By; Sally Nalishiwa.

I remember about two years ago when I was so keen on wanting to start up a small chicken business. I had so many things put in place in order to get started. My capital was ready, I had the perfect marketing plans and strategies, I was very confident that by 2019 I was going to be driving a VITS or a Benz if all went well. Sadly, things didn’t go as I planned or imagined ,and this was not because I was incapable of running a business at the time, it was far from that. The main reason and probably the only reason my business plan failed was because of lack of support from the locals, and I am talking of my very own beautiful and handsome Zambian people.

After reading this ,many will agree to having faced a similar challenge when starting up their businesses or even when running their businesses as we speak.

I just want to highlight a few points on why it’s important that we support our small local businesses ladies and gents. This is a move that can bring a lot of changes in our communities. At the time when I opted to start my business, I was shocked to discover most people around my area ,some who are even family and friends would rather buy chickens from shop-rite or pick n pay than support my small business and order from me instead.

I even offered an option of getting the chickens on credit but still a few people came through. It’s a shame that we Zambians value international products more than our local products. Many would rather spend thousands in shopping malls than spend less on the same products sold in their area by the locals.

Its very important that we start supporting our local businesses. This will motivate many people to undertake the initiative of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs bring a lot of development in the country by creating jobs for others. Additionally, Small businesses contribute to local economies by bringing growth and innovation to the community in which the business is established. Small businesses also help stimulate economic growth by providing employment opportunities to people who may not be employable by larger corporations. There are a thousand advantages associated with supporting our local businesses.Also, by supporting local businesses, you are in turn supporting your local economy; significantly more money stays in a community when purchases are made at locally owned – rather than nationally owned – businesses.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU ARE SUPPORTING A SMALL BUSINESS, YOU ARE SUPPORTING A DREAM.

It is my hope and prayer that we become the pioneers of inspiring and helping others to succeed in our areas. Let us not be too quick to support foreigners whilst our own locals suffer and wallow in poverty. Look at the Indian community for example, we should try by all means to emulate them for always trying to support and help each other. And look at how successful they are regardless.Let not selfishness and greed keep us from helping others. I also hope that the government can set up incentives to encourage small businesses and enterprises as well as entrepreneurs all around our country.

I will conclude by quoting Barrack Obama who stated that “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”

-WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS-