Flipkart has introduced Shopsy, an app aimed at supporting local entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the e-commerce website, the new platform would allow aspiring Indian entrepreneurs to start their own online business with no upfront expenditure. Flipkart, which is owned by Walmart, claims that the platform will enable small entrepreneurs to take advantage of the company’s catalog, proven delivery networks, and infrastructure to increase reliability and speed. By 2023, the company hopes to have enabled over 25 million online entrepreneurs.

According to Flipkart, A user must register on the Shopsy app using their phone numbers. The software will then provide entrepreneurs access to 15 crore products across several categories on the e-commerce site. These businesses will subsequently be able to share hand-picked products with potential buyers through apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook. The entrepreneur can then place orders on behalf of their connections and profit from the deals. According to Flipkart, the commission % varies depending on the category of products ordered.

Prakash Sikaria, Senior Vice President – Growth and Monetization, Flipkart, said, “Over the last many years, Flipkart has been committed to contributing towards creating direct and indirect employment opportunities across the country. Shopsy is launched to further that vision and provide additional earning opportunities for millions of enterprising Indians. Now, anyone from anywhere can start their online business with zero investment. In addition, we are opening up Flipkart’s years of e-commerce expertise for Indian entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs now will utilize Flipkart’s catalog, established delivery networks, and infrastructure to bring reliability and speed. These benefits will help them enhance the end consumers’ experience, which in turn help them grow their business.”

Flipkart’s Shopsy app is available for download from the Google Play store. There’s no word yet on whether the app will be available for iOS.