Tips for Managing your Cash Flow 

Uburyo bwo gucunga amafaranga yawe y’igicuruzo

Gucunga neza amafaranga y’igicuruzo ni ikintu cy’ingenzi kigomba gukoranwa ubuhanga na buri kigo cy’ubucuruzi gito cyose  kandi ni ingenzi kuri buri kigo cy’ubucuruzi gito guhorana  igicuruzo cyiza  kugira ngo kibashe gutera imbere.  Igicuruzo kiba cyiza  iyo amafaranga akomoka  mu byacurujwe n’ibindi byose byinjiza amafaranga bitanga amafaranga aruta asohoka mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi nk’amafaranga agenda ku ikode, imishahara y’abakozi, n’andi mafaranga yose asohoka. Ni ingenzi cyane  kugira ngo   ubucuruzi bubashe kunguka  no kugira ngo bigufashe guhangana n’ibihe bitateganyijwe. Igicuruzo kiba kibi igihe amafaranga asohoka mu bucuruzi bwawe asumba abwinjiramo; ibyo bikaba ari ikimenyetso kigaragaza ko ikigo kiri mu ngorane. Iyo amafaranga y’igicuruzo adakwiye, ubucuruzi bwawe bushobora kugenda nabi; ibyo bikaba byatuma ugabanya ikigero ubucuruzi bwari bugezeho ndetse ukaba wanabuhagarika.

Ingamba zo kuguma mu rugo zo gukumira ikwirakwira rya COVID-19 zatumye byinshi mu bigo by’ubucuruzi mu Rwanda bigira igicuruzo kibi umwaka ushize. Hejuru ya ba rwiyemezamirimo 57% ntibakoraga kugeza kuwa [ andika itariki] nk’uko bivugwa na [ andika aho wavanye aya makuru] naho ba rwiyemezamirimo 42.5%  barakoraga. Ba rwiyemezamirimo 35.8%  baracyagurisha ariko bakaba bafite igicuruzo kibi.

Ku bw’amahirwe, haracyari ingamba nyinshi ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe gishobora gufata kugira ngo kibashe guhangana n’ibibazo bikomeye bijyanye n’ingano y’amafaranga y’igicuruzo. Zimwe muri izo ngamba ni izi zikurikira:

Kora inyemezabuguzi  uko bikwiye.

Gukora inyemezabuguzi ni kimwe mu bice by’ingenzi bigize ihurizo rijyanye n’micungire y’amafaranga y’igicuruzo. Ihutishe ibikorwa bijyanye n’amafaranga yinjira utanga inyemezabuguzi vuba ku buryo wabasha kwishyurwa n’abakiriya bawe mu buryo bwihuse kurushaho. Tekereza gukoresha uburyo bwo gukora inyemezabuguzi bwikoresha nk’imashini zabugenewe ku buryo wabasha kunoza umubare w’inshuro uzenguruka ukanagabanya igihe wohererezamo inyemezabuguzi. 

Huza ibitabo by’ibaruramari byawe n’igihe.

Huza ibitabo by’ibaruramari byawe n’igihe uko bishoboka kose. Ibi bishobora kugufasha kugira igitekerezo cyumvikana ku bijyanye n’uko ubucuruzi bwawe buhagaze mu rwego rw’ubukungu; ibyo bikaba byaguha umusinge uhamye washingiraho uteganya uko amafaranga y’igicuruzo uzagira azaba angana mu bihe biri imbere, bikanagufasha gufata ibyemezo by’ingenzi, no kugena ibizajya bikorwa mu bihe byiza no bihe bibi.

Zigama amafaranga ushobora kwifashisha mu bihe bikomeye.  

Kuzigama amafaranga ni ingenzi kandi ibi bishobora gukorwa iyo umuntu atangiye kunguka. Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bigira igihe bigenda neza n’igihe bigenda nabi- kugira amafaranga ahagije yo kongera mu yo umuntu akoresha bishobora kuba ikintu cy’ingenzi kugira ngo ubucuruzi bukomeze gukora mu bihe bibi.

Shaka amafaranga ugurisha imitungo yarengeje igihe cyangwa ibicuruzwa by’umurengera biri mu bubiko.

Rimwe na rimwe ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigira ibikoresho bidakoresha, imitungo yarengeje igihe, cyangwa ibicuruzwa by’umurengera mu bubiko bwabyo; ibyo byose  bishobora gukoreshwa neza bikinjiza  amafaranga. Ibikoresho n’ibicuruzwa biri mu bubiko bishobora gutakaza agaciro igihe hakozwe ibikoresho bishya cyangwa bitewe n’ihinduka ry’ibyo abaguzi bifuza. Hirengagijwe ko ushobora kubigurisha munsi y’igiciro fatizo cyabyo, kugurusha ibikoresho bitazakoreshwa bishobora gutuma ingano y’amafaranga y’igicuruzo yiyongera.

