Disability Entrepreneurship And Leadership - DEAL Foundation

10/08/2026

A Story of Building a Livelihood Through a Self-Help Group Formed by the DEAL Foundation

Shri Maruteshwar Self-Help Group for Persons with Disabilities, Konnur

Our self-help group has 10 members. My name is Renuka Ningappa Kuri, and I am the representative of the Shri Maruteshwar Self-Help Group for Persons with Disabilities in Konnur.

We have been running the group for the past three years and have participated in all the training programmes conducted by the DEAL Foundation.

About Me

Name: Renuka Ningappa Kuri
Village: Konnur
Taluk: Nargund
District: Gadag
Education: 8th Standard
Children: Three
Age: 36 years

The DEAL Foundation informed us about self-help groups for persons with disabilities and encouraged us to form one. They also helped us open a bank account and have remained in regular contact with us over the past three years, providing continuous guidance and support.

Through the savings accumulated in our group, I received an internal loan of ₹30,000. I used this loan to purchase a cow and start a dairy farming business. I continue to run this livelihood activity successfully today.

I sincerely thank all the members of our self-help group for making the internal loan available to me.

At present, I am regularly repaying the loan along with interest.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the DEAL Foundation for introducing us to the self-help group model and for continuing to guide and support us.

For any questions related to this story or for assistance, please contact [email protected].

To learn more about the work of the DEAL Foundation, visit www.deal-fiundation.com.

Thank you.

06/08/2026

A Journey of Hope: Haripriya’s Story

Haripriya, an eight-year-old girl from Ramenahalli village in Gadag district, developed an intellectual disability after a severe fever at the age of two and a half.

Following medical advice, her family brought her to the GCEID Navachetana Centre, established under the leadership of the DEAL Foundation. Through regular physiotherapy, daily living activities and continuous support, Haripriya has shown meaningful improvement in her confidence, mobility and ability to perform tasks independently.

Her journey reminds us that early intervention, professional guidance and family support can help every child learn, grow and move towards greater independence.

For support: [email protected]
Learn more: www.deal-foundation.com

23/07/2026

Growing Together: Strengthening Farmers Through Collective Action 🌱🚜

At DEAL Foundation, we believe that empowering farmers goes beyond providing support—it means building sustainable systems that help communities thrive.
Through the Parisara Samruddhi Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) in Mevundi, we are working to create stronger market linkages, improve access to quality agricultural inputs, and expand livelihood opportunities for small and marginal farmers.

As the needs of our farmer members continued to grow, the FPO expanded into a larger office and warehouse, enabling the storage of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and farming equipment while preparing for larger-scale procurement and marketing of crops like jowar, sunflower, and groundnut. This expansion also creates opportunities for value addition and better market access, helping farmers receive improved returns for their produce.

Our vision extends beyond infrastructure. We are committed to:
🌾 Expanding farmer membership and participation.
🐝 Establishing a beekeeping training centre near Kappatagudda to promote diversified livelihoods.
🤝 Strengthening Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) through collective ownership and market access.
📈 Building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem where farmers grow not only crops but also income, confidence, and resilience.

Every milestone reflects the power of collaboration and community leadership. Together, we are creating a future where farmers are not just producers—they are entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders of rural transformation.

14/07/2026

**From Learning to Leading: Vijayalakshmi's Journey to Financial Independence** 🌿💙

Meet **Vijayalakshmi Prakash Kammar** from **Mevundi**, a dedicated member of the **Amrutavani Women's Self-Help Group** formed by DEAL Foundation.

What started as a simple decision to join an SHG and save ₹100 every month soon became a life-changing journey. Through entrepreneurship and skill development training provided by DEAL Foundation, Vijayalakshmi gained the confidence to start a **small grocery store from her home** with an investment of ₹30,000.

Today, her shop supplies daily essentials and children's snacks to the local community, generating a steady income while allowing her to support her family. On weekends and during festivals, her earnings grow even further with increased customer demand.

Determined to keep learning, Vijayalakshmi also received training in preparing **traditional snacks such as Chakli and Peanut Laddus**, which she now makes and sells through her store, creating an additional source of income. Alongside this, she continues tailoring work whenever possible, making the most of every opportunity.

*"The training and guidance from DEAL Foundation gave me the confidence to become self-reliant. Today, I earn from my own business, support my family, and look toward the future with hope."*

Her story is a reminder that when women are provided with the right skills, support, and opportunities, they don't just build businesses—they build stronger families and stronger communities.

💙 Every empowered woman inspires many more.

08/07/2026

From Confidence to Livelihood – A Story of Empowerment 🌾💙

Meet Nethra Yallappa Kallimani, a member of the Shri Puttaraja PWD Self-Help Group in Shirahatti.

Four years ago, Nethra joined the SHG with a desire to build a better future. Through the training and continuous support provided by DEAL Foundation, she discovered an opportunity that turned her passion into a livelihood.

Today, she runs a traditional Jowar Roti (Sorghum Flatbread) business, preparing every roti by hand—without machines or rice flour—to preserve the authentic taste of North Karnataka. With regular monthly orders of nearly 1,000 rotis, she now earns an additional income of around ₹6,000 per month, while also supporting her family through tailoring and farming.

Her journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, determination, and collective support.

The Shri Puttaraja PWD SHG has become more than a savings group—it is a platform for confidence, financial inclusion, and growth. Members have collectively accessed over ₹1.84 lakh in loans to start and strengthen their livelihoods. Beyond financial support, they receive guidance on bookkeeping, government schemes, banking services, and leadership, helping them become active participants in their communities.

"We once believed that because we were persons with disabilities—or mothers of children with disabilities—we had little to offer. DEAL Foundation helped us discover our abilities, build our confidence, and step forward with dignity."

Every journey begins with belief. Every success begins with opportunity.

15/06/2026

Today, a follow-up meeting was conducted with members of the Shri Veerabhadreshwara PWD SHG in Suganahalli to review group activities, discuss progress, and strengthen member participation.

The visit also included Farmer Producer Company (FPC) related work, focusing on improving awareness, collective engagement, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Through continuous follow-up and community-based initiatives, we are working towards greater inclusion, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities in rural communities.

06/04/2026

🌿🤝 Follow-Up & Awareness in Laxmeshwar 🤝🌿

Today, follow-up work was carried out with the Shree Basaveshwar PWD SHG in Laxmeshwar, focusing on group progress and coordination. 📘✨

Members were provided with information about the Cooperative Society and the services available at the GCEID Centre, helping improve awareness and access to support systems. 🏦💙

Additionally, loan repayment follow-up was conducted, encouraging financial responsibility and strengthening group sustainability. 💼✅

Step by step, we continue building informed, confident, and empowered communities. 🌱💪

27/03/2026

🌿💙 Follow-Up Support in Narayanpur 💙🌿

Today, follow-up work was carried out with the PWD Shri Dhyamammadevi SHG in Narayanpur, focusing on group progress, member participation, and future planning. 📘✨

Regular follow-ups like these help strengthen unity, build confidence, and ensure continuous growth for the group. 💪🌱

25/03/2026

🌿🤝 Cooperative Support & SHG Follow-Up in Naregala 🤝🌿

Today, follow-up work was carried out with the Huchchireswara SHG in Naregala, focusing on group progress and member coordination. 📘✨

As part of the initiative, Cooperative Society cards were distributed, helping members access benefits and strengthening their connection with the cooperative system. 🏦💙

Steps like these continue to build confidence, inclusion, and stronger community networks. 🌱💪

18/03/2026