WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
ECONOMIC RURAL DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY (ERDS) – Malda, West Bengal
Microcredit Program – Women Supported Small Business
ERDS will be able to make additional 150
loans through a grant of $56,000 made by
IDRF in 2014.
As IDRF funding is in grant form, the repaid
loans are used as revolving credit to make
new loans.
Loan sizes have increased from INR
10,000 to 20,000 and repayment rates
are at 99%.
IDRF grants directed entirely towards the
provision of loans, limited solely to rural areas
and villages, ERDS is able to provide women
with loans that were previously impossible to obtain due to the high cost of capital.
Madhumati Saha’s Story:
Prior to joining ERDS’ Micro Finance program in 2010, Madhumati Saha’s garment workshop was making a loss
in spite of her hard work. Through ERDS, she obtained a loan of INR 10,000 to buy an embroidery machine and
raw materials. This initial investment paid off, and with the help of other loans through ERDS, she was able to
expand the business to include hosiery
products and children’s clothing.
After successful repayment of her loans, she
was able to borrow larger amounts that
allowed her to rent a place to house the
business and hire employees. She is now a
thriving wholesale supplier of clothing
products to various retail outlets in Kolkata.
Her family income has improved significantly
to INR 25,000 ‐30,000 per month.
“We are now capable enough to fulfill the
basic needs of the family like education,
nutrition, and health. We consider ourselves
blessed to be members of this microfinance
program.” Madhumati Saha.
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