The dedicated efforts of Youth Aid Foundation, with support from Bajaj Finserv, have played a transformative role in empowering grassroots women like Lata Chatur. Their commitment to nurturing rural entrepreneurship has uplifted individuals and also strengthened entire communities. Manisha Bhalerao, Project Officer at YAF, has been instrumental in guiding and mentoring women offering the right blend of knowledge, encouragement, and practical support.
Introduction: A Dream to Overcome Financial Struggles
Nestled in the quiet village of Kundewadi, Sinner, Lata Chatur’s life revolved around her family and their agricultural livelihood. Growing up in a farming household, she was well aware of the uncertainties that came with seasonal earnings. Her husband worked in incense manufacturing, earning a modest Rs.13,000/- per month, which was insufficient to provide financial stability. With two children to support, the family constantly struggled to make ends meet, leaving Lata deeply concerned about their future.
The unpredictability of paddy cultivation and the fluctuating income burdened her. Determined to find a sustainable solution, she started exploring avenues to contribute to the household income. That is when the idea of spices (masalas) making struck her—an industry deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions. However, she soon realized that turning an idea into a successful business was no simple challenge
A Roadblock at Every Step
Despite her enthusiasm, Lata encountered numerous hurdles on her entrepreneurial journey. The primary challenge was the lack of knowledge about modern business strategies and digital marketing. She was skilled at making spices but had no understanding of branding, packaging and online selling. Financial constraints also posed a major challenge. She needed funds to buy quality raw materials and equipment, but banks hesitated to lend money to small-scale entrepreneurs with no formal business background. Additionally, marketing her products beyond her village seemed like an impossible dream without the right guidance and financial backing.
The fear of failure loomed large. Would her venture take off? Could she compete with established brands? These questions haunted her, yet she remained determined to change her family’s financial condition.
A Pivotal moment
One day, through her village’s Gram Panchayat, Lata learnt about the Youth Aid Foundation,
an NGO dedicated empowering grassroots entrepreneurs. Fascinated by the possibilities, she enrolled in their two-day training program on financial and digital literacy. The training covered crucial aspects such as:
- Understanding government schemes for small businesses
- Cybersecurity and safe online transactions
- Business planning and marketing strategies
- The PMFME (Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme, which offered financial assistance to micro food entrepreneurs
For Lata, this program was an eye-opener. She gained knowledge on how to formalize her business, apply for financial aid and effectively market her spices. Encouraged by the support, she developed a structured business plan and applied for a loan under the PMFME scheme.
Developing the Business: Turning Knowledge into Action
With newfound confidence, Lata secured a loan of Rs.2,41,000/- through the PMFME scheme. She used these funds to purchase essential machinery, including spices grinding machine, and flour mill. These upgrades allowed her to increase production efficiency and ensure consistent quality in her products. She also adopted modern marketing techniques taught during the training. Instead of relying solely on word-of-mouth sales in her village, she:
- Designed attractive packaging to enhance product appeal.
- Used WhatsApp and social media to reach customers beyond Kundewadi.
- Partnered with local grocery stores to stock her spices.
The continuous guidance from Youth AidFoundation played a crucial role in helping her navigate these challenges.
Success and Impact: A Flourishing Business
Within just two months of launching her business, Lata saw a remarkable transformation. Her spices gained popularity, and demand surged as more women in the village started purchasing from her. Her monthly income increased to Rs.30,000/-, a significant improvement from her family’s unstable agricultural earnings.
The impact of her success extended beyond just financial stability. She became a role model for other women in Kundewadi, proving that with determination and the right support, it was possible to build a thriving business from scratch. Inspired by her journey, several women approached her for guidance, eager to start their ventures.
A Message of Gratitude and Inspiration
Reflecting on her journey, Lata expressed deep gratitude to the Youth Aid Foundation, stating,
The support and training provided by the Youth Aid Foundation have been instrumental in transforming my business. I now have the skills and confidence to manage my finances and grow my business successfully. I have learnt some important lessons along the way. Firstly, the training provided by the Youth Aid Foundation played a crucial role and was a turning point in my life. Structured programs gave me the skills and confidence I needed to start my business and grow it. I also realized that access to resources matters a lot. Financial support and knowledge of government schemes made a huge difference when I was facing those early struggles. But the most important lesson for me is that continuous support is key. The entrepreneurial journey is full of challenges and the ongoing guidance I received from the Youth Aid Foundation helped me stay on track and keep pushing forward.”
What’s Next for Lata?
Lata now dreams of expanding her business further. She plans to increase production capacity, introduce new spices blends, and explore e-commerce platforms to reach a wider audience. With her determination and the continued support of the Youth Aid Foundation, her future looks bright. Her journey is a source of inspiration for countless rural women who aspire to break free from financial struggles and build independent livelihoods.
The power of knowledge, financial aid and mentorship highlights how small interventions can create a lasting effect, changing not just one life but an entire community’s economic landscape.
