Exhibitors' Corner SMME Business Magazine - Issue 2

Exhibitor’s Corner | 2

EXHIBITORS’ CORNER

The platform to grow, connect and equip SMME businesses.

July 2019 - Issue 2

BUS. DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

ADMINISTRATION

CHEIF EDITOR

MARKETING & SALES

EDITORIAL TEAM

DESIGN LAYOUT & BRAND COORDINATION

(DIAMOND BERRY CREATIVE AGENCY) Nhlanhla Dabengwa Mellisa Tshuma

Charllote Mpofu Gugu S. Mabikwa Gugu S. Mabikwa

Jennings Chibike Khayelihle Sibanda Anittah Munyaradzi Chidonhwe Gugulethu Ncube

Bacebile B. Balufu

DIAMOND BERRY CREATIVE AGENCY Suite 320 Africa House, 10th Ave & Fife St Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

MARKETING & ADVERTISING

Tel: +263 29 226 2993 Cell: + 263 73 532 4308 Email: newsroom@excomag.co.zw, info@diamondberry. co.zw

PUBLISHED BY DIAMOND BERRY CREATIVE AGENCY

Like a germinating seed, The Exhibitors’ Corner is set out to provide a springboard to companies and brands that are involved in innovative and disruptive solutions across Africa.

- Profiling Businesses

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Editor’s Note

By Melisa Tshuma

T

he journey you constantly tremble upon will one day give a strong base and a sure foundation. The new expedition you decide to embark on today can turn out to be one of thorns or a delightful endeavor…or a recurrent stream of small catastrophes and triumphs upon which you build a foundation capable of supporting a far bigger vision. It is with great pleasure that we at the Exhibitors’ Corner are here to see and make your business grow to its fullest capacity. We are offering businesses and individuals the opportunity to show the world at large their most imaginable visions. A fresh idea and a

base to network and connect with those of disruptive and innovative mindsets, who build upon the adrenaline of making something different though not quite sure how the outcome will be, only basing on what they hope to attain no matter how much they plan on it. These are the people worth celebrating and profiling and realizing their efforts both individually and as a team on doing something that changes the world.

Our expectation is to help spread the incredible knowledge and insight that great business minds and leaders have been willing to share with us. In

this, bringing out content to motivate, inspire and educate individuals on how to succeed or even start up a business that will soon become successful.

We hope this edition will bring more insight and knowledge of how to grow and equip your business. Remember, networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities. The Exhibitors’ Corner is here to do just that!

For comments and feedback, you can write to the editor on newsroom@ excomag.co.zw

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Nhlanhla Dabengwa

or small business owners, SMMEs getting the

right financing is often a challenge for a number of reasons. Small businesses seldom have the assets, track record, or management background to qualify for conventional financing. Financial institutions only finance large companies because they are safe investments. But without financing, few small companies can grow. Generally finding finance in any economic climate can be extremely challenging, be it you are looking for startup funds or capital to expand your business, but however the case there are creative ways to get start-up finance and get our SMMEs to a certain growth which we can leverage and go for conventional financing to grow our businesses further. I have listed realistic ones below that we can opt for considering our economic environment: Exhibitor’s Corner | 6

1. Micro loans/Micro credit.

Micro credit is the extension of very small loans to less privileged borrowers who typically lack collateral, steady employment or verifiable credit history. This type of financing is designed to support entrepreneurs and alleviate poverty. There’s a number of organisations that offer this type of financing to start-ups and SMMEs, look into your area and get yourself a micro loan from registered NGOs and trusts that focus on such.

2. Friends and Family Investors.

Many small businesses get funding from friends and family investors. The business owner gets funding through a loan from the friend/family member or by selling them equity.

Loans allow you to keep ownership of the business but

Manager’s Remarks

must be paid back. Selling a part of your business (equity) does not require that you pay back the money. However, it provides ownership to your friend/ family member and gives them a permanent share of your profits.

