In the quest for women’s economic empowerment and poverty reduction, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a powerful tool. Beyond microfinance and savings, some SHGs also hold the potential to evolve into enterprises, either group or individual, fostering collective action, shared ownership, and economic growth. Studies have also explored the transformation of SHGs into strategic business enterprises such that they can play a catalytic role in increasing the income, standard of living and quality of life of the rural population. The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) has recorded the emergence of close to 6 lakh such enterprises.

This exploratory study by LEAD in collaboration with Ambuja Foundation, sheds light on a cohort often overlooked in the entrepreneurial landscape: women-led group nano-enterprises in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. These enterprises have emerged from Self-Help Group (SHG) members, originally brought together to promote financial inclusion through collective savings and access to credit. This study further examines their benefits, challenges, and the factors influencing their success. This will help glean valuable insights into the characteristics and adaptability of women-led businesses operating in challenging environments.