Mahindra Accelo has helped bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, enabling women, especially those from rural backgrounds to pursue business ventures with confidence, determination and achieve financial independence. Manisha Bhalerao, Program Officer at Youth Aid Foundation writes about how their contributions and support are creating a pathway for women empowerment in rural communities.
The Entrepreneurship Development Program provides the essential training, resources, and support that women need to overcome barriers to entrepreneurship and gain the skills necessary for success in today’s competitive market. It empowers women to take control of their financial futures, foster their entrepreneurial spirit, and achieve long-term self-reliance and success. Through programs like these, women are able to become leaders in their communities.
The Struggles of Rural Women
The hurdles to entrepreneurship are not just financial—they are deeply rooted in socio-cultural norms and lack of access to education and technology. Rural women often face multiple layers of discrimination, from limited access to training and resources to societal expectations that confine them to domestic roles.
A Glimpse into the Life of Savitri Joshi: From Struggles to Success
In the village of Igatpuri, Nasik, lives Savitri Joshi, a 40-year-old woman who hails from a family of farmers. Her life revolved around the unpredictable world of agriculture. While farming was the family’s primary income source, the seasonal nature of paddy cultivation meant their income fluctuated significantly, leaving them vulnerable to economic hardships.
Faced with this uncertainty, Savitri recognized that relying solely on farming was no longer sustainable. Determined to support her family, she ventured into the world of silk manufacturing, hoping it would offer a stable alternative income. Her lack of exposure to modern business practices, coupled with financial constraints, made it difficult for her to scale her business. With no formal training in business management, marketing, or digital tools, her silk business was limited to local markets.
On top of this, Savitri also had to struggle with the financial limitations typical of rural women entrepreneurs. The costs involved in machinery, raw materials, and marketing seemed impossible. As a result, she could not either scale up or transform her business.
Empowering Women to Break Barriers
Youth Aid Foundation has been at the forefront of training and empowering grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women, by providing them with the skills, resources, and support needed to succeed. Through their Entrepreneur Development Program, Savitri was introduced to the tools and knowledge that would help her transform her struggling silk business into a thriving enterprise.
The Entrepreneur Development Program offered a comprehensive curriculum that covered everything from business planning and marketing strategies to navigating government schemes and financial support options. Through this program, Savitri learnt how to create a detailed business plan, understand the basics of financial management and make her products more marketable. More importantly, it helped her overcome her initial hesitation towards modern communication tools, enabling her to reach potential customers beyond her immediate community.
With the seed capital of Rs.10000/- from Youth Aid Foundation and Mahindra Accelo she constructed a shed and net racks for silkworm production, which is necessary for breeding the worms that emerge from the seeds obtained through farming. These tools were critical in improving her production capacity, streamlining her operations and reducing the time spent on manual work.
This intervention was not just about providing financial assistance; it was about enabling Savitri to dream bigger and giving her the tools to bring those dreams to life. With a solid business plan, financial resources, and the appropriate training, Savitri was set up for success.
Turning Struggles into Achievements
After completing the training, Savitri’s approach to business became more structured and strategic. She learnt how to identify her target market, use social media for marketing, and employ digital tools to streamline her operations. These changes had a significant impact on her business.
Before the intervention, Savitri’s monthly earnings fluctuated between Rs.3000/- to Rs.4000/- barely enough to cover basic household expenses. However, with her newfound skills and the support of the Youth Aid Foundation and Mahindra Accelo, her income soared to Rs.13,000/- to Rs.15,000/- per month. This significant increase provided her financial stability and also allowed her to hire local workers, further contributing to her community’s economic development.
Her business, once confined to a small-scale operation, expanded its reach. The quality of her silk products enhanced, and she found new buyers in nearby towns. Savitri’s enterprise was no longer just about survival—it had become a source of empowerment and pride for her and her family.
The Impact of Continuous Support: Ensuring Sustainable Growth
While the training and financial assistance were crucial in Savitri’s initial success, the ongoing support from the Youth Aid Foundation played an equally vital role in ensuring sustainable growth. Entrepreneurship, especially for women in rural areas, is a continuous journey of learning and adaptation. The foundation provided Savitri with continuous mentorship, helping her navigate challenges and encouraging her to innovate further.
Key lessons :
- The Importance of Training: Comprehensive entrepreneurial training, especially for women in rural areas, can dramatically improve business outcomes. It enhances confidence, equips entrepreneurs with the right tools, and helps them make informed decisions.
- Access to Resources: Financial assistance, combined with knowledge of government schemes, is crucial for rural women who lack access to capital.
- Ongoing Support is Vital: Continuous mentorship and guidance from organizations like the Youth Aid Foundation are crucial for overcoming initial challenges and ensuring long-term success.
