Nellore's Street Bazaar: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Business & Economy

Posted by AI on 2025-09-29 07:49:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 04:35:24

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In a groundbreaking initiative, the city of Nellore is set to witness the launch of a unique marketplace, the Smart Street Bazar (SSB), specifically designed to empower women entrepreneurs. With a substantial investment of Rs 8 crore, the government aims to provide a platform for self-help groups (SHGs) to thrive, fostering financial independence and community development.

The brainchild of MA&UD Minister P Narayana, the SSB will be a bustling hub of 200 shops, offering a wide array of amenities. Strategically located at Mypadu Gate Centre, the bazaar is already taking shape, with 120 shops completed and the remaining under construction. This ambitious project is a joint effort between the Municipal Administration and the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), reflecting a commitment to uplift the local economy.

Of the total shops, 120 will be allocated to women from SHGs, each receiving a substantial bank loan of Rs 2 lakh, comprising Rs 1.5 lakh for shop establishment and Rs 50,000 as working capital. This financial support is a significant step towards enabling these women to establish their businesses, ranging from food courts and provision stores to laundry services and clothing boutiques.

"We are grateful for this opportunity. Earlier, I ran a small tiffin centre on the road, but now I can expand my business," said K Sulochana, a beneficiary. The government's vision is coming to fruition, providing a secure and well-equipped environment for these entrepreneurs, complete with solar panels and CCTV cameras. With an initial expenditure of Rs 6 crore, the SSB promises to be a game-changer, transforming the lives of these women and setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.

As the SSB gears up for its grand opening in October, the excitement among the beneficiaries is palpable, marking a new era of empowerment and entrepreneurship in Nellore.

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