Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment
RAISE helps informal-sector micro-enterprises in urban and peri-urban areas break free from low-technology, low-wage cycles and grow into more productive, technology-based businesses — implemented by SANGRAM in collaboration with the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
To increase the capacity of micro-entrepreneurs and provide financing through various projects to create employment and economic growth — this is the goal that drives the RAISE project.
Rebuilding livelihoods in the informal economy
The RAISE project was initiated to help informal-sector micro-enterprises in urban and peri-urban areas transition from low-technology traps and low-wage cycles into more productive, technology-based businesses.
Its objective is to provide services that help low-income youth and affected micro-entrepreneurs in urban and peri-urban Bangladesh recover their businesses and improve the quality of life for young entrepreneurs.
Informal-sector workshop / micro-enterprise setting
Who the project serves
RAISE targets unemployed youth from low-income families in urban and peri-urban areas.
15 – 35 years
Age limit for eligible applicants.
Minimum PSC
Primary School Certificate required.
Not currently engaged
Must not be currently involved in education, employment, or other training.
Priority Groups
- Socially excluded groups (e.g., Dalits), ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities
- Residents of Char (river islands), Haor (wetlands), hilly regions, tea gardens, and coastal areas
- Entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19 or natural disasters who need to restart their businesses
Training and support to break the low-productivity cycle
Hands-on training and financial support form the core of the RAISE approach.
Vocational / Technical Training
Apprentices receive 21,000 BDT; Master Craftspersons receive 9,000 BDT per apprentice.
Entrepreneurship Development
500 BDT daily allowance.
Risk Management & Continuity
Focuses on business sustainability.
Vocational training / apprenticeship session
RPL Support
10% of selected apprentices receive stipends for Recognition of Prior Learning, including basic English training and assessments via BTEB/NSDA.
Financial Aid
Flexible loans to start new ventures or reactivate damaged enterprises.
Employment Assistance
Support for both wage-based employment and self-employment.
10 branches across Barguna & Patuakhali
The project is active across 10 branches in the districts of Barguna and Patuakhali:
Barguna District
Patuakhali District
A dedicated field team
The project operates with a dedicated 4-person team.
Coordinator
Case Management Officer
Life Skills & Entrepreneurship Development Officer
Accounts Officer
