Sarala Development & Microfinance Pvt. Ltd. has reinforced its commitment to financial inclusion by supporting women entrepreneurs in West Bengal, with a recent success story highlighting how access to microfinance is helping expand small businesses and improve household incomes.
The company showcased the journey of Jalpaiguri-based tailor TumpaSaha, who availed a microfinance loan of ₹60,000 from Sarala’sMaynaguri branch in February 2024 to overcome financial constraints that limited the growth of her stitching business. The funds were invested in a new sewing machine, raw materials and accessories, enabling her to increase production capacity, improve the quality of her work and meet rising customer demand. The expansion has resulted in higher earnings, a steady flow of customer orders and greater financial stability for her family. Tumpa said the support has inspired her to establish a small garment manufacturing unit in the future, create employment opportunities for other women and ensure quality education for her son.
The company said West Bengal’s microfinance sector had a gross loan portfolio of ₹27,510 crore as of December 2025, with an average loan size of ₹52,419 per borrower. Citing the MFIN-NCAER report, it noted that 86.7 per cent of borrowers use microfinance loans for livelihood activities such as farming, retail and small businesses, while 78 per cent contribute directly to household income, highlighting the sector’s growing role in promoting inclusive economic growth.
In Siliguri, the expansion of microfinance-backed enterprises is expected to strengthen the region’s small business ecosystem. As Siliguri serves as a key commercial gateway to North Bengal and the Northeast, greater access to credit for women entrepreneurs could stimulate growth in tailoring, retail, handicrafts and other micro-enterprises, creating employment opportunities and supporting local economic development.
