Enterprises & Markets
Expanding income and enterprise opportunities where people live and work
In rural Odisha, farming alone no longer provides stable incomes. Landholdings are small, rainfall unreliable, and markets often distant. Migration has become a routine part of how families supplement earnings, with many households in programme areas depending on it across seasons.
For women entrepreneurs and small producers, barriers limit how far enterprises can grow. Credit is scarce, larger markets are hard to reach, and business development support is thin. Migrant remittances flow back to villages, but without financial services to channel them, they rarely go toward longer-term investment.
Migrant remittances, women’s collectives, and emerging local enterprises are already reshaping how rural Odisha earns. Our work focuses on strengthening producer collectives, supporting women-led businesses, and expanding financial access so that these shifts contribute to more secure livelihoods over time.
How We Respond
Strengthening Producer Collectives
We strengthen producer collectives to improve bargaining power, expand market access, and secure better returns.
Nurturing Women Entrepreneurs
We support women-led micro and small enterprises to diversify livelihoods and broaden local economic opportunities.
Supporting High-Potential Entrepreneurs
We provide tailored mentorship and resources to help high-potential entrepreneurs scale viable businesses.
Building Village-Level Business Support
We establish local systems for business development, equipping entrepreneurs with guidance and resources close to home.
Deepening Market Insights
We deepen understanding of markets and value chains so that small producers can secure better opportunities and returns.
Expanding Financial Inclusion for Migrants
We expand access to financial services for migrant workers and their families so that earnings from migration contribute to greater security at home.
Spotlight
In Odisha’s poorest homes, migrant incomes build a new future
Migrant incomes are being invested in housing, land, education, and local assets. Gram Vikas’s migration work helps workers and households…
KNOW MORE
Prosperity in Action
In Adri, Gajendra Sahu starts a food business after returning home
The pandemic brought Gajendra Sahu back to his village, where he started a small food business with timely guidance.
READ THE STORY
Adivasi women build an agroforestry enterprise in Odisha
In Odisha's Kalahandi, Adivasi women restore degraded land through agroforestry, strengthening water sources over time.
READ THE STORY
Farmer collectives help smallholders make farming viable in Nayagarh
Farmer collectives help small and marginal farmers increase incomes, making farming more viable in Odisha’s Nayagarh district.
READ THE STORY
Partner for Impact
Over 50 national and global donors collaborate with Gram Vikas to strengthen community-led development in rural Odisha. Join us in advancing long-term change. Write to us ated@gramvikas.org.
Our Priorities
We strengthen people’s capabilities to act on six priorities for rural resilience.
Climate Resilience
Restoring water, land, and forests to secure the natural foundations of village life.
Health & Wellbeing
Advancing safe water, sanitation, and nutrition for healthier lives.
Youth & Opportunities
Equipping young people to learn, earn, and lead.
Local Governance
Enabling Panchayats and village institutions to act for collective good.
Equity & Inclusion
Ensuring everyone has a stake and a voice in progress.
