PESHAWAR, Aug 24 (APP): A Peshawar-based startup, Krafters, has announced the launching of a digital `App’ for guiding the general public about potential livelihood opportunities through learning different skills, starting businesses, and developing market linkages.
“The aim of launching the App on livelihood is to expand the scope of Krafters which has already developed a network of over 9000 artisans, around 80 percent female, to a wider public willing to earn skills and start home-based businesses,” informed Zahid Ali Shah, CEO Krafters.
Through the App, to be developed with the funding of the government under the Pakistan Innovation Fund, people will be educated on how to establish business, undertake necessary documentation, and develop linkages with relevant departments for expanding sale scope at national as well as international levels, Zahid told APP.
In a digital App on livelihood, prominent trainers will provide guidance free of cost to people about learning of different skills including stitching, embroidery, cooking, baking, beautician, designing, knitting, etc.
The app-based platform will also provide training to IT professionals on freelancing including profile development and working on Fiverr, Upwork, Remote Hub, and others.
Apart from training skills, the App will also provide updates to its users about exhibitions being held in different parts of the country so that they can display their products & services for sale.
During training, special focus would be given to vulnerable communities including people with disabilities, minorities, and even transgender, Zahid added.
All vulnerable segments of society can benefit from the App and approach for any additional technical support from organizers, Zahid assured.
He informed that Krafters is an e-commerce platform working since 2017 with the aim of reviving and sustaining craft tradition and to empower home based workers to earn livelihood.
However, now they have decided to broaden the scope of Krafters and include skilled individuals from all sectors for business establishment and entrepreneurship activities.
The beneficiary home-based workers are using the platform of Krafter by displaying their products online for sale, getting help in the purchase of raw materials, and improving artifacts’ design and quality to market demands.
The startup has signed an MoU with Jazzcash for the financial inclusion of females for empowerment and for availing of small loans up to Rs. 15000 on easy terms. The amount of small loans will be increased to Rs. 50,000 over time.
In addition, the startup is also involved in digital training of craftsmen so as to enable them to access national and international markets through internet through platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, Daraz, and Amazon.
Zahid said a consultative workshop of technical institutions including SMEDA, SRSP, KPTEVTA, microfinance institutions, and chambers will be held soon to finalize the training module and implementation process for business startups through livelihood App.