While this method of financing a business is very common, it is also very risky. There is a very real chance that your relationship will be affected – permanently – if anything goes wrong.

Unfortunately, the chances of this happening are very high. If you decide to use this type of financing, consider getting professional advice from an attorney.

3. Factoring.

Factoring is a source of finance for small businesses. Factoring is a financial transaction between a business owner and a third party that provides instant cash to the former in exchange for the account receivables of the business. If your business has poor credit or you involved in supplying like clothing manufacturing and you have to fill orders long before they get paid, get those invoices and raise funds through factoring.

4. Crowd-funding.

Crowd-funding could be an alternative source of financial resources for potential businesses that do not have access to capital and conventional forms of financing. As the name suggests, crowd funding is the collecting of funds from the general public, usually constituted by contributors of

small amounts from large pool of people. Internet has made this source of funding to be more common and effective, locally we have sites like Fun-4-Crowd (www.f4c.co.zw) where you can create a campaign and fund your project.

5. Inventory Financing.

Getting credit from suppliers can be difficult for small wholesale and manufacturing companies. Often, suppliers don’t extend enough credit.

When they do extend credit, they usually demand fast payments. This limits how much inventory you can purchase, and ultimately limits your ability to sell your products and grow.

If your company has funds tied to inventory, or needs funds to purchase more inventory, consider using inventory financing. It is a form of asset-based financing that allows you to leverage your existing inventory.

It improves cash flow and provides funds to pay for business expenses.

It’s available to small and growing businesses that might not otherwise qualify for bank financing.

6. Purchase Order Financing.

Purchase order (PO) financing is a specialty form of financing designed to help small product re-sellers and wholesalers. One of the main problems for small wholesalers is getting an order that is too large. They are unable to handle it and make the supplier payments. Ultimately, they risk losing the order – and the client.

PO financing provides the funds to pay the supplier costs associated with an order. This funding allows you to fulfill large orders and grow your revenues. Like factoring, PO financing transactions don’t rely on your personal credit. Instead, they rely in the capabilities of your supplier and the credit of your client.

7. Get A Bank Loan.

Lending standards are more stricter and tighter in this present-day economy, but recently most local banks have introduced packages that are lucrative and tailor made for SMME businesses.

Get in touch with a banker today and find out the packages and bundles available for your small business. Not to mention also that there are specialised banks for specialised businesses and if not, most commercial banks have special units within them to assist small businesses.

In conclusion as noted above, financing for small businesses is a challenge because of various reasons and the risks involved in financing SMMEs, but with that being said it is important to know the kind of financing your business needs and why, for you to know the kind of finance shopping you are going to undertake. Every financing model works differently for different SMMEs because no two businesses are the same, it’s impossible.

BEST OF LUCK! 7 | Exhibitor’s Corner

“Each and everyone has a God given purpose in life which must be utilized, if we do so we all can create something beautiful”

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Cover Story

Aurthur C. Evans T

here are many cards in a pack but there is a singular and distinct A.C.E (Arthur C. Evans) in the pack. This phrase alludes to the one and only gentleman who is taking over not only the media but the entrepreneurship terrain by storm. A winner of multiple accolades, a voice over artist, a professional speaker, an actor and a television and radio presenter- no doubt he is a force to reckon with.

Yes, your guess is as good as ours! We are talking of the charismatic ZTV’s Good Morning Zimbabwe news anchor Arthur C Evans (ACE). Arthur also is at the core of the exciting and informative World Sport on Tuesday night plus the exhilarating Arthur Evans show which airs on DSTV. On his show on DSTV Arthur tackled celebrity news and trend-setters with notable people to appear on it being the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, songstress Ammara Brown, Motlatsi Mafate, Maps Mopany, Bishop C Nyathi and Thatho Molawo. The show went on to be part of the “who is who” in television productions as it once scooped the Most Outstanding

Television Production award at the NAMAS all this at its first season, a remarkable milestone.

