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Even though EFI is relatively young, its efforts have been recognised \u2013 even internationally. In 2023, its pilot programme was highlighted as one of 10 case studies\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 shortlisted from over 1,000 submissions \u2013 by\u00a0<\/span>OECD\u2019s Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI)<\/span>, which supports governments with innovative insights and tools that address society\u2019s complex problems.<\/span><\/p>\n EFI was also mentioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the 2025 National Day Rally, which brought about opportunities for EFI.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt led to some extra funding and also opened doors for us to have chats with MSF, to see if we can collaborate to support families in a different way,\u201d said Adriana.<\/span><\/p>\n Adriana shared the story of Lina (not her real name), a mother-of-three caring for a child with medical needs, who turned to home-based work because full-time employment was not feasible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She used her EFI grant as seed capital to grow her business selling children\u2019s clothing, including purchasing stock for live-selling, which helped her reach new customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She also brought together fellow home-based entrepreneurs from her intake to organise a Ramadan 2025 bazaar, supported by EFI. The exposure helped increase her income from S$1,000 a month to S$1,000 a week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBy reinvesting her earnings into future stock for her business, Lina has been able to sustain and grow her business,\u201d said Adriana. \u201cShe is now working towards launching her own clothing line and, eventually, owning a physical store.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\u201cIT\u2019S REALLY ABOUT DIGNITY\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n