Investing in different business opportunities has always been the dream of 33-year-old Francis and with support from SOS Children’s Villages, this became a reality when he was enrolled on the Family Strengthening Programme at Manhean where he resides.
Irrespective of the fact that he owns a small shop in the locality, he provides free deliveries of snacks to some schools and shop owners within the community.
“These snacks range from biscuits, popcorn and nuts among others. My business strategy of not charging for deliveries has made me the most sought after and I do well to drive the motor cycle that SOS Children’s Villages supported me to purchase. I am able to save an estimated amount of Ghc500 on a monthly basis from this business”
Five years down this lane, he explained that he directly purchases the assorted snacks from the production companies and retails it to his client base at affordable rates.
This he said has enabled him to sustainably provide for his needs while saving up for his future family. For now, not only is he able to seek medical attention or access basic social facilities but also pays his monthly rent accommodation at a fee of Ghc50.
Francis is also engaged in mobile money venturing and has registered with some telecommunication offices to partake in money transfers and mobile credits.
Another commendable business venture is the facilitation of savings among small shop owners. Francis has commenced an initiative of encouraging savings by designing booklets and recording savings of monies accrued by some small business operators in his vicinity.
Bearing in mind the risks associated with the nature of savings and loans, the FS will take the initiative of registering his new establishment with a credible financial institution in order to enhance and secure modes of transactions.
“I plan to open a bigger shop in the future to expand my savings scheme to other small business owners in nearby communities. I also hope to expand my delivery service to shops outside my community” – he said.