Braced with confidence and hunger for success the former Skyz Metro presenter has shown that the sky is never the limit, through his growing work as the Financial Director of TechnoExpert Construction. An exceptional family run company located in the heart of Bulawayo and has been in existence for more than three decades and offers civil and construction services to the city.

With a track record of high-quality renovations and refurbishments in the city.

The widely celebrated and maverick Evans is also a Master of Ceremonies who uses his booming voice and confidence to manage and control multitudes. He has hosted highly prestigious occasions such as Mine Entra, Mega Fest Awards, Matebeleland fashion week and the Bulawayo Arts Awards, private functions and weddings.

of selling and interaction at the age of 19 in his mom’s takeaway, Arthur says that in 2003 he was inspired by one Dale Harding who pushed and advised him never to box himself but rather branch out and reach out. After that it has been a roller coaster ride for the well-built Bulawayo based media personality as he appeared on SABC3 in the highly competitive Gauteng presenter search which saw him being among the best 10.

Arthur Evans is not only limited to media and construction; Arthur has a passion for leadership and inspiring people to be the best they can be. He has embarked on a 12-month leaders training, self-help and life coaching platform called the D.I.Y sessions (Develop I Yourself) the platform which is designed for grooming SMME leaders, visionaries and pioneers who are willing to reach zenith heights in their lives.

Asked to comment He says “Each and everyone has a God given purpose in life which must be utilized, if we do so we all can create something beautiful”

Having emerged from humble beginnings where he learnt the art 9 | Exhibitor’s Corner

life obstacles living in a foreign land without much support and was faced with threats of gender-based violence.

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Sindy Zemura-Benard - Founder of SAE foundation arginalization of children, in particular the girl child and women are an urgent and pressing global concern, an issue which calls for everyone’s attention at local, regional and international levels.

Women and girls are often considered second class citizens in comparison to boys and males. The call for gender equality is championed at highest levels such as at the U.N under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) 2030 as well as at the African Union under its African Union Agenda 2063.

Stepping up to achieving this global goal is none other than Sindy ZemuraBernard. One of thirteen children, born in Zimbabwe and raised between Zimbabwe and South Africa. A Exhibitor’s Corner | 10

She enrolled in higher education upon arrival in Canada, worked as an accountant within the private sector whilst studying at undergraduate level over the course of time in business management, social work and political science.

Drawing from her life experiences as a young girl with a desire to follow in her father’s footsteps and on her life’s experiences as a teenager leading up to her early adulthood years, Sindy wanted to work on a global scale to give back and advocate for those vulnerable and marginalized across Southern Africa.

In the year 2010, She founded an International Development Charitable Organization registered in Canada called Southern Africa Embrace Foundation.

The vision behind the organization was birthed from Sindy’s experiences when she was a young girl growing up in Bulawayo. Her father, the late Cde, Rueben Mutambiranwa Zemura, was a politician, businessman and a philanthropist who advocated for those less fortunate across Zimbabwe and through his political influence Sindy was raised in a Christian home and business ventures gave to the and says God is first in her life followed poor and promoted women and youth by her two beautiful children Mbalenhle empowerment. and Nandipa, her husband, family, friends and the global family she now Sindy recalls how she witnessed belongs to thanks to her work. Her troublesome eventualities that some of early years of life following her father’s her less privileged family members of passing were a bit challenging and so her age went through. Additionally, she she left Zimbabwe for South Africa witnessed some of her female relative’s to seek greener pastures. She migrated experience gender-based violence from from South Africa to Ireland, United their partners, spouses and even family Kingdom and U.S.A but was faced with members. She knew then that she has humanitarian at heart, an entrepreneur and a pioneer advocate for marginalized women and girls. Sindy is a youth mentor, career coach and specialist on gender equality, youth empowerment, ending gender-based violence, HIV awareness, poverty alleviation and SDGs.

