Bengaluru, August 27, 2026: CBM India Trust has conducted a three-day livelihood and entrepreneurship training for members of Bengaluru’s LGBTQIA+ community under Project Sparsh, focusing on entrepreneurship, business planning, financial management, leadership and access to social protection schemes.
Held from August 25 to 27, the programme brought together 46 participants and was designed to help them identify livelihood opportunities, strengthen existing businesses and develop the skills and confidence needed to grow their enterprises. The training covered leadership and team management, entrepreneurship, business planning, financial literacy, enterprise development, government schemes and social protection.
Participants explored practical areas including customer and competitor analysis, marketing and sales, networking, financial planning, managing expenses and digital financial literacy. The programme also covered relevant legislation and government support systems, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the Mental Healthcare Act and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act.
The participants represented a range of livelihood interests, including clothing and saree businesses, flower shops, beauty and makeup services, grocery and retail stores, tailoring, catering and tiffin services, hospitality, jewellery, toy shops, spices and masala businesses and pickle-making.
Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust, said, "Sustainable livelihoods need capital and skills, and they need the confidence, knowledge, networks and systems that people can rely on. Through Project Sparsh, we are backing participants with capacity building, tailored livelihood support and seed funding to start or grow their enterprises on their own terms, towards greater economic independence, dignity and resilience."
Purushi, a fruit shop owner and participant in the training, said, “I have faced many challenges in my life, but I always wanted to become financially independent. The training has given me practical knowledge and confidence to manage my business better. I learned how to better handle my money, stock, expenses, and customers. I am now confident that I can improve my business and increase my income.”
Meghana Ramamurthy, Strategic Growth and L&D Facilitator, who led the training, said, “Participants brought real curiosity and determination to every session. What stood out was their willingness to reflect on their strengths and think strategically about their future. I believe this workshop will play a significant role in helping them take informed next steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
Selected participants will also receive seed funding to start or expand their businesses. CBM India said the combination of training and financial support is intended to help participants apply the skills gained during the programme and work towards sustainable livelihoods.
Project Sparsh was developed following consultations with LGBTQIA+ community representatives and other stakeholders to understand barriers related to healthcare, livelihoods, social protection and access to essential services. The initiative aims to translate these community inputs into interventions focused on capacity building, economic participation and access to support systems.
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