Eud Foundation supports women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan

Eud Foundation supports women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan

Eud Foundation, a community interest company that supports and helps people and businesses to achieve their projects with a proven model of social impact, has launched a new project to empower women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan, India.

## Economic context

India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, but it also faces significant challenges such as poverty, inequality, unemployment and environmental degradation. Rural areas, where more than half of the population lives, are particularly affected by these issues. Women in rural areas face multiple barriers to access education, health care, finance and markets. They also lack opportunities to participate in decision-making and leadership roles.

According to the World Bank, increasing women's participation in the economy could boost India's GDP by 27%. However, only 14% of Indian businesses are owned by women, and most of them are micro or small enterprises. Women entrepreneurs face many challenges such as lack of skills, capital, networks and mentors.

## How Eud Foundation supports in detail

Eud Foundation provides online and offline training courses on topics such as business planning, marketing, accounting, legal aspects, etc.

Eud Foundation has partnered with local NGOs and social enterprises such as SEWA Bharat and Mann Deshi Foundation to support women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan through a comprehensive program that includes:

- Training: Eud Foundation provides online and offline training courses on topics such as business planning, marketing, accounting, legal aspects, etc. The courses are tailored to the needs and interests of the women entrepreneurs and delivered by experts and mentors. Eud Foundation offers 10 courses with a total duration of 100 hours each.

- Funding: Eud Foundation provides access to funding sources such as grants, loans, crowdfunding, donations, etc. The funding is based on the feasibility and social impact of the business ideas and projects. Eud Foundation provides up to $10,000 per business idea or project.

- Networking: Eud Foundation facilitates networking and collaboration opportunities such as events, meetings, forums, etc., where women entrepreneurs can meet other members and partners of Eud Foundation community, exchange ideas, experiences, best practices, challenges, solutions, etc. Eud Foundation organizes 20 events per year with an average attendance of 50 people each.

- Promotion: Eud Foundation provides promotion and visibility channels such as social media, newsletters, blogs, etc., where women entrepreneurs can showcase their products or services, reach new customers or markets, build their brand and reputation. Eud Foundation has a network of 10,000 followers on social media and 5,000 subscribers on newsletters.

## The effect brought

The project aims to support 500 women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan over a period of two years.

The project aims to support 500 women entrepreneurs in rural Rajasthan over a period of two years. The expected outcomes are:

- Increased income and livelihoods for the women entrepreneurs and their families: The average income of the women entrepreneurs is expected to increase by 50% after completing the program.

- Increased empowerment and leadership skills for the women entrepreneurs: The women entrepreneurs are expected to gain more confidence, self-esteem and decision-making power after completing the program.

- Increased social and environmental impact for the communities: The business ideas or projects are expected to address social or environmental issues such as health care, education, sanitation, renewable energy, etc.

- Increased awareness and recognition for the role and potential of women entrepreneurs: The women entrepreneurs are expected to inspire other women and men in their communities to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career option.

## Time of the project

The project started in January 2023 and will end in December 2024. The project is divided into four phases:

- Phase 1: Selection and recruitment of the women entrepreneurs: Eud Foundation selects 500 women entrepreneurs from rural Rajasthan based on their eligibility criteria and motivation.

- Phase 2: Training and mentoring of the women entrepreneurs: Eud Foundation provides online and offline training courses to the women entrepreneurs on various topics related to entrepreneurship. EUD Foundation also assigns mentors to each woman entrepreneur to provide guidance and support throughout the program.

- Phase 3: Funding and implementation of the business ideas or projects: Eud Foundation provides access to funding sources to the women entrepreneurs based on their business plans. Eud Foundation also monitors and evaluates the progress and impact of the business ideas or projects.

- Phase 4: Monitoring and evaluation of the results and impact: Eud Foundation collects data and feedback from the women entrepreneurs and their stakeholders to measure the results and impact of the program. Eud Foundation also shares the lessons learned and best practices with other partners and stakeholders.

## Future development

Eud Foundation plans to scale up the project to other regions and countries where there is a need and demand for supporting women entrepreneurs. Eud Foundation also plans to create a platform where women entrepreneurs can connect with each other and with other stakeholders such as investors, customers, suppliers, etc.

Eud Foundation invites anyone who is interested in joining or supporting this project to visit its website or contact us. We would love to hear from you!