What problem or need did the project address?
Small businesses play a critical role in increasing employment opportunities for the poor in India – particularly for women – and are responsible for over 60% of employment in India. However many small businesses are held back in their aim to grow, and so benefit their communities, by lack of business skills and problems in accessing markets.
Small businesses need affordable and appropriate support to help them address their problems.
What did the project do?
Traidcraft trained and supported IRFT by providing technical support and consultancy. Traidcraft also provided expertise on the European market. Some of the activities included:
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Market information on a range of products as well as a regular market update parcels (every quarter). This included storyboards, trend information, new market information, new products, etc
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Trade Facilitation services, which included introduction to UK/EU buyers of products, working with buyers on samples, and market linkages
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Product development and design: this included remote design service as well as getting design consultants to India to work with IRFT/ producers
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Market Linkages: support to participation in the Springfair Birmingham, market awareness and sales tours for producers, capacity building for IRFT team members when in UK
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Capacity Building: capacity building workshops for IRFT team members, support to participation in Traidcraft- organised training activities (e.g. Into the Market)
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Raising the Profile of IRFT: introduction to new buyers/other networks, selling IRFT services to UK/EU buyers/clients, publicity through Traidcraft website
What impact has the project had?
The project was designed so that IRFT could continue to provide its services beyond the life of this project. Since the end of the project demand for IRFTs services has increased manifold. IRFTnowworks successfully with over 40 micro and small enterprises every year with a focus on agricultural, craft, and textile products. It is in the process of replicating its work in other parts of India.
Who was our local partner?
Traidcraft Exchange implemented this project with IRFT. IRFT has 10 years of experience of supporting small businesses across India. It also operates on fair trade principles and has been promoting ethical business practices across the country.
How was this project funded?
The first phase of the project was funded by the Department of International Development, UK and the second phase by the European Union. The project also received funding from grant-making trusts and generous individuals.
