Seed Money and Group Savings at SETU Nepal
Economic empowerment thrives on opportunity, responsibility, and collective action. At SETU Nepal, we work with women—including those living with HIV and survivors of gender-based violence—to build sustainable livelihoods through group-based initiatives. Our recent program provided NPR 20,000 in seed money to 15 women beneficiaries, designed to strengthen their income-generating activities while fostering long-term financial resilience.
How the Group Works
- Group Formation & Joint Account
Women who previously received non-refundable seed money individually from SETU Nepal are selected and organized into groups. A joint account is opened for each group to deposit the seed money, ensuring transparency and collective ownership. - Bi-Monthly Meetings at SETU Office
Every two months, groups meet at the SETU office to:- Review how the seed money is being utilized in their businesses.
- Collect monthly deposits:
- NPR 200 as interest on the seed money.
- NPR 1,000 as mandatory savings from each member.
- Manage loan repayments (installment-based) and additional loans taken within the group.
- Record all transactions manually in a register.
- Group-Owned Fund All collected funds—including the interest from the seed money and the monthly savings—belong to the group. These funds are managed collectively and used for emergencies, livelihood support, or reinvestment in their businesses.
- Sustainability: After 18 months, the original seed money is returned to SETU to support new groups, creating a cycle of shared opportunity.
Beyond Finance: Collective Growth
The initiative is more than economic support—it’s about solidarity. Women share skills, discuss challenges, and encourage one another, transforming the group into a safe space for learning and mutual support.
“Before, we worked alone. Now, we save together, plan together, and grow together. The group has given us confidence and a path forward.”
— Beneficiary, SETU Livelihood Group
Passing on the Gift
Inspired by the principle of “Passing on the Gift,” beneficiaries who gain stability are encouraged to support others by sharing knowledge, skills, and encouragement. This ensures the initiative’s impact extends far beyond the initial group.
At SETU, we believe sustainable change happens when communities lead their own growth. Through seed money, collective savings, and shared responsibility, we’re building a culture of cooperation, dignity, and resilience—one group at a time.
Small steps, taken together, create lasting change.
