0 From homemakers to entrepreneurs, 6,000 women are redefining livelihoods through financial independence and sustainable opportunities
KORBA- BALCONAGAR. The aroma of freshly prepared delicacies, the warmth of thoughtfully curated interiors, and the quiet confidence of women welcoming guests at Black Maize tell a story far beyond food. Inaugurated by Rajesh Kumar Singh, CEO, BALCO, on May 20 at Balconagar, Black Maize is a powerful symbol of women-led transformation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Black Maize is powered by the women of Project Unnatti, BALCO’s flagship women empowerment initiative. It marks the evolution of what began as Unnatti Chaupal, a modest local fast-food centre serving chaat, pakodi, and regional favourites. Today, it has transformed into a fine dining café with a seating capacity of over 50 guests, along with a private dining space designed for celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions.
Speaking during the inauguration, Rajesh Kumar Singh, CEO, BALCO, said, “BALCO aspires to create opportunities for the community, especially women, that enhance livelihood potential and dignity. It is a matter of pride for us that over 6,000 women from our periphery are taking sure-footed steps towards ensuring long-term growth for themselves and their families. I am certain that the Black Maize initiative will inspire many more women to come forward and chart their own growth stories.”
Yet, what truly distinguishes Black Maize is the purpose behind every meal served. At the heart of the initiative are women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), who once identified themselves primarily as homemakers. Through Project Unnatti, they underwent structured capacity-building programmes in culinary arts, hospitality, customer service, entrepreneurship, and food quality management, equipping them with the skills essential to run a customer-facing enterprise.
For women like Nirmala Deshmukh, a Self-Help Group member under Project Unnatti, Black Maize represents personal transformation. “I have come a long way, yet I feel there is still a lot I can achieve,” she says. “My journey with Unnatti began in 2022. Over the years, I have witnessed a visible transformation in myself and my fellow sisters of Unnatti. We had the skills, but the scale of opportunities and confidence we gained through BALCO’s support is something I am deeply grateful for.”
Bharti, another SHG member, shares a similar heartfelt reflection, recalling a conversation with her daughter that reinforced her sense of achievement. “My daughter asked me whether I would cook delicacies for her at home or if she would now have to visit Black Maize,” she says with a smile. “I am grateful to Project Unnatti. The platform I have received here to hone and utilise my skills is beyond imagination. I have found an identity here.”
The dining space offers a thoughtfully curated culinary experience, bringing together authentic Chhattisgarhi delicacies, North Indian flavours, Chinese cuisine, and local fast-food favourites under one roof, resonating strongly with the community.
A visitor from Korba describes the experience as a refreshing tribute to local culture. “I loved the ambience that Black Maize has created. It beautifully showcases Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage through both food and art,” the customer shared.
Over the years, Project Unnatti has strengthened over 560 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), creating pathways for financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. Today, more than 6,000 women across these SHGs are engaged in multiple micro and nano-enterprises driven by Unnati MahaSangha (UMS), the apex body of women-led businesses under Unnatti.
More than a café, Black Maize stands as a model for sustainable, women-led entrepreneurship, one that blends livelihood creation with confidence-building and cultural pride. As BALCO continues to empower women through Project Unnatti, Black Maize signals a future where empowered women are not just participants in growth, but leaders shaping it.
