Critical Time of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Evaluating Production, Market Dynamics, and Survival Strategies

India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form a critical lifeline of the national economy, not only by driving grassroots entrepreneurship but also by fostering inclusive employment and regional development. With West Bengal emerging as one of the leading states in terms of MSME concentration—housing 8.87 million units—the sector plays a vital role in the state's economic landscape. Despite this significance, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of these enterprises. The sudden imposition of lockdowns disrupted business operations, resulting in challenges related to sourcing raw materials, maintaining supply chains, managing workforce availability, and responding to fluctuating market demands. This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in West Bengal, with a particular focus on production and supply-related challenges. It also examines the resilience strategies adopted by these enterprises to adapt to market disruptions and sustain operations. Emphasis is placed on organizational responses such as realignment of processes, resource management, and adaptive decision-making. The research draws on in-depth interviews with 19MSEowners and managers across one key district in the state, complemented by non-parametric statistical analysis. The findings provide insight into how micro and small enterprises navigated through a critical period of adversity.