Grassroots Leader Mentoring Women in Their Entrepreneurial Journeys
Mamta Dalvi, a grassroots leader and entrepreneur from Viregaon village in Maharashtra’s Jalna District, faced significant challenges early in life. Financial hardships led her to work as a maid in Mumbai after marriage. In 2021, Mamta’s husband passed away, leaving her as the sole provider for her family at age 27. Using her savings, she purchased a small plot of land in Viregaon and started a tailoring business.
Initially, her income from tailoring was insufficient to meet her family’s basic needs. Despite her hard work, Mamta struggled to make ends meet and realized she needed more support and knowledge. In 2023, she attended a village meeting where she learned about Swayam Shikshan Prayog – SSP”s work and the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP). Through this program, she received extensive training in advanced tailoring techniques, financial management, and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, she secured a loan of Rs.20,000 through SSP’s SVEP Program, which she invested in her tailoring business.
Armed with new skills and financial support, Mamta diversified her tailoring activities. She expanded her services to include various types of garments and began offering tailoring classes to other women in her village. She invested in high-quality fabrics and sewing machines, enhancing her productivity and product quality. These improvements attracted more customers, and she soon became known for her excellent craftsmanship and reliable service, earning a monthly income of around Rs. 12,000. This financial boost enabled her to provide better education and healthcare for her children.
Mamta’s success inspired other women in Viregaon to explore opportunities offered by SSP and SVEP. Seeing her transformation, many women started their own small businesses, sparking a wave of entrepreneurial spirit in the village. Mamta took on the role of a mentor, guiding and supporting these women in their entrepreneurial journeys. Encouraged by her success, Mamta aims to continue expanding her tailoring business. She plans to set up a small boutique to showcase and sell her creations and establish a formal training center in Viregaon to teach modern tailoring techniques to other women.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
July 02, 2024