The World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar witnessed the inspiring Swakalpa Sahajog ‘Small Loans for Bigger Smiles’ event aimed at empowering nano entrepreneurs through access to credit. The event served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the transformative power of small loans in nurturing thriving businesses and fostering smiles of prosperity.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of bank loan sanction letters by Deputy Director of the World Skill Center Subhanga Kishore Das to more than 40 mentees.
In a strategic stride towards bolstering the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Swakalpa forged key partnerships with industry giants such as Bharat Pe and Meesho. The collaboration with Bharat Pe provides Swakalpa entrepreneurs with access to a unified QR code for seamless payment solutions and opens avenues for additional financial support, underscoring a commitment to their holistic growth.
Similarly, the partnership with Meesho extends a digital platform for Swakalpa mentees to showcase and sell their products effectively, leveraging the power of e-commerce to reach broader markets.
The event also served as a knowledge-sharing platform, with luminaries such as Mission Director, Sustainable Environment Resource Institute Rajiv Ranjan Guru and representatives from institutions like the State Bank of India and SIDBI, imparting invaluable insights to propel the entrepreneurial journey of Swakalpa beneficiaries.
Swakalpa programme aims to equip 10,000 ambitious youth with the necessary skills and knowledge on self-employment and entrepreneurship and establish at least 1,000 micro-businesses in Odisha, ensuring a minimum 25% representation of women at all stages.
