THE INITIATIVE

• Support to entrepreneurial aspirations of educated rural youth

THE BENEFICIARIES

• Youth of Tapola village, Satara district, Maharashtra

THE CHALLENGE

• Frequent out-migration to cities
• Dearth of gainful employment opportunities in the village
• Lack of institutions providing vocational courses to help budding entrepreneurs

THE SOLUTION

• NABARD provided financial assistance for a professional training on hospitality management
• Grant was also provided for training employees, marketing, online promotion and working capital

THE IMPACT

• Tapola Agro Tourism Producers Company Limited set up by 6 young rural entrepreneurs
• Generation of employment opportunities for villagers
• The project accommodates 3,000 tourists a year at affordable rates and providesvarious entertainment activities like kayaking, swimming, trekking and visits to strawberry farms