SUCCESS STORY: Bhupendra Sinal of Darchula
“I love MEDEP” exclaims Bhupendra Sinal. The young micro-entrepreneur is a prime example of how Micro-Enterprise Development Programme (MEDEP) has changed the lives of the less fortunate. Sinal who hails from Darchula in the far-west of Nepal once worked across the border in India, cleaning, tailoring and doing anything he could find to survive. It was in 2007 when he came into contact with MEDEP. The Entrepreneurship Development training followed by tailoring skills training provided by MEDEP made Bhupendra realise the opportunities that he could tap on. With Nrs 10,000 loan from Grameen Bikash Bank, he was able to purchase his first sewing machine and acquire a small space from where he would operate.
Through the years, the young micro-entrepreneur received additional training, opportunities to attend seminars in Kathmandu, acquired more machinery and began employing people. He also started a tailoring training centre in Darchula. Sinal strongly believes in the empowerment of women and has trained over 50 women till date. Many of his trainees have gone onto start their own business. The six-month long training costs Nrs 10,000 per person. Sinal is an inspiration for many in the community as he has not only proved to be a successful micro-entrepreneur but also held a respectable position as the former president of DMEGA. With the income from his shop Anjali Fashion Corner and training classes, he earns up to Nrs 70,000 per month. He has built a three storied house in the district headquarters of Darchula where he has recently started Gauri Guest House and Restaurant in Darchula. Showing a small building near the newly built modern house, the enterprising youth said “While building this house, I didn’t demolish the adjacent hut. This is where I grew up. This reminds me of where I started the journey from and inspires me to work harder”.
He plans to establish an incubation centre for micro entrepreneurs in Darchula so that more poor can have an opportunity and skills to start their own businesses.