Tekereza uburyo washyira mu bikorwa izi ngamba mu rwego rwo kunoza imicungire y’amafaranga ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe gicuruza.

Tips for Managing your Cash Flow

Good cash flow management is a critical skill for every small business owner, and it is important for cash flow to remain positive for your business to thrive. Positive cash flow occurs when the money entering your business from sales and accounts receivable is higher than the amount of the cash leaving your businesses through expenses like rent, employee salaries, and other costs. It is essential not only for your bottom line but can also help ensure your business can manage unforeseen circumstances. Negative cash flow happens when the cash you are spending from your business is higher than the cash coming into the business, which can indicate trouble for the company. Without adequate cash flow, your business may underperform, leading to the need to downsize or perhaps even close up shop. 

COVID-19 related lockdowns have meant that many businesses in Rwanda have experienced negative cash flows over the past year. Over 57% of entrepreneurs are not operating as of April 2020, according to Business Professionals Network and while 42. 5% of entrepreneurs are still operating, only 35.8% are actively selling, which surely means they are experiencing negative cash flow.  

Luckily, there are several steps your business can take to fix the harmful cash flow problems. These include:  

 

Get invoicing right. 

Invoicing is one of the essential pieces of the puzzle regarding cash flow management. Speed up your cash inflows by delivering your invoices quickly so that you receive faster payment from your clients. Consider investing in automated invoicing such as point of sale machines so that you can improve your turnaround times and minimize delays in sending invoices. 

 

Keep your financial records up to date. 

Update your financial records as often as possible. This can help you gain a clear insight into your business’s financial health, which will give you a more precise foundation from which you can forecast your future cash flow, make important decisions, and plan for high and low seasons.  

 

Build a cash reserve you can rely on in tough times.  

Building a cash reserve is very important, and it can be done once you hit the break-even point. Businesses face highs and lows – having enough cash to fund your working capital needs can be critical for its continued survival during a low season business.  

 

Liquidate cash that may be tied up in outdated assets or overstocked inventory. 

Businesses sometimes have unused equipment, outdated assets, or too much inventory, all of which can be put to better use as income. Equipment and inventory can lose value as new equipment is produced or as customer preferences change. Regardless of whether you sell below initial value, liquidating assets that will not be utilized can contribute to a healthy cash flow.  

Consider implementing these strategies to improve cash flow management in your business.  

 

 

 

by KachecheMusa

Celebrating the Twiteze Imbere Campaign Award Winning Small Businesses

Celebrating the Twiteze Imbere Campaign Award Winning Small Businesses

 

To recognise and celebrate the winners of the Twiteze Imbere campaign SME Response Clinic Business Awards, and reflect on the campaign, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) and ConsumerCentriX have hosted a half-day celebration alongside key campaign partners.

The Twiteze Imbere campaign was created to recognise the role small businesses are playing in Rwanda’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the campaign, the general public nominated their favourite small businesses, giving their nominees the chance to win an SME Response Clinic Business Award. The competition featured three categories: women-owned businesses, start-up or innovative businesses, and established businesses. Three winners and five runners-up stood out from almost 2,000 nominations.

During the celebration, Jean Bosco Iyacu, Country Director of AFR, congratulated the winners and thanked them for their role in Rwanda’s economic recovery. Mr. Iyacu also highlighted AFR’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses in Rwanda and appreciated the diversity within the businesses that were nominated.

Anna Gincherman, Managing Partner at ConsumerCentriX, encouraged the entrepreneurs to utilise the SME Response Clinic’s resources to grow their businesses.

“The SME Response Clinic will continue to support entrepreneurs by providing access to financial opportunities and information on business development services,” she said.

The three winners discussed how they plan to use the one million Rwandan francs prize to grow their businesses. They responded to some questions from partners and networked with business development experts including RICEM’s Dr. Olivier Mukulira and Malik Shaffy, Country Manager of the African Management Institute in Rwanda (AMI).

Jean Bosco Manirareba, winner in the established businesses category, said that the prize money will be invested to expand market reach beyond Kirehe District where Umucyo operates.

Hamdani Habumuremyi, winner of the start-up/innovative business category said: “The prize money will allow me to acquire new machinery and equipment to support my business activities.”

Judith Kaine, winner in the women-led businesses category said: “I plan to use the award to increase visibility and awareness of my business across Rwanda.”

In addition to the prize money, the three winners will each receive expert business advisory services provided by Rwanda Institute for Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), and AMI. These services will equip them with the skills and knowledge to further improve the success of their businesses.

Meet the winners here

by KachecheMusa

Call for Applications - Cultural Entrepreneurs Lab

Call for Applications – Cultural Entrepreneurs Lab 

Kunda Arts Collective, a platform for creative arts founded by multidisciplinary artists in Rwanda, will be hosting the Cultural Entrepreneurs Lab, a three-day workshop in Kigali from 18th – 20th June 2021. The workshop will support cultural entrepreneurs by equipping them with the relevant business skills and entrepreneurial mindset to grow and sustain their businesses.   

