suite

Operating in Guwahati and Jorhat, SGM offers:

• Environmental Compliance: CTE, CTO, CGWA certifications

• Licensing & Registrations: Factory, labor, fire licenses; BIS; MSME/Udyam certifications

• Quality & Productivity: ZED, LEAN manufacturing, 5S management

• Training & Awareness: Audit readiness, lean tools, regulatory updates

• Subsidy & Incentive Guidance: Accessing government schemes effectively

Challenges: Building Credibility in an Untapped Market

Breaking into consultancy in the region wasn’t easy. MSMEs were skeptical about paying for “intangible” services.

Vikash relied on his network, delivering visible results—approvals granted, penalties avoided, processes streamlined—to prove value.

Navigating the bureaucratic maze of government departments became another advantage, as SGM learned how to get things moving efficiently.

The 2019 Breakthrough: From Side Hustle to Serious Enterprise

In 2019, Vikash left his job to scale SGM full-time. Then the pandemic hit. Instead of retreating, he doubled down on learning and policy research.

A post-pandemic project—revamping a struggling unit’s compliance—became a game-changer.

“We always thought consultants just give advice. You’ve walked with us from start to finish,” the client told him.

Word spread, and by 2021, SGM had grown into a trusted regional powerhouse.

Scaling with Purpose: The Next Five Years

Vikash aims for SGM to become the leading MSME consultancy in Northeast and Eastern India. His roadmap includes:

• Branch Expansion: Offices in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya

• Training & Capacity Building Wing: ZED, LEAN, ESG compliance, documentation

• Strategic Partnerships: Government bodies, industry associations

• Service Diversification: ESG reporting, energy audits, safety audits, manpower provisioning

By 2030, he envisions supporting 500+ MSMEs.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Build Trust Before Scaling – Start with those who know you. Prove your worth.

• Understand the Problem Deeply – Learn from real industry experience.

• Invest in Learning – Certifications as tools, not ornaments.

• Don’t Just Advise, Execute – Clients value problem-solvers.

“Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small, stay consistent. If you’re solving a real problem, growth will follow.”

Follow Vikash and the SGM Journey

SGM is building a better ecosystem for industries in an often-overlooked region.

• 🌐 Visit: www.sgmconsultancyservices.co.in

• 💼 LinkedIn: Vikash Agarwal

• 📸 Instagram: @sgmconsultancy.assam

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