FLO Bengaluru Chapter, under its Social Impact Circle, inaugurated the SHG Livelihood Units on 14th July 2026 at Chikkatammanahalli Village, Gudibande, marking a significant step towards empowering rural women through sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Organised in collaboration with Samarpaka Seva Trust, the initiative is designed to equip Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the skills, infrastructure, and market access needed to build self-reliant, income-generating enterprises.
The inauguration marked the launch of four dedicated livelihood units: the Papad & Khichiya Unit, Chikki Making Unit, Drying Unit, and Packaging & Branding Unit. Each unit addresses a different stage of the value chain, enabling women to transform traditional culinary knowledge into hygienic, high-quality, market-ready products. Participants will receive training in food production, quality standards, packaging, branding, and business management, preparing them to establish sustainable micro-enterprises.
The event was attended by Deepa Reddy, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Bengaluru; Neelam Agarwal, Social Impact Vertical Head; Rupa Bajaj and Sakshi Ram Chandnani, members of the Social Impact Team; and representatives from Soroptimist International Bangalore, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for rural women.
Supported by generous sponsorship from Keya Homes and Pride Builders, the initiative represents a long-term investment in women’s economic empowerment. Beyond establishing livelihood units, FLO Bengaluru will continue to mentor the SHGs through branding, packaging, marketing support, and opportunities to showcase their products at FLO Bazaar, helping them access wider markets and increase their earning potential.
Aligned with FLO’s focus on Agro, Agri & Food Processing and Health, Wellness & Life Skills, the initiative demonstrates how collaborative action can create sustainable livelihoods, strengthen rural economies, and foster financial independence. By empowering women with practical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, the programme is expected to positively impact not only individual participants but also their families and the wider community.
Key Takeaways
- Empowered rural women through the launch of sustainable, skill-based livelihood units.
- Established four income-generating units: Papad & Khichiya, Chikki Making, Drying, and Packaging & Branding.
- Enabled Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to convert traditional knowledge into market-ready products.
- Focused on entrepreneurship, financial independence, and long-term economic resilience for women.
- Provided training in production, quality standards, branding, packaging, and business management.
- Strengthened market access through FLO Bengaluru’s continued branding, packaging, and marketing support.
- Created opportunities for SHG products to be showcased and sold at FLO Bazaar.
- Fostered collaboration between FICCI FLO Bengaluru, Samarpaka Seva Trust, and community partners for greater social impact.
- Enhanced livelihood opportunities for 60 rural women, with a positive ripple effect on over 120 households.
- Reinforced FLO Bengaluru’s commitment to inclusive rural development, women-led enterprises, and sustainable community empowerment.
Impact & Outcome
5 FLO Members, 60 rural women (Self-Help Group members), and 120 households were impacted through SHG Livelihood Units. Ultimately, this initiative reinforces FLO Bengaluru’s commitment to creating inclusive, community-led economic growth by empowering women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to build sustainable enterprises and improve their quality of life.