Start and Improve Your Business - Success Stories 2025
Weaving independence: Bhagwoti Khatri builds a home-based business in Nepal
Bhagwoti Khatri launched a home-based bamboo stool business after completing SYB training, which helped her identify a viable enterprise and turn traditional skills into a source of independent income.
15 January 2026
Dailekh, Nepal (ILO News) - For Bhagwoti Khatri, participating in entrepreneurship training marked a decisive step towards financial independence. Living in Dailekh, Nepal, Bhagwoti joined a five-day Start Your Business (SYB) training organized by Mahabu Rural Municipality, with technical guidance from ILO Nepal and delivered by an SIYB-trained facilitator.
The training helped her reflect critically on business feasibility and sustainability. Bhagwoti learned that consistency and realistic planning are essential before starting any enterprise. Initially, she believed tailoring would be the best option for her, but the training shifted her perspective. She identified stronger potential in Muda (bamboo stool) weaving, a traditional, skill-based activity widely used in Nepali households.
Following the SYB training, Bhagwoti completed one month of hands-on Muda weaving training in February 2025, strengthening her technical skills. With support from the rural municipality — which co-funded 80 per cent of the equipment cost, with Bhagwoti contributing the remaining 20 per cent— she was able to launch her home-based business.
Since starting production in March 2025, Bhagwoti has sold around 25 bamboo stools, directly contributing to her household income. The impact has been immediate.
Before, I had to ask my husband for money, but now I can buy groceries, recharge my phone, and even buy school supplies for my children.
Bhagwoti Khatri
Demand for her products is growing, but limited access to equipment remains a challenge. Cutting bamboo by hand is time-consuming, inconsistent and risky. Bhagwoti hopes to acquire a bamboo cutting machine to improve safety and productivity. “If we receive bamboo cutting machine, you will see us as a successful entrepreneur in the future,” she says.
Bhagwoti’s story demonstrates how SIYB-based training, combined with modest but targeted support, can empower women to create sustainable livelihoods and take control of their financial independence.
