The objective of the SYB (Start Your Business) training intervention is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop a concrete business idea and transform it into a bankable business plan. The training program is designed to equip participants with the essential tools, techniques, and insights required to navigate the intricacies of entrepreneurship and create a solid foundation for their business ventures.
The SYB training intervention recognizes that having a well-structured and comprehensive business plan is crucial for entrepreneurs seeking financial support from investors, banks, or other funding sources. A bankable business plan is a document that outlines the key aspects of a business, including its concept, market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, operational plans, and potential risks and mitigation strategies. It serves as a roadmap that guides entrepreneurs in their decision-making process and presents a compelling case to attract potential investors or secure loans.
During the training intervention, participants undergo a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and practical exercises, all aimed at refining their business idea and developing a bankable business plan. The training is typically conducted by experienced business professionals, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts who provide guidance and share real-world insights into the entrepreneurial journey.
The SYB training intervention is designed for potential entrepreneurs who have a concrete business idea or have operated their own business for less than a year, as well as for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business.
The program is open to individuals who have the ability to read and write, as well as perform basic calculations, as these skills are essential for understanding and developing a bankable business plan.
While technical knowledge or skills in a specific industry may be beneficial, they are not prerequisites for participating in the training. The SYB program focuses on providing participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to develop their business ideas, regardless of their technical background.
Swami Vivekanand Shiksha Samiti, with the support of Society for Development Alternatives, New Delhi, is implementing the project titled “Work 4 progress,” primarily funded by the La-Caixa Foundation and Development Alternatives. The project’s main objective is to provide technical training, market-related guidance, and financial linkages to individuals looking to start new enterprises or expand existing ones. Swami Vivekanand Shiksha Samiti plays a crucial role in resource mobilization and the identification of local enterprises and entrepreneurs.
The project’s goals are achieved through a variety of activities, including community meetings, discussions, personal interviews, sports activities, street plays, and other relevant programs. As a result, the project has witnessed significant outcomes, with 315 youths, women, and men successfully starting NRE (New Rural Entrepreneurship) businesses, leading to the creation of 960 jobs.
This Project was funded by SBI Foundation, Godrej and Development Alternatives. The GAVL-IFPE (Integrated Fishery and Poultry Enterprises) project facilitated the establishment of 631 integrated enterprises, with a focus on identifying local enterprises. Additionally, 40 ancillary enterprises were set up in Bhadohi, Chandauli, and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh. Evaluating the integrated enterprise model, notable progress has been observed in the formation of peer-to-peer linkages, which has contributed to the enhancement of the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the local communities.
The project has been successful in improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, particularly women and marginalized communities, by providing them with training and resources to start their own integrated fishery and poultry units. In addition, the project has helped to reduce the dependence of farmers on traditional agricultural practices, which are often vulnerable to climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. Overall, the Integrated Fishery and Poultry Project in Uttar Pradesh serves as an excellent example of how sustainable and innovative farming practices can be used to boost local economies and improve the lives of rural communities.
During the SHG updating process, a total of 100 villages were covered. It was observed that some SHGs experienced a drop in membership, while others became inactive due to a significant gap in project activities.
Efforts were made to gain a comprehensive understanding of the saturation level and potential areas for the formation of new SHGs. This analysis helped identify areas where the concept of self-help groups could be effectively implemented and expanded.
Active members of the SHGs were encouraged to exhibit creativity in their work. The objective was to organize women into stronger and sustainable self-help groups, clusters, and federations. These platforms served as forums for sharing knowledge, learning, planning, and monitoring progress. Additionally, financial services such as savings were provided to promote self-dependency among the beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the beneficiaries were made aware of the benefits of inter-loaning and saving within the SHG system. Emphasis was placed on the importance of education to empower the members and enhance their economic prospects.
To ensure effective implementation, efforts were made to build the capacities of FL (Field Level) volunteers for teaching and facilitating the SHG activities. This training aimed to equip them with the necessary skills to support the members and promote their growth.
By planning and implementing these strategies effectively, it was anticipated that the SHGs would demonstrate improved performance and achieve positive outcomes in terms of financial stability, self-sufficiency, and overall development. This Project was supported by United Nation Development Programme.
The community empowerment program in Uttar Pradesh has a specific focus on empowering villagers, particularly weavers, to enhance their access to skills and opportunities. One of the key aspects of this program is the auditing of carpet production sites to ensure compliance with ethical and fair-trade practices. By conducting these audits, the program aims to improve the living and working conditions of the workers involved in carpet production. This Project was supported by Max havela.ar Foundation (Switzerland).
The program has been successful in mobilizing over 5000 beneficiaries, who have shown a keen interest in participating and benefiting from the initiatives. As part of the program’s efforts, 200 new bank accounts have been opened for the beneficiaries, promoting financial inclusion and enabling them to access various financial services. Additionally, around 300 individuals have been enrolled in the Yojna, which provides them with training and educational opportunities to further develop their skills and capabilities.
Through the community empowerment program, the aim is to empower individuals involved in the weaving industry, enhancing their socio-economic conditions and providing them with a pathway for sustainable livelihoods. By improving the working conditions and promoting fair practices, the program contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life for the workers and their families.
The program works in close collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the initiatives. It recognizes the importance of creating an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of the weaving community.
Overall, the community empowerment program in Uttar Pradesh serves as a catalyst for positive change, fostering empowerment, skill development, and improved living standards for weavers and other individuals involved in the carpet production industry.
SVSS aims to establish a society that upholds the principles of social justice, providing equal opportunities for growth while maintaining a balance. To achieve this, SVSS advocates for the promotion of socio-economic development among all individuals, regardless of their gender, religious orientation, ethnicity, or caste. While economic development is a primary focus, SVSS also recognizes that the development of health and education services not only complements economic growth but is also instrumental to it.
It is believed by SVSS that a society cannot be considered progressive if women are deprived of their rights and do not receive the same level of respect as their male counterparts. In such a society, women live in constant fear of violence and harassment, hindering overall progress. Therefore, the status of women and girls is regarded as a crucial factor in determining the extent of growth opportunities within a society. Consequently, women empowerment and the prevention of violence against women stand as core objectives for SVSS. Additionally, gender equity and women empowerment are considered overarching concerns in all interventions undertaken by SVSS.
SVSS serves as the primary facilitator in establishing the Women Empowerment Centre (WECs) in the Abholi block of district-SRN (Bhadohi). Previously, the organization piloted the same concept of WECs in the City Block of district-Mirzapur. This innovative concept of WECs emerged as part of the ‘Swaayam Women Empowerment Project,’ which is supported by UNDP-IKEA and encompasses various dimensions of women’s empowerment, including social, economic, political, and legal aspects.
Until now, the process of women’s empowerment has primarily revolved around mobilizing women into groups such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and establishing strong collectives like SHG Federations in the social domain. In the economic domain, women-led institutions like Producer Companies have played a significant role, while in the political and legal domain, networks of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) have been instrumental.
However, the Women Empowerment Centers (WECs) differ in several ways. They provide decentralized facilities for social, economic, political, and legal empowerment processes, benefiting not only SHG women but also other women from the community. Unlike the previous project concept, which focused on SHG-based interventions facilitated by civil society organizations and technical resource agencies under the supervision of UNDP, WECs encompass all aspects of women’s empowerment under one roof, operating as a single-window mode. In this project 10000 beneficiaries were covered this project.
Swami Vivekanand Shiksha Samiti
Bundelkhandi, Mirzapur,
Uttar Pradesh (India)
Pin: 231001
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