๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ
Sometimes, change begins with a single conversation. For Jijabai Bavaskar from Pipalgaon Renai village, Ambad block of Jalna district, Maharashtra, it was a chance talk with a toast vendor that opened her eyes to business possibilities. Once a young bride trapped in poverty and daily wage labor, she discovered that opportunity lay not just in hard work, but in daring to try something different.
Poverty had forced her into marriage at a young age, and she soon became a daily wage laborer, despite having no farming experience. While working on farms, she noticed opportunities in the local market. On one visit, she asked a toast vendor about his earnings and learned he made Rs. 400โ500 profit daily. This planted the seed of a business idea.
Around this time, an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) organized by Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) came to her village. Jijabai attended the EDP training for four days’, where she learned basics of business, customer handling, and communication. Inspired and encouraged, she started her own kirana (grocery) shop.
The beginning was toughโshe lacked capital, confidence, and customer-handling skills. But with training and family support, she persisted. Her shop slowly grew, and she began earning Rs. 500โ700 daily. Later, guided by community leader Jyoti Wankhede, she prepared a business plan, registered for Udyog Aadhaar, and secured Rs. 40,000 through the Block Resource Center (BRC) initiative, which helped her expand further.
Today, Jijabaiโs business is thriving. Her family members have also opened shops, each earning Rs. 600โ700 daily. The family no longer depends on wage labor and now manages household expenses while supporting the education of her two sons. She proudly displays the SVEP banner at her shop, acknowledging the programmeโs role in her success.
Reflecting on her journey, Jijabai says: โI had nothing when I startedโno money, no confidence, no skills. SSP gave me the courage and knowledge to run a business. Today, my shop feeds my family, supports my childrenโs education, and gives me respect in the community.โ
For Jijabai, entrepreneurship has brought not only financial stability but also dignity and self-respect.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
1st September, 2025