Sustainable Growth and Labour Challenges in Rural Enterprises: A Case Study on Shreya Enterprises

This case study examines the labour challenges in scaling up faced by Shreya Enterprises, a rural areca plate manufacturing unit in Shivamogga, Karnataka. Founded in 2019, the enterprise promotes eco-friendly products and women’s employment. Key issues included workforce instability, lack of skilled labour, and low retention, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through flexible work policies, local engagement, and on-the-job training, the enterprise stabilized operations while maintaining its sustainability goals. The study highlights how small-scale businesses can integrate social and environmental responsibility to overcome labour issues and build resilient models for rural development.