Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
29.1% of enterprises in Balod are women-owned. 84.6% of women have their own bank account, close to the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹18,440 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
79% of registered enterprises are in services while 21% are in manufacturing. Only 3% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 61% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Balod, which ranks 5 of 33 in Chhattisgarh for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 47.7 out of 100. It runs ahead of the national picture on women in the labour force at 67.5% and women's freedom of movement at 49.2%. On women taking part in all major household decisions at 78%, it sits close to the national mark.