“I started with nothing but hope” Meet Shalika, determined and homegrown.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." – Arthur Ashe

At 28, Shalika found herself at a crossroads. With no income and her dream of studying pharmacy slipping further away, the future felt uncertain. But later, she was inspired by her cousin, who had found success in mushroom cultivation. What seemed like a simple home venture soon sparked a potent idea.

Shalika began to believe that she, too, could build something of her own. Through Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd, she secured a microloan of 20,000 LKR. It wasn’t easy—she had never run a business before, and the thought of starting one was daunting. But with quiet determination and her mother by her side, she took the first step. The loan helped her purchase basic machinery and mushroom pots, and she began cultivating mushrooms in a small corner of her home.

In just four months, her effort began to bear fruit. She was producing ten packets of mushrooms daily, earning nearly 1,000 LKR a day. Her home, once a place of waiting, had become a hub of growth. Today, with over 500 mushroom pots and plans to double that number, Shalika is not just earning a steady income—she’s saving up to return to her pharmacy studies.

More than financial access, the Pasio community gave her the confidence and knowledge she needed. She learned how to price her products, expand gradually, and stay committed even when the going got tough.

Shalika’s journey is a quiet revolution, one that began with hesitation but bloomed with hope. Her story is a reminder that big dreams often take root in small beginnings.

Pasio is a global initiative by Gojo & Company in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), designed to support young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 through income-generating loans, digital tools, and business education. Pasio helps young people, especially in rural and underserved communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

Currently active in India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, Pasio is implemented by Gojo Group partners: Prayas Financial Services Pvt Ltd, Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd, and MAXIMA Microfinance. With a strong focus on digital literacy, Pasio aims to create an inclusive ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can thrive, build sustainable livelihoods, and lead positive change in their communities. 

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