The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Tonhodzai, aged 18, is a beneficiary of the JA Company Program supported by Plan in Kwekwe at Manunure High School. After participating in the Company Program in 2014 as a Chief Executive Officer of Cartel Commercial Achievers he successfully started his company in 2015 despite being an Upper Six student. The JA Company Program is an 11 week program that helps young people in and out of school to start their own enterprises, from concept to business plan, financing, execution, sales and ultimately growth.
I started my own healthy coffee business after taking the risk of selling my cell phone for USD$100 to raise the capital.
The coffee business is part of the Edmark network where I buy and sell their products as an agent. I sell a sachet of the coffee for USD$1 and a box with 20 for USD$20. I have so far made USD$270 in the first month and $290 in the second month. As my customer base is growing I will engage two of my friends to assist me with selling and I give them commission.
The JA Company Program empowered me with business management skills that include planning, decision making, leading, record keeping, marketing and pricing. This presented me with the confidence to start my own business. Starting the business was a tricky decision considering the economic challenges facing Zimbabwe but as an entrepreneur I decided to take the risk.
I am proud that I have created self employment and a source of income despite the liquidity crisis prevailing in Zimbabwe. I urge other young people to be self starters and take opportunities as they come.
