CBM India Trains 46 Bengaluru Entrepreneurs

CBM India Trust has completed a three-day entrepreneurship and livelihood programme in Bengaluru, equipping 46 community members with skills to start, manage or expand businesses. The programme, held from August 25 to 27, was part of Project Sparsh and focused on leadership, enterprise planning, financial management, government schemes and social protection.

The initiative specifically supports LGBTQIA+ people who face barriers to livelihoods, healthcare and essential services. During the programme, participants examined livelihood options, assessed their strengths and prepared growth plans. They also attended leadership sessions that covered team management, goal-setting, self-improvement and approaches for taking ventures to the next stage.

The entrepreneurship modules addressed customer and competitor analysis, networking, collaboration, marketing, sales and enterprise development. Case studies and exercises helped participants convert classroom learning into business strategies. Financial sessions covered budgeting, financial statements, terminology, stock and expense management, digital finance and action planning.

The programme also explained government support systems and laws, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Mental Healthcare Act and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. Participants represented diverse businesses such as clothing, flowers, beauty services, groceries, fruit and vegetables, tailoring, catering, hospitality, jewellery, toys, spices and pickles.

One participant, Purushi, a fruit shop owner, said the programme improved her understanding of money, inventory, expenses and customer management, giving her confidence to strengthen her enterprise and raise earnings. Selected participants will receive seed funding to launch or expand their ventures. The combination of capital and capacity-building aims to support economic independence, resilience and dignity.

CBM India Trust Executive Director Sony Thomas said sustainable livelihoods required more than financing and skills. Confidence, knowledge, networks and support systems were equally important for progress. Training facilitator Meghana Ramamurthy said participants demonstrated curiosity, determination and a willingness to evaluate their strengths strategically.

Project Sparsh was developed after consultations with community representatives and stakeholders on healthcare, employment, social protection and essential services. CBM India said the initiative would continue working with community members, government bodies and partners to widen access to opportunities without discrimination.

The programme's focus on entrepreneurship and livelihood skills is crucial for promoting economic independence and resilience among marginalized communities. By providing training and support, CBM India Trust is helping to empower individuals and promote inclusive economic growth.

In the context of India's growing economy, initiatives like Project Sparsh are essential for promoting social and economic inclusion. The programme's emphasis on leadership, financial management and social protection is particularly important for supporting marginalized communities.

Overall, the completion of the three-day entrepreneurship and livelihood programme in Bengaluru marks an important step towards promoting economic independence and resilience among marginalized communities. With its focus on leadership, financial management and social protection, the programme is helping to empower individuals and promote inclusive economic growth.

The initiative's impact will be felt not only in Bengaluru but also in the wider community, as it helps to promote social and economic inclusion. As CBM India Trust continues to work with community members, government bodies and partners, it is likely that the programme will have a lasting impact on the lives of marginalized individuals.

In conclusion, the completion of the three-day entrepreneurship and livelihood programme in Bengaluru is a significant achievement for CBM India Trust. The programme's focus on leadership, financial management and social protection is helping to empower individuals and promote inclusive economic growth, and its impact will be felt for years to come.

What it means: The programme is a step towards promoting economic independence and resilience among marginalized communities, and its impact will be felt in the wider community. It highlights the importance of initiatives like Project Sparsh in promoting social and economic inclusion, and the need for continued support and empowerment of marginalized individuals.