We have recently provided inputs to Traidcraft’s Sustainable Livelihoods for Young People and Women in Tamil Nadu project in India. We conducted four training workshops on business coaching and business development services with a group of local, independent service providers and staff from a business support organisation, from April to December 2010.
These workshops covered topics such as business coaching skills and approach, development of sustainable business services and supporting enterprises through start-up and growth. They provided a mix of participatory activities, technical inputs and opportunities to practice new skills as well as coursework between each workshop to embed learning. The service providers then used their new skills and knowledge to support poor businesses within the project.
One participant of this training, Jeyanthy, tells her story of working with a small business making readymade garments in Trichy. Her client is called Sreedevi.
“Business Coaching led me to the right direction. Today, I am the President of Tamilnadu Women Entrepreneur Association, Pudukkotai. It’s a rare honour. It’s a 4-year project, with 400 women to start new businesses. In this project I am doing EDP training, counselling, product designing and a little bit of marketing. The full credit goes to Traidcraft Exchange.”
“With Sreedevi, it was a great struggle. She was not doing well. With my help she is today a respectable business woman. Doing reasonably good business. Given jobs to four others. Goes as a trainer to all Government tailoring trainings.”
“With Business Coaching, I have started using tools with my clients. The problem tree comes handy. Many small business women approach me for help. I am proud of myself. There was a time when I used to get dejected with the way my family life was. Today, I am a more confident person. I am always dreaming of a beautiful future with all these women around. Soon, I will be a part of the Business Coaching Network and get into full-fledged training.”
Neeti Malhotra, Country Director, India, who was responsible for this project, says: “I value the products and services that the Development Support team offers very highly..... what Development Support can provide both through capacity building and/or through specific services ...is really attractive to nearly the whole range of organisations we interact with. In a sense Development Support is Traidcraft’s USP.”
Many of the service providers trained in this project have since gone on to form their own association called ‘The Coaches’ providing business coaching services to other small businesses in the region.
