Project Pranati: Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs in Bhadreswar, Hooghly through Skill Development

Background: Bhadreswar, a semi-urban town in Hooghly, West Bengal, faces economic challenges where young women, especially those aged 18-30, find it difficult to secure stable employment. With agriculture and small-scale industries being the primary sources of livelihood, economic fluctuations have led to instability, leaving these women with limited opportunities for income generation.

At Changespark Foundation, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship and skill development to break this cycle of financial hardship. We are launching a comprehensive training program focused on fashion and tailoring—empowering young women with the skills to create livelihood opportunities for themselves and their families.

Program Objective:

• Our goal is to provide these women with marketable skills in both bag and dressmaking, while instilling entrepreneurial knowledge that enables them to pursue one of two paths:
• Secure employment with local businesses or garment makers.
• Launch their own micro ventures with the support of loans and mentorship provided by Changespark Foundation.

Program Model:

Our training program is designed with a hands-on, holistic approach that covers:

Technical Skills: Sewing, pattern drafting, upcycling techniques, and garment construction.

Marketing & Sales: Identifying target markets, developing branding strategies, and promoting eco-friendly products through digital and traditional channels.

Business Development: Understanding financial management, product pricing, inventory control, and legal compliance.

Entrepreneurship Support: Trainees aspiring to start their ventures will receive support through loans, access to markets, and ongoing mentorship.

The program combines classroom learning with practical workshops, where women not only learn but actively contribute to producing market-ready bags and dresses. Upon completion, they will have access to employment opportunities and, for those inclined, the resources to begin their entrepreneurial journey.

Outcome: By the end of the program, participants will:

• Gain technical expertise in sustainable fashion and eco-friendly product creation.
• Acquire business acumen necessary for running a successful social enterprise.
• Be ready to either secure meaningful employment or launch their own businesses with a focus on sustainability and upcycling.

Conclusion: This initiative is more than just a training program—it's about creating self-reliant women who are confident, skilled, and ready to contribute to their families and communities. Your contribution will directly support the training and production materials and provide crucial loans to those ready to start their ventures. Together, we can create a brighter future for these women, their families, and the economy of Bhadreswar.

Help us spark change—your support can empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs!