About Us

Empowering Kerala's Trading Community Through Unity, Research, and Innovation.

Our Vision

To emerge as a leading research and knowledge platform that strengthens traders and small business communities in Kerala by fostering informed decision-making, ethical practices, and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Our Mission

To generate rigorous, practice-oriented research that addresses the contemporary challenges faced by traders and small retailers.
To equip KVVES members with relevant skills, knowledge, and strategic insights through training, dialogue, and capacity-building initiatives.
To promote ethical, innovative, and socially responsible business practices across the retail and trading sectors.
To facilitate meaningful engagement among traders, experts, and policymakers in order to shape informed and inclusive policy responses.
To translate research findings into practical solutions that enhance resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of the trading community.

SINCE 1980

Decades of Unity & Strength

Our Legacy

The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES) was born out of a necessity to protect the interests of the trading community in Kerala. Established in 1980, it began as a modest gathering of merchants in Thrissur and has since grown into a colossal organization with a presence in every nook and corner of the state.

Over the decades, KVVES has been at the forefront of numerous struggles to ensure fair trade practices, oppose unjust taxation, and provide welfare measures for the trading fraternity. It acts not just as a union, but as a family that supports its members in times of crisis.

CBSR (Centre for Business Studies and Research) serves as the intellectual arm of this great movement. Recognized as the research wing, it focuses on modernizing trade, educating merchants, and bridging the gap between traditional practices and the digital future.

Chairperson's Note

Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) stands today as the largest traders’ organisation in Kerala, representing over ten lakh members through nearly 3,500 units spread across all 14 districts of the state. Rooted in a long tradition of collective strength and mutual support, KVVES has consistently worked towards safeguarding and advancing the interests of traders and small business communities.

With this vision, KVVES has established its research and knowledge wing—the Centre for Research and Studies for Business (CBSR)—under the leadership of Chairman Babu Kottayil, Vice Chairman Sunny Payyambilil, and Convenor Bapu Haji. CBSR has been conceived as a strong and reliable platform to equip our members with the skills, knowledge, and guidance required to navigate the rapidly changing business environment.

"Through focused research initiatives, training programmes, and policy-oriented discussions, CBSR seeks to address innovation challenges, promote ethical business practices, and support sustainable growth among traders and small retailers."

Babu Kottayil

Chairman, KVVES CBSR

KVVES

Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) is the largest traders' organisation in Kerala, representing more than ten lakh traders and small business owners through around 3,500 units spread across all 14 districts of the state. Established to protect and promote the interests of the trading and business community, KVVES works as a collective platform to address policy issues, resolve challenges faced by traders, and strengthen entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

Raju Apsara

State President

Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) is the largest trader's organisation in Kerala, representing more than ten lakh traders and small business owners through around 3,500 units spread across all 14 districts of the state. Established to protect and promote the interests of the trading and business community, KVVES works as a collective platform to address policy issues, resolve challenges faced by traders, and strengthen entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.