Abstract
The case highlighted the approach, challenges and operating model of a micro business and the passion and potentiality of a woman entrepreneur to establish a leaf plate manufacturing unit in the remote Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. Banani established her business unit Sai Swapna Udyog (SSU) in the year 2020, with the noble intention of providing an improved life and consistent livelihood to the poor tribal people of Kandhamal district by using the indigenous raw materials and unique skill set of the tribal population.
While trying hard to conquer various challenges specific to the MSME sector, her business has been trapped by the vicious hits of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the rolling COVID conditions and extending to the second phase without any predictable future, will Banani be able to market her product in the post-COVID period? Will she be able to design a proper distribution network to witness desirable success? Is it possible for Banani to take the business to a next level through expansion and diversification looking at the dim and devastating economic conditions? Is it possible for SSU to justify itself as a green brand as it is focussing on producing biodegradable products?
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