Anandibai Yamgarnikar

Kolhapur

With clay in her hands, she is a magician. It isn't just the traditional art. It also fends for the bread and butter of her family. Like all businesses, the clay work too demands funding, primarily for the raw material. She is required to buy clay, moulds, paints, plaster, etc.

Her friend had been telling her about the Self Help Groups (SHGs) and the loan facility provided by Buldana Urban Co-op Credit Society Ltd. exclusively for them for quite some time. Being absolutely clueless about the installment amounts, she was naturally hesitant in the beginning. But when she came to know about the monthly installment amount, she was pleasantly surprised. Finally, in the month of March, she joined the SHG and decided to opt for loan. Her application was approved without any hassles, again to her surprise.

Already a few months into paying back her loan amount, she is now hoping for another loan for doubled amount to increase her business. Her smile speaks volumes.

Swati Zodge

Mhaswad

It had been five years since Swati started working on her own. She had been quite occupied ever since her marriage. With four younger brothers-in-law to look after, she barely had time for herself. Thereafter, her own children were born. Her husband alone could not provide for such a huge family. Swati remembered her parents’ lessons well. She was trained in machine-stitching and related work. Having grown up seeing them work gracefully with fabrics, patterns and stitching, Swati did not have to go out of her way to acquire and fine tune the same skills.

With her savings, she bought an old sewing machine and started her business. After acquiring a good number of clients, Swati realized that it was time to bid adieu to her old equipment.

Her SHG membership and the loan received through Buldana Urban helped her to get a brand new, more efficient sewing machine.

Apart from the regular clothing, Swati has also been experimenting with clutches and bags and intends to work on them further.