Building local business support organisations in Orissa, India

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.

The project worked with 15 participants from local business support orgnisations in Orissa. The programme consisted of an 18-month training programme, where participants were taken through all the elements of the market access process, supported by one-to-one mentoring, course-work and action. Four training workshops were organised enabling participants to gain knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the small businesses that they work with. The programme included an trip to the EU and an appropriate Trade Fair, which provided a good and practical understanding of how markets operate.

All the participants found the programme very useful and the vast majority felt that the project’s objectives had been fully met by the end of the programme. The structure/approach of the programme was new for Traidcraft and one which has worked extremely well, coupled with new ideas and suggestions for improvements for future programmes. The combination of participatory learning (workshops), sharing of experiences and advice (business clinics), practice (coursework and mentoring), and first hand experience (EU visit) has combined to make a positive, lasting change with participants. In particular it has made an impact on participants’ attitudes and approach to business. This change in attitude, combined with commitment to disseminate learning to others and to create local networks, will lead to sustained growth within their organisations and beyond.

What participants said about the programme:

"This is a very good programme. It changes all challenges into opportunities – by ourselves!"

"The large element of introspective assessment helps us come up with such constructive ideas"

"…an excellent programme, helping us to sustain our businesses and get more new markets"

"Teaching methods are excellent. Creating a learning environment and giving personal attention is very impressive"

What participants said about the impact on artisans:

"As the business has improved, the financial position of artisans has also improved"

"Their income has increased and they have sustainable livelihoods"

"They have improved their skills, and can now develop designs and make products according to buyers' needs"

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.

The project was funded by the European Union grant-making trusts, and donations from generous individuals.