SWAS- Breathing Entrepreneurial Energy

The project provided financial support to MUKTI for promoting the economic empowerment of vulnerable SHGs in Sunderbans through the ‘Swavalamban Accelerator in Sunderbans’ (SWAS) program. The program provided start-up kits to help SHG members start their microenterprises after training and also facilitated linkages with potential buyers or markets through the organization. The project started in December 2020 with the aim of empowering 1000 SHG members in two different trades: handicraft and food processing. A Livelihood Incubation Center was set up in Kankandighi as a training hub for 1000 women, including women from minorities, SCs, STs, and OBCs.

We have trained 1000 beneficiaries in different trades, resulting in an increase in income for 650 SHG women. 417 of these women have successfully established their own businesses, and 717 beneficiaries have been linked with markets. Additionally, we were able to help all beneficiaries open bank accounts to facilitate access to loans in the future. The project was managed by a dedicated team consisting of a Program Manager and Project Coordinator, who monitored the project’s progress on the ground at regular intervals.

Mathurapur I, Mathurapur II, Kultali, Pathar Pratima, Blocks in South 24 Parganas District

Under the project, we have trained 1000 SHG women and established a Common Facility Centre (CFC) at Kankandighi to support MCDF members by supplying raw materials for their products. Mukti, in association with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), started the CFC in the village, and some women entrepreneurs have already started selling their products. Women are now participating in state-level fairs and exhibitions, and an income increase has been witnessed among 450 SHG women. So far, we have successfully completed over 40 Udyam registrations and helped 30 women obtain the Artisan Card, while one woman beneficiary received the FSSAI certificate.