Over one year later, the first ever Vuka Small Business Start-Up Cohort has learned much. Starting a new business during COVID was extremely challenging, but we celebrate how each participant creatively addressed those challenges and all they have learned.
Many of the small businesses are still running and providing much-needed income for projects among the most vulnerable. Geoff and Beatrice, Social Innovators in Arusha, Tanzania, have been able to expand their peanut-butter business and open a second location in Kenya. This has enabled them to provide new jobs in the communities in which they operate.
“We have been getting new customers every day,” writes Geoff. Because of this, “we were able to reach out to the community in an amazing way, providing food backages each month.”
Miriam launched a bakery and catering business that employs deaf women in their community. The bakery has grown successfully even amidst a difficult year. She writes, “Reflecting on last year, God has done a lot for us and we have really seen his faithfulness. We are now able to support the ministry, but also make a living. The two deaf ladies who were struggling to have food at home or even clothes for their kids are able to respond to the needs in their family, and we are thankful for that.”