Profile

to one day do something to address these issues of injustice, violence and inequality.

The mission of SAE-Foundation emanated from that, its mission is to advocate and support the wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized persons in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The organization’s team is in Toronto, Canada with ground volunteers across Southern Africa. Since its inception, the organization has supported over one thousand people across the five countries and 283 school age going children with educational sponsorships from ECD to Garde 11.

“Always believe in the power of YES! Embrace failures, lessons and rejections because those teach you how to rise and be a better person. Be extra ordinary, dream big, never doubt yourself, do not be afraid, share your story and never give up” SAE Foundation has worked with partners including Samathonga Primary Scchool, Emganwini Secondary School, Nketa Secondary School, Kezi Primary School, Lupane Primary School, Mkheswa Foundation, Cowdray Park Secondary School, Burombo Children’s Home, Mustard Seed Africa, Children of the Dawn, Tag A Life International and in Canada with other local

community groups across the Greater years old while another19% are youth Toronto Area. between 15 and 24 years old making Africa the youngest continent.

SAE Foundation is also very active within the United Nations by participating at the various UN hosted conferences which include the General Assembly, Commission of Status of Women, High Level Political Forum, Youth Assembly and much more.

Over and above that SAE Foundation launched a social enterprise in 2018 called Nguni Accessories, a standalone business run by the rural women artisans that are financially supported

by SAE Foundation under the rural development program. Nguni Sindy is a mentor of young people in Accessories has over 87 independent her networks in both the diaspora and rural women artisans from across across Southern Africa. She is also South Africa and Zimbabwe who serving as the special advisor to the produce beaded traditional jewelry and newly appointed African Union Special accessories, arts and crafts, baskets and Youth Envoy, Ms. Aya Chebbi who African print inspired bags for women. began her tenure in November 2018.

Her mandate serving in this virtual role When asked what else she is involved is to help bridge a gap between young with outside of her work at SAE people and senior leaders (political, Foundation, Sindy shared that she is private and public sector), promote an active member and serves in several youth empowerment, capacity building, global committees, working groups matters of education, policy, political and networks within UNAIDS, UN inclusion, mentoring, employment, Women /AU (African Women Leaders migration, access to quality health Network), VOW (Canadian voice services and leadership. of women for peace), CanWaCH ( Canadian Partnership for Women and Sindy leads the OYE team on the Children’s Health ), WIIS (Women in Intergenerational Dialogues action International Security), Women Deliver, plan, an area Sindy is passionate about CANFAR ( Canadian Foundation for because close to 41% of the people AIDS Research) to name but a few. in the African continent are below 15 11 | Exhibitor’s Corner

IBM Couture Tailored | Finesse | By Velile

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BM Couture is a wholly Zimbabwean owned designer label for the modern man who knows where he is coming from and going to. Ideal Black Man Couture (IBMC) clothing differentiates itself through custom made clothing bespoke to the body, skin tone and personal appearances of the individual. Though local, it harnesses modern global fashion trends hence its GLOCAL rhetoric. IBM Couture has a product range which is, but not limited to; suits, blazers, formal shirts, golf shirts, chinos, formal trousers, boxer shots, socks, ties and a host of trendy, chic and modern apparel tailor made for and worn by the ideal man.

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The philosophy at IBM Couture is as follows.

Ideal Black /Bespoke Man Couture Clothing Line.

1. IBM Business Couture.

2. IBM Casual Couture.

3. IBM Khaki Couture.

4. IBM Gym Couture.

5. IBM Toddler Couture.

6. IBM Mature Classic Couture.

7. IBM Bridal Couture, Plus more.

• Looks matter • There is no second chances to a first impression • You are addressed by the way you are dressed • When you feel good you do good and • Style is temporary and class is permanent.

IBM Couture wants to bring out the best in its clients, through dressing them to feel good. Nothing beats the feeling of custom-made apparel. So, go ahead, spoil yourself with some tailored finesse by Velile Dube.

