MEPMA, Native Araku Coffee sign MoU to empower women
The Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), Andhra Pradesh, has signed an MoU with Native Araku Coffee Private Limited in a move aimed at creating livelihood and business opportunities for urban women across the State.
The agreement, formalised by Mission Director Vakati Karuna, is intended to benefit self-help group (SHG) members, women from economically weaker sections, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to establish micro-enterprises.
Under the terms of the MoU, Araku Valley Coffee outlets will be established across the State through a franchise model, with a target of two outlets per district over a two-year period. The initiative is intended to generate sustainable employment and foster small business growth at the grassroots level.
MEPMA will be responsible for identifying and training prospective women entrepreneurs, facilitating access to financial assistance through existing government schemes, and implementing a two-year strategic plan. Native Araku Coffee Private Limited, in turn, will provide business mentorship, organise exposure visits for MEPMA personnel, and support monitoring and performance evaluation.
The project cost has been estimated at ₹5.9 lakh for a standard outlet and ₹10 lakh for an electric vehicle-based mobile coffee unit. Women entrepreneurs under the initiative will be eligible for loans and subsidies through PMFME and PMEGP.
In the first phase, 100 women-led coffee outlets are to be established across the State. A steering committee chaired by the Mission Director will oversee implementation. Quarterly review meetings will be held, and the company will provide real-time technical support.
The MoU will remain in force for two years, with provision for extension by mutual consent.