Case Study: Abbas Uddin & Nurun Nobi
Location: Coastal Bangladesh
Sector: Furniture Making
Support Received: BDT 350,000 (~$3,200) in total grants
Background:
Abbas Uddin and his brother Nurun Nobi were once part of a financially stable, land-owning family in Bangladesh’s coastal belt. But like many others in the region, they were displaced by rising sea levels and climate-induced flooding, losing both their home and ancestral land. Forced to rebuild from scratch, their story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a shared vision for a better future.
From Displacement to Determination
After being uprooted, Abbas turned to furniture making as a means of survival. With a clear goal of creating a sustainable livelihood for his family—and a future for his children—he began to develop his skills and plan for a small business of his own. His brother, Nurun Nobi, independently pursued the same path, acquiring carpentry skills and exploring entrepreneurship as a way forward.
Both men represent the countless invisible victims of climate change—individuals who not only suffer displacement but are left to navigate rebuilding their lives with little support.
Our Role:
Impressed by their drive and clarity of purpose, we worked closely with both brothers to refine their business plans, connect them with local contacts, and provide access to essential financial tools such as banking services.
- Each brother initially received a grant of BDT 50,000 (~$450) to kickstart their individual ventures.
- They made the strategic decision to pool their resources, allowing them to:
- Secure a small workshop space
- Purchase machinery and tools
- Source raw materials at better rates
Recognizing their momentum and responsible use of capital, we provided an additional grant, bringing the total support to BDT 350,000 (~$3,200).
Impact & Progress
- Business Formation: Abbas and Nurun Nobi have officially launched their joint furniture-making business.
- Asset Investment: They now own essential woodworking machinery, a dedicated workspace, and a growing inventory of products.
- Stability Restored: Their income has increased significantly, contributing to the financial stability of both households.
- Resilience in Action: Their progress is a testament to how displaced individuals—when supported strategically—can move from survival to success.
Looking Ahead
Abbas and Nurun Nobi are at the early stages of a promising journey. Their story reflects not only entrepreneurial grit but also the pressing need to address climate displacement with long-term, livelihood-centered solutions.
We remain committed to walking alongside them—offering continued support, monitoring their growth, and sharing lessons from their journey with a broader community of funders and changemakers.
