“In her late forties now, Vandana started off as a housemaid from Daund village in Maharashtra. She then moved to the traditional pottery business, making Diwali diyas, puja kunds, idols of gods and goddesses, and earthen toys. Initially her business was small but after availing loan from our business client Madura Microfinance, her business expanded due to which there is increase in her income and she is able to employ more workers, bringing about a positive impact on the livelihood of the people in her village.

“Moor Saleem, a wholesale vegetable vendor, believes that engaging yourself in any kind of business is respectable as long as the business is honest and gives adequate profits. But due to cash-based transactions, Saleem could never get a loan due to the lack of income proofs. When he attended a customer meeting at Our Client-Shubham, he was still unsure until a Relationship Officer took him through the loan process smoothly. He now owns a home in AnkurVihar, Ghaziabad.

“Vaishali is a single mother raising two children. After her husband’s death she has had to single-handedly run the family and business of selling flowers. After availing loan from our business client-Annapurna Mahila Coop Credit Society Ltd, she has been able to educate her children who also help her in the business.

“Asma and her husband are into business of making dresses. Initially the business was small, but with the loan availed from our business client- ASA International India Microfinance Ltd., they expanded their business and employed more than 15 women. In addition to that Asma also diversified her business interest and has started a poultry business.