Sabita Moharana, Jajpur, Odisha

Sabita Moharana from Amrutia village located in Jajpur district, Odisha is a first-generation entrepreneur who is running a carpentry unit, along with her carpenter husband Rajendra Moharana. They are supporting their household of five with income from this small enterprise.

Sabita attended the Recognition of Prior Learning training for assistant masons followed by the Entrepreneurship Development Program and Government Schemes where she learned how to successfully run and market her business and received an orientation on Government entitlements and schemes available for entrepreneurs.

Shortly after, she registered the carpentry unit receiving the UDHYAM registration number issued for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises by the Government of India. Further, she received handholding support to apply for a loan under Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). She was successfully granted a loan of INR 3,35,000 (US$ 4213). She also received financial support of INR 25,000 (US$ 314) as seed money from Habitat for Humanity. In addition to this, she received comprehensive Entrepreneurship Skill Development training from the Regional Industries Centre, Jajpur, Government of India.

“I am grateful for the opportunity Project Nirmanshree has afforded a woman like me. Because of the training and support I was given through this project, I feel empowered to run and sustain this business,” says Sabita.

Sabita and Rajendra employ 5 people in their unit, hiring and training skilled carpenters in the locality. Their enterprise brings in an average profit of INR 15,000 per month.

On 6th October 2022, Sabita completed her first order of home furniture for a local buyer. The total value of the furniture sold amounted to INR 80,000/- (USD 1000).