India has 13.5 to 15.7 million women-owned enterprises, as per a Bain & Company report conducted for Google on Women Entrepreneurship in India. This represents 20% of all enterprises in India.
Rang De Social Investors have successfully funded over 16,000+ loans, with women investees accounting for 80% of the total loans disbursed on the platform. In this blog, we’ll understand the loan types, the needs they suffice and the nature of these loan products.
There are different loan types that are tailored according to the needs of the Investees but can be broadly classified into - Farming & Animal husbandry Farming and animal husbandry loans play a pivotal role in empowering women engaged in agricultural activities, accounting for 83% of the total loans disbursed at Rang De.
It highlights the importance of these activities in generating livelihoods for women in rural areas. These loans are used to procure essential farm inputs like seeds, manure, fertilisers etc for agriculture.
Ranging from 20-50k rupees, the loan amounts are carefully calculated to cover the costs of essential farm inputs such as seeds, manure, fertilisers, and equipment. By providing access to working capital, Rang De enables women to optimise their agricultural activities, enhance productivity, and generate higher incomes.
Moreover, these loans have a relatively short repayment period of 6-9 months, ensuring that women have the flexibility to reinvest their earnings and maintain a sustainable cycle of growth. By increasing self-sustainability and creating opportunities for revenue generation, Rang De's support in the farming and animal husbandry sector had a transformative impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs.
An exemplary impact partner, Maitri Mahila Mandal Samiti (MMMS) in Tonk, Rajasthan, has been instrumental in pioneering animal husbandry initiatives, empowering more than 900 women. With the support of Rang De social investors, countless women in Rajasthan have embarked on their journey to seek additional income sources through animal husbandry, leading to increased financial independence and improved quality of life.
Small scale enterprises Women have set up groceries stores, food stalls, retail shops and other small-scale businesses like beauty parlours and tailoring units to generate additional income. These loans account for 7% of the total loans disbursed at Rang De. Often these loans are used to meet set-up costs, rent, purchasing equipment and machinery, re-stocking and operational expenses.
These businesses not only contribute to the local economy but also serve as sources of inspiration for other women to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Successful women entrepreneurs who have transformed their ventures into profitable enterprises become role models, encouraging others to overcome societal barriers and embrace entrepreneurship.
Rang De's support extends beyond financial assistance. Our Impact Partners provide crucial mentorship and guidance to these women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and grow their businesses. By nurturing and empowering women at this stage, Rang De fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
Our Impact Partners - Development Alternatives, Manjari Foundation have been instrumental in identifying potential women entrepreneurs and getting them started on the journey towards sustainability. With small enterprises gaining an uptick these loans play a crucial role in driving India’s economy. Full-fledged entrepreneurs
Rang De's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs goes beyond supporting small-scale ventures. Through diligent hand-holding and mentoring from Rang De's Impact Partners, a wave of women entrepreneurs has emerged, successfully running large-scale enterprises. These enterprises span diverse sectors such as handicrafts, agro products, travel agencies, and more.
At this stage, Rang De's credit plays a catalyst in unlocking the potential of these entrepreneurs. The loans provided range between 1 to 10 lakh rupees, enabling entrepreneurs to access the necessary capital for scaling their businesses. With a repayment period of 12-18 months, these loans provide flexibility for entrepreneurs to invest in expanding their operations, exploring new market opportunities, and creating employment.
By offering financial support and guidance, Rang De's Impact Partners like Entrepreneurs Associates, and IMEDF enable women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers to growth, including accessing larger markets, establishing robust distribution networks, and seizing new business opportunities. Additionally, the mentoring equips these entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to manage and sustain their enterprises at a larger scale.
The impact of Rang De's support for full-fledged entrepreneurs is far-reaching. These women entrepreneurs become significant contributors to their local economies, generating employment opportunities, and boosting economic development. Their success stories inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, leading to a more inclusive and diverse business landscape. If you want to invest in women who are at different stages of self-sustenance, head to rangde.in/invest