At least fifty upcoming micro-entrepreneurs have completed a three-month Micro-Entrepreneurship Training program (MET).
This has been in an effort to equip participants with innovation, finance, savings and credits, cooperative creation and networking.
The training has been sponsored by education Catalysts (Educat) a Danish based NGO maximizing output for partners and stakeholders working towards a paradigm change in developing world. Educat emphasizes the importance in economic development in order to eradicate poverty.
The NGOs vision is to enable change makers to create significant positive change for themselves, in their community and globally.
In Rwanda, Educat provides training in entrepreneurship and leadership to assist micro-entrepreneurs in building-up their businesses.
It also provide training and coaching to SMEs and larger companies and train trainers and pursue an ambition of making a one-year entrepreneurial course for higher education.
Andreas Norlem Christensen(above), the NGO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) says that the trained micro-entrepreneurs have been equipped to expand their businesses, on the role of getting registered in the formal private sector, and get access to saving & credit services.
Norlem also adds that in the long run, the program help secure the livelihood of both the entrepreneurs and their dependants
“These trainings are also expected to benefit all micro-entrepreneurs across Rwanda, a group consisting of
90 % of the working force,” he remarked.
Additionally the training also connects the participant to Micro Finance Institutions and helps them apply for loans.
“The MET program helps micro-entrepreneurs step inside the established business and get registered. This helps the national economy since micro businesses tend to not pay taxes and VAT. It is the tax money that helps society progress” said Norlem.
“I have learnt customer care from MET. Now I know how to approach and retain customers. I have moved from a small place to a bigger one and I am doing better for myself as my business keeps growing.” Said Liziki Mutoni a fruits seller.
Her colleague Sharon Umurerwa was quick to point out that she is yet to open an account with Urwego Opportunity banking.
“The aim is to deposit money frequently to show them that my business is doing fine, this in return would boost my chances of acquiring a loan to expand my business,” she remarked.
The Micro Enterprise Training Program is currently being implemented in collaboration between YES Rwanda and Educat. The program is designed to meet the needs of young entrepreneurs working in the information sector.
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