Pune, December 2024 – Spherule Foundation, a pan-India non-profit organization, and SBI Payment Services Private Limited (SBI Payments), a subsidiary of State Bank of India, have joined hands to launch a transformative CSR initiative aimed at empowering 100 women entrepreneurs from marginalized communities across the Pune District. This initiative is designed to provide women with the tools, training, and support needed to establish and grow scalable and sustainable small and micro businesses. Ground-level mobilization and participant registration for this project are already in progress.

The program is designed to offer practical learning through comprehensive training on financial management, digital tools, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and business planning. Participants will also benefit from tailored financial assistance and business support to confidently launch or expand their ventures. Ongoing mentorship will be provided by field executives who will monitor progress and offer customized advice to ensure long-term stability and success. Also, This initiative will connect women to relevant markets and facilitate access to government schemes, enabling them to explore broader opportunities. To simplify essential processes, the program offers assistance in securing business licenses, e-Shram cards, ABHA cards, and banking tools such as Aadhaar and PAN cards.

While speaking about the initiative, Shri. Sujay Kumar Yadav, MD & CEO at SBI Payments, said, “We are honoured to be part of an initiative that uplifts and supports women entrepreneurs. This CSR initiative of ours is not just about providing resources; but it is about breaking barriers and achieving dreams. This collaboration with Spherule Foundation is a testament to our belief in fostering meaningful change in the society that we live in.”

Dr. Geeta Bora, Founder and Director of Spherule Foundation, expressed her excitement and said “This partnership with SBI Payments is a step towards transforming the entrepreneurial landscape for women in India. Through this project, we’re not only strengthening businesses but also creating pathways for brighter, more independent futures.”

A highlight of the initiative is the Business Presentation event, where participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. This platform showcases entrepreneurial talent while providing opportunities for funding and expert guidance. The program aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality, quality education, poverty alleviation, and economic growth, aiming to create lasting community impact by fostering financial independence and resilience among women.Spherule Foundation has a proven track record of driving social change in education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With initiatives that have empowered over 50,000 women micro-entrepreneurs, their work has been recognized on prestigious global platforms, including Oxford University and IITs. SBI Payments, a leader in India’s digital payments ecosystem, complements this vision by fostering inclusivity, gender equality, and economic growth. Together, the two organizations are championing a shared mission to promote self-reliance among women entrepreneurs, stated a press release.