What problem or need is the project addressing?
Small businesses play a critical role in providing employment for the poor in India – particularly for women – and are responsible for over 60% of employment in India.
However, our experience shows that many small businesses are held back in their aim to grow and benefit their communities, by a lack of business skills and problems in accessing markets. Most small businesses are also limited to selling in local markets that are over crowded and highly competitive.
What is the project doing?
The project is training 20 participants from 10 local organisations working with small businesses all over India. By developing their business counselling skills they can help small businesses identify their problems and find appropriate solutions. Improving the performance of small businesses increases productivity and profits, and provides better incomes for the poor producers they employ.
During the project, each of the participants will work with at least 5 small businesses, so the project will directly benefit at least 100 small businesses and 2000 poor producer employees. In addition, each local organisation is currently supporting about 40 small businesses each year. The project will therefore benefit many more small businesses and poor producers during and after the project.
What impact has the project had?
Impact will be measured by an external evaluation will be done at the end of the project. In the meantime, anecdotal evidence suggests that:
- Participants now feel more confident and better equipped to support small businesses.
- Small businesses have been able to identify their business problems, demand appropriate support and consequently improve their business performance.
Quotes from participants have included:
"I have learnt more in these last five days than in my previous 24 years’ experience."
"The workshops are a unique opportunity for all to be present from different areas and different sectors but facing similar problems. We can share solutions and exchange information as well as learn new tools to equip ourselves in the workshops."
Our local partners
Traidcraft Exchange is implementing this project with IRFT, India and FAKT, Germany.
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.
FAKT is a non-profit consultancy firm that provide services to build local capacity and improve social and economic conditions in developing countries.
How is this project funded?
The project is funded by the European Commission, grant-making trusts, and donations from generous individuals.
