Stitching Dreams into Reality: Rabiul’s
Entrepreneurial Success Story

Once struggling to support his elderly parents, Rabiul Islam Awal from Faridpur turned adversity into opportunity through determination and entrepreneurship. Starting with a single sewing machine financed by an SDC loan, he built a successful garment business that now provides employment for local people. His journey reflects resilience, hard work, and the power of opportunity to transform lives.

The Main Story:

Md. Robiul Islam Awal (29) is a resident of Bil Mamudpur under Faridpur Municipality. He lives with his elderly parents after his sister’s marriage. Due to financial hardship, he could not appear in the SSC examination. His father, Md. Nuruddin Pramanik (80), is a farmer, but because of old age he was no longer able to work as before. To support the family, Robiul initially worked in agriculture, but the income was not sufficient to cover their basic needs.

Seeking a better livelihood, Robiul learned garment-making skills as an apprentice under a local tailor, Mr. Abul Fakir. Later, he worked as a garment production technician at Nari Unnayan Forum. Although the job provided some income, he always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and establishing his own business.

In 2017, Robiul took a loan of BDT 20,000 from SDC in his mother’s name and purchased a sewing machine to start a small garment business. Through hard work and strong relationships with local customers, he gradually expanded his enterprise. Within a few years, he established a small garment workshop, created employment opportunities for three people, and earned a monthly income of around BDT 15,000–18,000.

In 2017, Robiul took a loan of BDT 20,000 from SDC in his mother’s name and purchased a sewing machine to start a small garment business. Through hard work and strong relationships with local customers, he gradually expanded his enterprise. Within a few years, he established a small garment workshop, created employment opportunities for three people, and earned a monthly income of around BDT 15,000–18,000.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant losses to Robiul’s business, putting it at risk of closure. After the pandemic, support from SDC and a Mujib Loan from Krishi Bank enabled him to recover and expand his business by purchasing three modern sewing machines.

Photo: A busy & Happy Robiul, Collaborating with the others

Through the Faridpur Sadar SDC office, Robiul learned about the RAISE Project supported by the World Bank and PKSF. After being selected, he participated in training on Business Management and Entrepreneurship Development. According to Robiul, the training helped him develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learn innovative business practices, strengthen customer relationships, and manage different business risks and challenges.

Today, Robiul owns 6 sewing machines and two printing machines, providing employment opportunities for five people. His monthly income now ranges between BDT 30,000 and BDT 35,000. Looking ahead, he dreams of establishing a garment factory with 50–60 sewing machines and creating employment opportunities for at least 50 people. He also hopes to receive further training support to help expand his business and achieve his long-term goals.