By Dinesh Nawale, Capacity Building Manager
When a woman gets an opportunity, she not only changes her own life but also brings hope and progress to her family and community. Many women in rural areas work hard every day, but due to limited income, lack of resources and family responsibilities, they often do not get the chance to grow.
One such woman is Indubai Fundade from Chitegaon, Paithan block, Maharashtra. Married at a young age, she could study only up to 8th standard. To support her family, she started a small grocery shop from her home three years ago, earning a minimal of Rs.90/- to Rs.100/- a day. With very little money, no proper shop and limited guidance, it was difficult for her to expand her business. Managing household work and running the shop together was also a daily challenge.
Indubai participated in the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, including various upskilling and capacity-building training sessions organized by YouthAid Foundation. The training enhanced her confidence, entrepreneurial mindset and decision-making skills, motivating her to expand her business beyond a home-based setup. With continuous mentoring and guidance from the team, she developed a clear vision for growing her enterprise.
Learnings
- Developed a strong understanding of business planning and financial management.
- Improved skills in inventory management, customer service and marketing.
- Importance of maintaining business records and managing finances effectively.
- Understood the value of savings and reinvesting profits for business growth.
- Built confidence, leadership and decision-making skills as an entrepreneur.
- Strengthened her ability to plan and manage business expansion sustainably.
- Prepared to effectively utilize financial assistance for enterprise development.
“Every day I work very hard, but I never imagined my small shop could grow. I only wished for one chance to improve my life,” says Indubai.
With the support of YouthAid Foundation and Collective Good Foundation (CGF), she received a ₹10,000 revolving grant under the Returnable Grant Programme. The grant helped her purchase a second-hand counter and other basic materials required for her business. She also rented a small shop in her lane and shifted her business from her home to a better location. The new shop attracted more customers because it was easy to find and the products were displayed neatly.
Gradually, her business started developing, where she earns approximately Rs.600/- daily. She is now able to pay Rs.1000/- for shop rent, manage the other financial chores of her family with confidence. Within few months, she joined English learning class in her village. She is now able to read and write basic English. This decision has increased her confidence and encouraged her to keep learning. Looking towards her business and personal growth, other women in her village were inspired. She further improved her tailoring skills through training and skill development support from the YouthAid Foundation. She later joined the stitching unit in Chitegaon, where she stitches garments along with other women, earning an additional source of income. She has now become the president of Chitegaon stitching unit group. She now coordinates with group members, encourages women to take part in livelihood activities, and supports the smooth functioning of the unit, helping strengthen women’s economic independence in the community.
Indubai says – “Today, I feel confident, I can run my shop, learn new things and believe that I can achieve much more in life. In future I will expand my business and reach out to many people.
