Saksham Initiative Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra

By: WE staff | Thursday, 18 December 2025

• Branch International joined hands with United Way Mumbai to implement the Saksham initiative
• The project involved encouraging women to be more entrepreneurial
• The programme focused on financial independence and growth of entrepreneurs

Saksham, launched by Branch International in partnership with United Way Mumbai (UWM), is an initiative that encourages entrepreneurship activities among women in the state of Maharashtra.

The project benefited 63 women belonging to Badlapur, Bhiwandi, and Diva in their journey to achieve financial independence.

The initiative also consisted of an Entrepreneurial Development Program with duration of three days, comprising 18 hours of training in basic business and financial management. The training program was carried out using interactive modules, with group discussions and exercises facilitated by certified trainers and subject matter experts.

The program aimed at catering to women with various academic qualifications, with the emphasis on inducing entrepreneurial acumen and developing capabilities in financial management and growth of micro enterprises.

Every participant was given a Saksham Business Toolkit based on their choice of business. Business Tool Kits included equipment such as flour mills, tailoring machines, and beauty parlour sets, fall binding machines, cake-making sets, and food service sets.

All this equipment was meant to assist the participants in establishing or enlarging their business activities so as to earn their livings.

According to Neeraj Gupta, the Managing Director of Branch India: "This fits well within the CSR ideals of the company of promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and development."

George Aikara, the CEO of United Way Mumbai, stated that the event's "objective was to help women from marginalized communities to develop long-term stability in their financial situations through entrepreneurship."

The session also explored the experiences of the beneficiaries, including women who are either growing their businesses or launching a business.

The importance of partnerships in creating social impact towards the participation of women in local economic development is emphasized in the Saksham initiative.