New Delhi, Nov 26 (KNN) WhatsApp has said it will provide 500 DPIIT-approved startups with USD 500 (around Rs 35,840) each of Facebook ad credits, a move aimed at helping Indian entrepreneurs connect with customers and grow their businesses.

The Messaging giant in a statement on Monday said that with the help of ad credits, the startups can create ads that invite customers to click to open a chat on WhatsApp so they can deepen connections and increase sales.

The announcement comes after the Start-up India-WhatsApp Grand Challenge under which facebook-owned company had awarded a grant worth USD 50,000 (about Rs 35 lakh) each to five entrepreneurs who have developed India-specific solutions with socio-economic impact.

Reportedly, WhatsApp India Head Abhijit Bose has termed Start-ups and small businesses as the lifeblood of Indian communities and said we are committed to provide them support in achieving success.

Start-ups must be at an early traction and must be recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Once registered, the first 500 entries will receive free Facebook ad credits worth USD 500.

Five million businesses around the world, of which a million are in India, are actively using the WhatsApp Business app to connect with their customers.

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