Name of the Beneficiary

Lakshmi Bai

Name of the Enterprise Floated

Jute Bag Manufacturing

Present Turnover

Rs. 6 lakh annually

Inital Investments

• Rs. 1 Lakh

Lakshmi Bai, a semi-literate housewife from Nelamangala in Bangalore Rural, struggled financially. Her husband worked as a casual laborer at a local garment factory, and Lakshmi Bai was an assistant worker at a tailoring shop, earned Rs. 3000 to 4000 monthly. She desperately sought for earning opportunities to support her family.

Lakshmi Bai learned about the Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programme conducted by the EDII, supported by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Skill development courses caught her interest and she attended an entrepreneurship awareness programme for women. She grabs this opportunity for her personal and financial growth.

Lakshmi Bai completed training in jute bag manufacturing, along with an entrepreneurship development programme held at the Weaver’s Colony in Nelamangala. During the training, she learned to create jute bags, including handbags, shopping, laptop, and lunch bags. She conducted a market survey and identified a growing demand for jute bags in Nelamangala town.

With the support of EDII, Lakshmi Bai secured a loan of Rs. 1 lakh from Canara Bank, purchasing a sewing machine and other equipment to start her business in a rented shop. Initially, she faced marketing challenges. However, she spotted an opportunity when the local municipality began banning plastic bags. She approached shops, marriage halls, goldsmith shops, and schools, offering eco-friendly jute bags. She also participated in market stalls organized by EDII at local market and tourist destinations further boosted sales.

Today, Lakshmi Bai thriving business earns Rs. 35000 to Rs. 45000 monthly, significantly improving her family’s financial situation. Her journey from a struggling homemaker to a successful entrepreneur exemplifies perseverance and the transformative potential of skill development.