By S.M. Arasu | Founder Director
Summary
Empower 50 women start or expand small businesses of their own by providing micro-credit loans or grants and to provide vocational training so that they can start earning.
Challenge
Time has gone and it is impossible to provide money or other kinds to alleviate poverty. Instead by equipping community, we can bring them out of poverty. It requires empowering disenfranchised groups to become self-reliant. Women, in particular, face a range of societal ills that puts them at a distinct disadvantage. For example, alcoholism, low literacy rates, limited employment opportunities, predatory lending and the resulting "debt trap" restrict women from having an expendable income, let alone start small businesses of their own.
Solution
This project will provide small grants or loans (free or low interest) to women pursuing small businesses of their own. The awarding of loans and grants will be based on established small businesses or clearly outlined new ideas. Prime Trust already has a fair-trade store in Puducherry that sells products that are made by women fromour self-help groups. These women have voiced their need for additional funding to expand their businesses.
Long-Term Impact
This project empowers women to become self-reliant and self-sustaining. It gives them the financial independence that they rightfully deserve. Additionally, there are added opportunities for employment opened. They are also able to meet other small business owners through our Akshaya store meetings. This ability to form networks with other women gives them access to support systems and safety nets that they otherwise would not have within their own families.
Updates
Recently we have started our handicrafts centre which is supported by a German Volunteer Miss. Carine Laxmi Kandge. Now 4 women are getting trained to make handicraft products such as pillow covers, screen cloths and table cloths.
Resources
http://www.primetrust.org
Webpage https://www.facebook.com/PrimeTrustHandicraftCenter Twitter
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