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“Excellence is not an achievement, it’s a standard, a way of life and my goal is to breed a crop of confident men who know where they are going to”

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Finance

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inancial distress occurs when an organisation is unable to pay its creditors and lenders. This very condition is likely when a business is highly leveraged, its per-unit profit levels is low, its break-even point is high, or in our case in Zimbabwe where one’s sales are sensitive to economic declines. Running a business isn’t easy, and there may be occasions where you need to know how to manage financial distress. If you are in such a situation where your business is no longer making the money it needs to be making, there are a few things you can do to lessen the blow should you need to dissolve your business entirely.

Here are a few ways to help you.

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Keep Your Records Updated.

cash if you’re yet to pay taxes!

Keeping a clear picture of what’s happening with your business financially will not only help you set your priorities straight but will also inspire confidence in your ability to navigate financial distress.

Bankruptcy is a harsh word, but it need not be, declaring bankruptcy can effectively wipe the account clean though it will affect your credit rating for years to come.

Make Your Debts Clear.

This isn’t to say you should clear them unless you can – but honesty regarding the debts you owe will be valued by potential sources of income who may help you out of a hole.

Pay Your Taxes.

Always, always, always pay your legal obligations first – never hold back

Don’t Dismiss Bankruptcy!

Take a Deep Breath.

Tax advisors and accountants across the city, are here to help you manage your struggling business, whether it means helping you cleanly tie up and close down trade, or even to resurrect it, their job is to look at the options with you and provide legal advice on how you can easily, and painlessly, make a break from financial distress.

To be or to be not

Inspiration

By Ladyprofound

Too often a times people ask, “how do you take criticism?”

I take criticism just the way l take my coffee.

Sometimes l like it very hot, creamy and sweet, sometimes black and strong, regardless of how l want it, l still sip it slowly but surely.

So many of those little things we must care to capture before they escape. Half the time it has something to do with the nature of ideas maybe with the same palate that took us there in the first place.

Growing up as an ordinary child, who went to an ordinary school, got ordinary grades, everything about me was just ordinary except for one thing...l had really big dreams but then people around me always had their own opinions of me or anything and everything that l wanted to do, and frankly, their opinions always mattered to me because my insecurities stemmed from having too much faith in their opinions.

Criticism is what most people fear. If we all got an opportunity to do whatever we wanted to do without any critics l am sure many of us would be the change that we want to see in the world.

The point l am driving at is that, we can always learn from each other, we just need to have the humility to accept feedback and the courage to speak up and help each other feel self-motivated.

The battles worth winning are those that you need to fight inside of you because people’s opinions of neither you nor those around you can never become a reality if you change your mentality.

is working towards your own expectations unapologetically. Even so, we always leave a room for criticism and fear of failure.

Criticism is divided into two, constructive criticism which l term as, “to be” and destructive criticism which l term as, “not to be.”

Constructive criticism i s what l take in every form and shape and try to implement it in a best way l can, yet destructive criticism is what l turn a blind eye to because it instills the fear of failure yet, fear is just false evidence appearing real.

Note, not all storms are meant to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.

Lack of seriousness on your dream or talent is an insult to those who believe in you. Surround yourself with people who will help you grow your seed, make mindful choices and bring balance in your life.

Instead of waking up to an alarm clock, you get to wake up to an opportunity each and every day, driven by the consequences wavering around you, giving everyone the perception of competence to perceive choices and letting the community know that we’re in this together, we need each other.

Think big. Do big. Win big.

Passion is the full force of attention that you give to whatever that is In front of you If you’re so busy looking for contentment in critics, you could miss the opportunities that can change your life. The most fulfilling careers are those that still have the power to surprise you regardless of other people’s opinions.

It is entirely up to you whether to be or not to be.

