How MarketPlace Cooperatives Are Built - From the Ground Up

What makes MarketPlace's artisan cooperatives different? We don't just offer jobs—we help women build businesses from the ground up. And that's not easy. Most of the women we work with have never had formal jobs. Many haven't finished school or traveled alone. They're eager to earn income, but they also carry the full load of responsibilities at home.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

Outreach: We connect with women through schools, community centers, and word of mouth—especially those who want to work but have limited options. Most have never worked outside the home. They're looking for ways to support their families while taking care of them.

Training: We hold orientation meetings to explain what the work involves—from sewing or embroidery to running the cooperative itself. For many women, machine sewing is a new skill. We offer hands-on training to help them learn and gain confidence. Embroidery is usually done at home, and training is faster, so women can start earning quickly.

Mentorship: The first year is about more than just learning the craft. Women also learn how to manage their cooperative—handling everything from production planning to quality control—with MarketPlace guiding them every step of the way. Even traveling to the MarketPlace office can be a big step at first—many start by going in pairs until they're comfortable on their own.

Independent Operations: By the end of the first year, the group is ready to open a bank account and begin the legal process of registering as a cooperative. We support them as they navigate banks, government offices, and legal systems—often for the first time.

Leadership: Each group selects a manager from within. This isn't easy—few have held leadership roles before—but we help identify and support women with potential. A strong manager is key to keeping the cooperative running smoothly.

These cooperatives aren't just places to work. They're where women gain independence, build skills, and take on leadership—often for the first time in their lives. Today, there are 11 such cooperatives across seven neighborhoods in Mumbai, each with 10 to 25 members.

Every garment they make is a step toward something bigger—for the women, their families, and their communities. And every purchase helps keep it going.