Stories
May 29, 2023 • 2 min read
Trust’s journey in business started in 2019 when he earned US $50 after performing at a musical show in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe. He used the money as start-up capital for his business. He built a one-metre tuckshop which he used to sell foodstuffs on a small scale. But his business was not spared from the Covid-19 pandemic, as his enterprise was further crippled due to the lack of stock.
A Dream Come True
It was a dream come true for Trust Maweni, a 24-year-old artist from Shawasha flats in Mbare, to service customers behind the counter in his own tuckshop. Trust’s dream came true after receiving training and a business grant from GOAL under the UPLIFT/SIMUDZA project. The USAID-funded project has since been facilitating the recovery of shock-affected businesses suffering from the economic impacts of Covid-19 since 2021.
The Big Break
Trust’s life changed for the better after joining the GOAL UPLIFT/SIMUDZA programme. He underwent business management training, which taught him about costing, pricing, marketing, and record keeping. After receiving a grant of US $200, he expanded his tuckshop, restocked it, and bought a second-hand generator to address the issue of power cuts – in addition to a refrigerator and roof sheeting to prevent leakages in the shop.
“I did not know how to set prices for the goods I used to sell. I used to base it on what neighbouring businesses were charging. I did not keep records which made it difficult for me to keep track of my profits.”
Trust’s profits range from 10% to 15% a month, and daily sales have increased from US $25 to US $45 a day, and an average of about $1,000 a month.
“As a newly married young man, I can now provide for my wife and young daughter. I plan to expand this business and get bigger space. If you come back next year, I will be having a bigger space. Watch this space,” he said.
Support from USAID has given hope to Trust and many other young people in Mbare. These words are echoed by Trust as he raps a freestyle song expressing his gratitude for the support he has received.