Success is the freedom of self-expression. It 15 | Exhibitor’s Corner

Leadership

How to lead with optimism T

he quote below has been the anthem of our time, be it in social media circles, in restaurants, places of amusements and dangerously so at workplaces. Understandable so with the constant flow of bad economic news, it is very easy to get caught up in thinking that nothing positive is happening. We start to believe that there is little or next to nothing that we can do to improve our circumstances, we play safe, withdraw, succumb, feel great panic and fear of the future. We become especially cautious for further signs that we are indeed at risk.

“Are you being serious?

Like really?

How can I be optimistic?

There is nothing to be optimistic about in this economy!”

Being optimistic/optimistic leadership is not about ignoring signs or being naive to our surroundings or looking at the world with a spanned eye or tinted glasses. The economic downturn is real, and we need to make business decisions based on that reality. But if you have your plan and a clear course of action, optimism will inspire a sense of hopefulness and the confidence that is required to take full advantages of the opportunities that do exist.

Effective leaders are optimistic and confident by nature, and they can convey their optimism to others in a way that is motivating. They have a strong belief in their vision and ability to make it happen. Mike Mears says Exhibitor’s Corner | 16

optimism or pessimism is not about the reality of the situation, at most it is a conscious choice that has an impact on your ability to succeed.

Below are 5 ways to become more optimistic and energize your team: 1. SEEK POSITIVE STANDPOINTS AND EVIDENCE. Unfortunately, most of what is being reported, speculated or so today has a very deep negative tone to it, so to build a more balanced view, one needs to look for the positives. In a depressed and slumped economy like ours, pessimists may be more right to a greater extent, but optimistic leadership requires that we see more opportunities and chase after them to accomplish more. Optimism is a learned habit and contagious, seeking out people who have a positive outlook is a bonus, as the saying goes, we are only good as the company we keep.

2. PRACTICE POSITIVE THINKING. As human beings we have an amazing ability to construct our inner world and outlook, to use self talk to either build ourselves up or tear ourselves down. Allow yourself to re-frame your thoughts and focus on the opportunities not the negative consequences – the 70% that can still be celebrated than the 30% lost. See bad events as setbacks and lessons to embolden your resolve, see them as temporary and not permanent dents.

Most importantly focus on what you can do to energize and build growth.

Possibility thinking can be a powerful

tool to staying motivated.

3. BUILD A COMPELLING VISION. ‘The best way to predict a future is to create it.”

Build a compelling vision that inspires, a compelling vision far outweighs profitability at any given time. Take time to develop a deep sense of mission and purpose, to get really clear about what you want for your business and the unique value you can provide.

Its hard not to be optimistic when there is a sense of future.

4. BELIEVE IN THE CAPABILITIES OF YOUR TEAM. Teamwork makes the dream work, one of the most powerful gifts you can give someone is to believe in their potential, gradually they can accomplish so much more, which gives you more to be optimistic about. Encourage open dialogue, being open will draw people towards you. You need to remain open to fully understand alternative perspectives and be able to lead people to a more positive mindset.

5. STAY FOCUSED When there is a lot of information and disruptions, it is important that you keep your eyes focused on the road ahead. Stay focused and track your accomplishments no matter how trivial, focusing on the things you can do and control while celebrating your victories along the way give hope and a sense of optimism, knowing although it may be a tough road the desired destination is possible.

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Launched in March 2019, the story of Cooks’ Republic began. As herbs and spices consumption has increased over the years, the need for affordable quality spices has also continued to grow. Cooks’ Republic aims to provide affordable quality produce for all cooks. The company has a vision to be the first choice in the spices and herbs business in Zimbabwe.

The republic provides cooks with quality spices, herbs, micro greens and other cooking condiments, that allow their customers to enjoy food from the earth that’s good for the table. Cooks’ Republic stands on five core values that define to the world and themselves on what they stand for and who they are, and these are Passion, Integrity, teamwork, Continuous improvement, customer focus. Surely you must be wondering where to get these mouth-watering products, worry not. Cook’s Republic has an on-line store and offers delivery to all CBD clients, not only that, their products can be found at Rumtage Fruit and Veg, Ascot Complex at Royal Entertainment, Morning-side shops.

