Empowering Women Differently
In India, there is an increasing growth in the number of women entrepreneurs. A recent intertiol study found that women from low to middle-income countries (such as Russia and the Philippines) are more likely to enter early-stage entrepreneurship when compared to those of higher income countries such as Belgium, Sweden, and Australia. A significant factor that may play a role in this disparity can be attributed to the fact that women from low-income countries often seek an additiol means of income to support themselves and their families.
There are so many profitable small-scale business ideas for women which can be started from home with low investment and can be scaled up as profit grows. These are mainly Acrylic Buttons Manufacturing, Agarbatti (Dhup) Making, Bindi Making, Biscuit & Cake Making, Chocolate Making and Decorative Candle
Out of these, Decorative Candle Making business can be initiated as small-scale and part-time basis. Candles have been used for thousands of years and up until the early 1900s they were the single source for artificial light. Candles also have a rich tradition in religious services in many faiths throughout history. Today, the candle is no longer the single source of light but is used abundantly in religious services as well as in birthday celebrations, holidays, and home decorations etc.
Apart from the traditiol long white candle, there is also a very potential market for scented and decorative candles. This is one of the most portable small-scale business ideas for women entrepreneurs. Any individual can initiate candle-making business as small-scale and on part-time basis. Additiolly, this business can start from home location. Also, entrepreneurs can start this venture fully commercial scale.
Decorative candle manufacturing process is very simple. Decorative scented candles are considered as a luxury gift item. Entrepreneurs may plan to produce mainly two types of candles. One is a white color, simple, long candle with different heights and sizes. Another category is decorative candles like colorful, scented, spiral, birthday type, tapered, spiral, LED, pillar candles etc.
Entrepreneurs can register their units with DIC for commercial production and obtain trade license from local authority. Entrepreneurs can also apply for a loan from any commercial bank for machinery and working capital. Entrepreneurs can register their business as SSI unit also, and for tax purpose, the GST registration is also very important. Entrepreneurs can also protect their brand me by registering trade mark.
The major raw material is the quality paraffin wax which is available in Assam. Apart from wax, the other raw materials are yarn, different colours, molds, decorative items and fragrances etc. Other than raw materials, entrepreneurs will need to have some equipment for candle making. These are melting pot, thermometer, pour pot, weighing scale, hammer and an oven/gas stove/induction stove to melt the wax.
The Government of Assam could arrange for marketing support to the participants and would-be entrepreneurs through participation in different exhibitions and also arrange to open showrooms in different prominent locations. Such exhibitions can also provide the experience of the artisans about the scope in the market.