Karnataka’s Akka Cafes to boost rural women’s entrepreneurship

Bengaluru: The Akka Cafe initiative aims to boost rural women’s entrepreneurship, said Dr Sharanaprakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, during its inauguration in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

"This initiative will significantly impact Karnataka's socio-economic landscape by empowering rural women and promoting entrepreneurship,” he stated.

The state government has allocated nearly Rs 25 crore to the project, announced in the 2024-25 budget, which will be implemented by the National Livelihood Mission-Karnataka (NLM).

In its first phase, the project plans to open 50 cafes and 2,500 kiosks across Karnataka, run by women from self-help groups (SHGs), who will receive up to Rs 15 lakh in grants for set-up costs.

NLM has partnered with the Institute for Hotel Management (IHM), Bengaluru, to provide skills training. Additionally, a bakery unit, operated by SHG women, will supply baked goods to Akka Cafes in Bengaluru.