Visit our website: www.cooksrepublic.co or call on +263 78 636 5563 17 | Exhibitor’s Corner

SMME Corner

Africa has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. 77% are youth. Faced with multiple issues, Africa needs to produce high caliber academics and innovators in order to turn the tide. At Somesha, they firmly believe that innovation is an attitude bred from the ground up, that information and education are the key to achieving this goal.

Somesha is an education start-up,

based in Zimbabwe and operating in a few schools. The platform partners with the students, parents and schools in Africa to optimize the learning journey using technology. Students can use the Somesha platform to prepare for examinations, watch educational videos, keep track of their records and interact with other students across the African continent.

Schools can manage student attendance, payments, timetables, academic records and reports.

Somesha aims to re-imagine how students across Africa are educated and ensuring fair access of education across the continent.

The company is available across all social media platforms and on their website www.somesha.io

Kuoka is a Zimbabwean premium baking premix brand. The motive behind the conception of this idea is convenience and making sure that the baking process is simple for everyone.

The premixes are complete, premeasured and all one must do is add water to the powder and the dough is ready for your pan or your oven.

We have three different mixes and we will be launching in August.

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Knolly Bees Investment (PVT) Ltd. was incorporated in Bulawayo in 2016 as a registered manufacturing and supply company. KnollyBees is in the business of producing, processing and manufacturing Standard Association of Zimbabwe certified and verified cool drinks (syrups/cocktails) with a variety of flavours namely, Cream Soda, Raspberry, Mango and Pineapple. Into the bargain of their beverage’s product line, they have Kombocha health drink. Although a new establishment the manufacturing company has a targeted market of supermarkets and hotel industries.

The story of KnollyBees is one of self-development, growth and interest to learn. The name of the company KnollyBees is taken from its directors Nolise, Kimberly and Bambino (Michael T. Nyoni). KnollyBees is a mother, son and niece legacy business.

To date KnollyBees beverages have been exhibited during the first lady’s visit to Bulawayo in 2018 at the Bulawayo Polytechnic College, SMME’s workshop organised by the resident minister Judith Ncube at Bulawayo Rainbow hotel and recently at the Z.I.T.F 2019.

SMME Corner

Jelly Atom Electrical Power Engineers is a business that is involved in rendering services in energy consisting of electricity and solar. They do installations of such, at domestic and industrial scales.

With a moto of qualitative services offered with exceptional workmanship.

Zwide Veggies is a cash-on-delivery vegetable supplying company. Zwide Veggies was founded by media personality, Emma Nxumalo popularly known as Nguni Princess, the company supplies restaurants, retail shops, schools and hospitals in which presently they supply two major retail outlets. On top of that the company is also into charity works and has awards to testify to it, beneficiaries of its programs are Queen Elizabeth, feed the city initiatives to mention just but a few.

19 | Exhibitor’s Corner

10 LOW COST BUSINESS IDEAS WITH HIGH PROFIT POTENTIAL

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e all want to make money and profit whether in business or for our side hustles, we know how ours is a vibrant gig economy that allows flexibility and diversity. Every business owner wants to turn and post profit. But it is difficult to do so, especially starting up or early on. If you don’t have a huge ton of money or resources to get your business up and running, you can still hope to create a profitable business. You just need to choose the right business. Here are some low-cost business ideas with high profit potential to get you started.

1. Affiliate Marketing.

Affiliate marketers simple earn a small potion of each sale that they send to a brand. So, you don’t really need anything to get started. Just to say it might take you some time to build up an audience that will actually help you to earn. But once you get going it should be mostly profitable.

2. Virtual Assistant Service.

Virtual assistants help businesses with everything from inbox management to social media posting. You really

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just need access to a computer and internet connection to get started. And you can earn more if you know specific skills.

