On 17 February 2026, WAVE organized a day-long Entrepreneurship Training on Small Trade under the ACT-II Project, aimed at empowering vulnerable women to build sustainable livelihoods while strengthening their resilience to disasters. A total of 33 women from extremely poor households participated, many of whom face significant challenges in disaster preparedness due to limited financial resources.
The training focused on equipping participants with practical entrepreneurial skills and supporting them in developing income-generating activities (IGAs). By enhancing their capacity to earn, the initiative also improves household-level preparedness and resilience in disaster-prone areas. For hands-on learning, participants were grouped based on their business initiatives:
- Bamboo-made products group: 6 members
- Puffed rice (Muri) production group: 4 members
- The remaining 23 women explored individual businesses including tea stalls, tailoring/sewing and production of food items.
The training began with a welcome address followed by an interactive session on the disaster risks prevalent in Bakerganj and practical strategies for community-based preparedness. Then, facilitators led sessions on business planning, financial management and marketing strategies. A model entrepreneur shared her own journey, inspiring participants to confidently pursue their ventures and apply the lessons learned. By the end of the day, all participants had to develop individual or group business plans which were evaluated as part of the selection process for cash support under the project’s alternative livelihoods initiatives.
Ms. Sona Laxmi, participant from a highly vulnerable household, shared her aspirations; “With the knowledge and support I have gained, I am determined to start my handicrafts business, achieve financial stability and strengthen my family’s resilience to disasters.’’
Participants expressed their commitment to developing their businesses and conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the WAVE Foundation for organizing this program. Through such initiatives, women are not only gaining income but also building confidence, acquiring new skills and enhancing their ability to support their families and communities, ultimately transforming small opportunities into meaningful change.
