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Rural startups aim to develop
solutions that meet the
demands and circumstances of
rural populations.
They help in solving the problems
of poverty, unemployment,
economic disparity, and low
standard of living.
They use technology, local
assets, and community
involvement to promote
economic growth and raise
living standards.
Why are Rural Startups Important?
They bring about positive social and
economic change in rural areas by
introducing new products, services,
or approaches that can improve the
quality of life and create
sustainable impact.
They aim to eliminate the gap
between urban and rural areas.
5. Benefits of Rural Startups
● Resource Utilisation
● Employment Generation
● Avoid the migration of rural
population
● Encourage the rural youth
● Stimulate economic development
● Entrepreneurial Development
● Standard of living.
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Over 65% of India's
population lives in rural
areas.
The rural ecosystem
contributes almost half of
India's overall GDP and
employs 68% of the total
workforce.
Rural ecosystem has
grown ~10% p.a. over the
last five years and still has
strong headroom for
growth.
Rural entrepreneurship
plays a vital role in
improving the standard of
living, promoting
economic development
and eradicating poverty
and slums in rural areas.
Rural Entrepreneurship in India
7. Rural Startups for an
Atmanirbhar Rural India
● Rural startups contribute to making
rural India selfreliant.
● They help in promoting indigenous
solutions to local problems.
● They create local employment
opportunities and reduce
dependence on urban areas.
● They encourage rural innovation and
entrepreneurship.
● They promote a sustainable model of
development that focuses on local
resources and community
involvement.
8. Challenges Faced by Rural Startups
An overview of the challenges faced by rural startups.
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Rural businesses often
have difficulties in
securing funding and
growing their markets
due to limited resources.
Access to information,
resources, and funding
can be met with
resistance when starting
or growing a rural
business.
Forty percent of rural
small business owners
have trouble accessing
capital so most use
personal savings.
Limited access to
resources such as capital,
skilled labor, technology,
and infrastructure can
make it difficult for rural
startups to find the
necessary resources to
start and grow their
Limited Resources
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Connectivity Issues
Rural small businesses can benefit from resources
available to optimize existing connectivity and help
advocate for filling the gap of what’s missing.
Access to connectivity can be a major challenge for
rural startups, with limited access to digital or
physical connectivity.
11. Market Limitations
● Rural areas typically have smaller
populations and a narrower customer
base compared to urban areas.
● This limited market size can pose
challenges in terms of customer
acquisition, reaching economies of
scale, and generating sufficient
demand for products or services.
Limited Support Networks
● The absence of mentorship programs,
business incubators, and networking
opportunities can hinder the development
and growth of rural startups.
● Rural areas may have fewer formal support
networks and entrepreneurial ecosystems
compared to urban areas.
12. Role of Digital Payment Solutions
Digital payment solutions, such as mobile wallets and payment apps, allow rural entrepreneurs to
open bank accounts, receive payments electronically, and access a range of financial services
remotely.
13. Digital payment solutions
enable rural startups to
overcome geographical barriers
and expand their customer
base.
With the ability to accept digital
payments, these startups can
reach customers beyond their
immediate vicinity, including
urban areas and even
international markets.
Expanded Customer Base
This broader reach can
significantly increase market
opportunities and revenue
potential for rural businesses.