3. Online influencer Service.

Influencers partner with brands to share their thoughts on products and services with their audience. If you have a sizable number of followers you command on social media or a blog, this can be a very easy way to bring in some extra money.

Business Tips

5. Web design and App development.

Designers offer your web design services on a per-project basis to brands and individuals. Mobile application is also very in demand right now as businesses are going digital. If you can either create your own or offer your services to third party companies.

If you are tech savvy individual here is a quick buck idea.

8. Personal training.

Or you could focus on fitness and work one-on-one with people looking to improve their workouts. Start off with your workmates, family and friends.

Find a local gym you can work out of or consider creating a workout plan for people you communicate with online.

9. Home and Office Cleaning.

6. Bookkeeping and tax prep.

4. Social Media & Digital Marketing.

Financially savvy individual, you really just need a computer and some bookkeeping software to manage the books for multiple business clients.

You can also assist other smmes during the tax season if you want to earn a high profit in a short amount of time.

Starting a cleaning service both for home and office really just needs some basic supplies and transportation.

You can work with homeowners and businesses, and hopefully build some recurring clients.

Or you could offer your services as a social media marketing professional.

In this case, you could actually create and schedule social media content on behalf of various brands, you could even get more general and offer a variety of digital marketing services.

This type of business really requires expertise and internet connection.

10. Food Trucks.

Food trucks are also relatively inexpensive to set up and running at least for food business. And you can

7. Event planning.

If you have a strong organizational and planning skills, you can start a wedding or event planning business without a physical office space. Like literally a brief case operative.

a very fair amount by targeting special events and high traffic areas like, intwasa, ZITF, The Winter Affair, City center.

21 | Exhibitor’s Corner

Legal

DOES YOUR SMALL BUSINESS REQUIRE THE SERVICES OF A LEGAL ADVISOR?

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ften, it is not until As a founder of a business you are and guaranties. Because contracts lie small businesses find faced with many difficult decisions at the heart of any business, skillfully themselves in messy which have a bearing on the future drafted contracts are invaluable to any

litigation, that they seek the services of a legal advisor.

Unfortunately, at this point, the detrimental effects of litigation are often unavoidable. The small business may find itself paying a lot of money in litigation costs and spending more time in court proceeding instead of working on the business. And if found liable, it will also be required to pay damages and on top of that may be ordered to pay for the legal costs of the persons who brought litigation proceedings against it.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By making use of the services of a legal advisor, whose main role is to prevent litigation, small business will often be able to prevent these detrimental effects of legal proceedings. Over and above this, legal advisors will provide insight and expertise to small business with regard to the following issues; A. Formulation of the business

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success of the business. Of these decisions, the most important include choosing the best entity type for the business (partnership, limited liability company, corporation e.t.c).

business.

A legal advisor in drafting contracts for a business, would ensure that they are beneficial to the business. Skillfully drafted contracts should minimize the Taking into account among other likelihood of disputes and also provide issues, the objectives and goals of the an escape should the contract cease to business both immediate and for the be beneficial. future as well as the implications of the C. Intellectual Property various entity types, the legal advisor will advise the founders on the best The businesses’ intellectual property can at times be its most valuable asset; entity for the business. more so, where its product or service The legal advisor will also assist the is unique. Intellectual property laws founders of the business with working provide for the protection of unique out the roles to be assumed by the products as well as original artistic different founders, how they will work, symbol, slogan, logo, design, share in the profit and liabilities of domain e.t.c, from use, production or the business, when the business may sale by another. be dissolved as well as the succession Legal advisors can assist small plan. businesses in this regard, firstly with B. Contracts the correct classification of the A business enters into numerous various kinds of intellectual property contracts throughout the course of its (copyright, trademark or patent) and existence. These contracts range from secondly with the registration of such contracts of sale, lease agreements, intellectual property in line with the employment contracts, warranties relevant laws.