Udupi Launches Akka Cafe to Boost Women's Entrepreneurship

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 17 August 2026

Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad inaugurated Akka Cafe on Saturday, a joint initiative of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (Sanjeevini) and the Udupi Zilla Panchayat on the Brahmagiri-Kinnimulki Road in Udupi.

Speaking at the inauguration, the minister highlighted Akka Cafe as an important initiative for women’s economic empowerment. He said the cafe, entirely managed by women, reflects their growing role as entrepreneurs and their journey towards financial independence and self-reliance.

Located near Nairkere Road in Brahmagiri, the cafe is operated by members of the Ujwala Sanjeevini Self-Help Group from Manipura Gram Panchayat. The initiative aims to provide women with an opportunity to turn their culinary skills into a sustainable source of income.

Akka Cafe will serve traditional coastal food and snacks at affordable prices. Beyond offering food, the cafe provides a platform for grassroots women to showcase their cooking skills, access a wider market for locally prepared products and build sustainable livelihoods.

Key Highlights:

• Akka Cafe launched in Udupi to promote women’s entrepreneurship and financial independence
• Women-led food ventures will support local livelihoods and showcase traditional coastal products
• Karnataka plans 2,500 Akka Cafes with Rs 25 crore to boost women-led businesses

Arshad noted that the establishment serves not only as a dining venue but also as a platform to showcase the culinary talents of grassroots women, thereby creating a sustainable market for their homemade products.

In addition to the cafe's launch, Minister Arshad inaugurated the 'Illu' Foods masala powder manufacturing unit, another initiative by the Udupi Sanjeevini Mahila Kisan Producer Company, located at the Doddangudde Shivalli Horticulture Farm. This venture aims to further support local women in agriculture and food production, enhancing their economic prospects.

The inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including MA Gafoor, chairman of the Karnataka Coastal Development Board, and Dinakar Heruru, chairman of the Udupi Urban Development Authority.

Other notable attendees included Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, chairman of the Udupi District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, and SP Hariram Shankar. Their presence underscored the community's support for initiatives aimed at empowering women and fostering local entrepreneurship.

The Udupi launch comes as Karnataka expands the Akka Cafe initiative as a women-led livelihood and entrepreneurship program. In February 2026, the state government announced an allocation of Rs 25 crore to establish 2,500 coffee kiosks across Karnataka, with the initiative aimed at helping self-help group women become micro-entrepreneurs and creating more employment opportunities.