AU Udyogini Empowers 320 Women to Launch Micro-Enterprises in Rural India

By: WE Staff | Friday, 16 May 2025

• Magic Bus India Foundation collaborated with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) for empowering women entrepreneurs  
• 320 women successfully managed to create micro-enterprises through the programme  
• The program was conducted in 49 villages of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh 

Magic Bus India Foundation together with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India's largest small finance bank, has enabled 320 women to set up micro-enterprises in 49 villages in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan under the AU Udyogini programme for FY 2024–25.  

Motivated by the conviction that women in underserved groups have the potential to become strong drivers of economic transformation if provided with appropriate tools, the programme has converted hopes into lasting businesses.  

The trainees were imparted life and leadership skills training, entrepreneurship development, and business assistance for ₹12,500, specific to their selected industries. Connected to more than 150 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), these women started businesses in sectors such as tailoring, packaged food, dairy, beauty services, kirana shops, tiffin service, and so on. 

Nearly 70 percent of the women have seen monthly income increases of ₹3,000 to ₹7,000, largely enhancing household financial stability. All members now operate individual bank accounts, with more than 100 of them using digital means like UPI and mobile apps. All entrepreneurs have ploughed back profits into their business, emphasizing the sustainability of the programme.  

Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU SFB, pointed out those empowering women creates resilient communities and financial inclusion, citing the banks sustained efforts since 2018. Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus, stressed the programmer’s contribution to enhancing female labor force participation and grassroots innovation towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat. 

To facilitate long-term success, the participants were exposed to training on financial literacy, pricing, marketing, and customer care, as well as digital empowerment skills such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Business planning, registration, and market linkages were also taken through by the participants. Mentorship was offered continuously for six months to drive business problems solving and growth.