National, 15th April – Marking a significant and strategic expansion into the livelihood and women empowerment space, the Centre for Transforming India (CFTI) has launched Startup Sakhi—a transformative initiative designed exclusively for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to build sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship. By unlocking access to financial support, structured training, and continuous mentorship, the program is aimed at breaking barriers that often limit women’s economic participation, empowering SHG members to step out, take charge, and collectively drive change within their communities. The initiative will be executed in Raigad district, Maharashtra, as its first implementation hub, where it is expected to receive 8,000–10,000 applications and directly support around 1,000 women, laying the foundation for a scalable, nationwide model of women-led economic empowerment.
Startup Sakhi follows a simple, step-by-step format designed to be accessible even for first-time entrepreneurs. SHGs can apply by submitting their business ideas in simple or local languages within a one-month application window. From these entries, 100 SHGs will be selected in the first round and provided with ₹10,000 each, along with basic training. Recognising that even basic expenses like travel and participation can be beyond reach for many women, this support is designed to remove that barrier—ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to step forward, access new avenues, and begin transforming their ideas into viable business ventures.
The final rounds of funding will include grants and funding at each level as ideas progress through all stages. In round two, 50 SHGs will receive ₹25,000 each and advanced mentorship to help them expand their businesses. In round three, the top 25 SHGs will enter an intensive incubation phase, during which they will learn how to create a business plan, manage finances, use digital tools, and develop a presentation. In round four, the top five SHGs will receive cash prizes as follows: ₹5 lakh for 1st place, ₹3 lakh for 2nd, ₹2 lakh for 3rd, and ₹50,000 each for 4th and 5th places. They will also continue receiving support to grow their businesses.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Transforming India (CFTI), said, “Startup Sakhi is about giving rural women the right opportunity and support to succeed. Many women already have strong ideas and the drive to work hard, but they need guidance, confidence, and access to resources. Through this initiative, we are not just providing funding, but we are also helping women build skills, start businesses, and create better futures for themselves and their families. Our goal is to create a model that can be scaled across India to support many more women entrepreneurs.”
Startup Sakhi, which has both institutional support and CSR partnership funding, will combine financial resources with continuous mentorship, skills development, and on-the-job training to build women’s long-term ability to establish and maintain their own businesses rather than just provide women with an immediate source of income. CFTI believes that this is a way to strengthen rural livelihoods and make a lasting grassroots impact.