Self-employment
GarvSe
Mainstreaming disability livelihoods with rural communities
EnAble India’s internationally recognized model develops entrepreneurs with disability and community ownership in rural India.
Our approach? By establishing GarvSe centres, with grassroots organisations and through our 8 step Ecosystem Building Process.
We mainstreamed Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) for PwDs in the Ministry of Rural Development’s training centres nationwide, since 2013.
Swashakti is our mission to empower 1,00,000 persons with disabilities as entrepreneurs and to sustain their livelihoods, thereby driving progress toward the SDGs, by 2031.
8-Step Ecosystem Building Process
We establish a shared understanding about the importance of creating ecosystems with our partners. PwDs are then empowered with choice and agency to decide their path. We focus on building their capacity and ensuring continuous ecosystem support in their journey toward economic independence.
Our Approach
1
Create a network:
Identify & partner with NGOs and government institutions like Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) & Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI).
2
Enabler committee:
Set up Panchayat Level Committees to recommend suitable candidates for EDP training and assist until settlement.
3
Margadarshi Workshop:
Self-assessment co-created with shortlisted candidates and families to identify interests, strengths, and potential livelihood paths. This builds choice and agency and starts the journey of transformation.
4
Identify & Mapping opportunities:
Collect data to identify high-demand trades. Map and shortlist trades suited for PwDs. Recommend candidates for EDP training.
5
Influencer Group Formation:
Setup district level committees to support candidates from training and starting a business to successful business settlement with finance, networks and knowledge.
6
10-Day EDP Training:
This transformative initiative conducted with RSETI/RUDSETI, assists PwDs to build business skills, advocate for themselves, and tap into social capital and resources.
7
6-month post-settlement follow-up:
Regular check-ins with GarvSe Centre Officers (GSCOs), committee members, and trainers to track candidate progress and stability.
8
2-year post-settlement support:
Evolving needs of PwDs are handled by integrating key players (like GSCOs & committee members) into the ecosystem.
15000
PwD trained
12
10
1L – 5.5L
305
We do so much more!
Enabled 12,000+ PwDs
By access to MGNREGA job cards, mobility aids, assistive devices, UDID cards, pensions and more
Open-source tools & resources
That assist GarvSe Centres, PwDs & communities to self-advocate, develop business plans etc
Strategic partnerships
To support different needs:
- Rang De for credit linkages
- SELCO supports entrepreneurs using solar sustainable equipment
- NeoMotion for custom mobility aids
Impact Story
Prasad, from a rural tribal area, was born into a poor family and has faced significant challenges due to his disability. After attending a mentor workshop by the Enable Committee and completing a 10-day Entrepreneur Development training from Khammam RSETI, Prasad gained self-confidence. Determined to earn his own income, he began wholesaling ice creams at the mandal level, using a tricycle provided by the government. He sells ice creams in nearby villages, earning 400–500 per day. His parents are thrilled and surprised by his success.
Through his ice cream business, Prasad not only earns money but also inspires other disabled and non-disabled people struggling with unemployment. As summer ended, he started planning new ventures for the winter and rainy seasons, showing his determination to grow his business. Prasad’s journey is a testament to overcoming disability through perseverance and serves as a role model for others in his community.
Boda Prasad
Our Partners