The selected applicants will participate in an interactive workshop where they will learn business skills such as:  

– Financial management
– Digital marketing
– Pricing and negotiation skills &
– Grant writing. 

Additionally, the selected applicants will get an opportunity to network with other successful artists and cultural entrepreneurs to gain insights and knowledge from established artists in the industry.  

To be eligible for this opportunity, interested applicants must be cultural entrepreneurs in music, filmmaking and acting, painting, dancing, poetry and writing, architecture, carpentry or any other artistic discipline. Successful applicants will be required to bring a laptop to participate in Saturday and Sunday sessions. The deadline for applications is 30th May 2021.   

To apply, visit: 𝗞𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 

 

by KachecheMusa

SME Response Clinic Business Award Winner's Profiles.

Meet Judith Kaine, CEO of Kurema Kureba Kwiga, Winner in Women-owned Businesses Category

Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga – which translates in English to “To Create, To See, To Learn” – is Rwanda’s pre-eminent public-arts social enterprise and custom art services provider founded by Judith Kaine. The organization works with professional Rwandan artists to create works of art that transform spaces and places through colour and creativity. 

To date, the enterprise has created over 50 murals across the country and hosted a number of exhibitions and pieces of training within 26 Rwanda’s of 30 districts. Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga has built opportunities for young aspiring artists in Rwanda by providing a platform for youth to showcase innovative and creative ideas for the arts industry. 

With the cash prize from Twiteze Imbere Campaign SME Response Clinic Business Awards, the social enterprise plans to improve its marketing and outreach efforts to reach more clients. The business advisory services offered as part of the prize will support efforts to build better business strategies to enhance the sustainability and reach of the business.  

For more information about Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga’s work, contact:

  • Phone: +250 787 684 466
  • Email: kuremarwanda@gmail.com

Meet Hamdani Habumuremyi, Founder of Hadi Construction, Winner in Start-up/Innovative Businesses Category

Hadi Construction is a domestic company created in 2021 by Hamdani Habumuremyi and Dieu Merci Moise. The two founders initially had the idea while at university when recognizing a need for high-quality construction services in their local community.  

Despite having limited resources, the owners had a strong reputation from earlier work and were able to leverage that perception in the community to build their business. They offer modern construction design and ensure their clients are educated on best practices in construction to ensure quality building with the capacity to withstand environmental disasters. 

While the business experienced a downturn due to the pandemic, the owners are excited about the next phase of their business journey. In addition to growing their business with expanded consulting services, Hadi Construction will also continue awareness-building work in the community; specifically, the owners plan to create broader awareness of land laws within their community. 

For more information about Hadi Construction’s work, contact:

  • Phone: +250 783 141 038
  • Email: dieumoise1@gmail.com

Meet Jean Bosco Manirareba, Founder of Umucyo Company, Winner in Established Businesses Category

Umucyo Company is a domestic company located in Kirehe district involved in the production of sanitary products and body lotion. Jean Bosco started this company in 2018 after attending training at Cyizere Life Center Hospital in Kayonza district about manufacturing soap, lotions, and hygienic products. To raise enough capital to start his business, Jean Bosco provided training to students at the Yego training center in Rwamagana, enabling him to save money for his own business.

In 2018, Jean Bosco started his own business in Kirehe district, serving several clients ranging from hotels and restaurants to individuals.  Umucyo company is well known for offering quality products at very affordable prices coupled. Umucyo’s excellent customer service and products have given Jean Bosco a reputation as a source of inspiration for youth to develop themselves into successful entrepreneurs.

Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in low sales and negative cash flows, Umucyo company leveraged its network to reach out to new clients to stay afloat. The business plans to use the prize money to increase production capacities and cater to the growing demand. Umucyo company also intends to create job opportunities for youth by increasing the number of employees as business returns to normal.

For more information about Umucyo’s work, contact:

  • Phone: +250783688287

  • Email: cykagisha@gmail.com

by KachecheMusa

Tips for Managing your Cash Flow 

Tips for Managing your Cash Flow

Good cash flow management is a critical skill for every small business owner, and it is important for cash flow to remain positive for your business to thrive. Positive cash flow occurs when the money entering your business from sales and accounts receivable is higher than the amount of the cash leaving your businesses through expenses like rent, employee salaries, and other costs. It is essential not only for your bottom line but can also help ensure your business can manage unforeseen circumstances. Negative cash flow happens when the cash you are spending from your business is higher than the cash coming into the business, which can indicate trouble for the company. Without adequate cash flow, your business may underperform, leading to the need to downsize or perhaps even close up shop. 

COVID-19 related lockdowns have meant that many businesses in Rwanda have experienced negative cash flows over the past year. Over 57% of entrepreneurs are not operating as of April 2020, according to Business Professionals Network and while 42. 5% of entrepreneurs are still operating, only 35.8% are actively selling, which surely means they are experiencing negative cash flow.  

Luckily, there are several steps your business can take to fix the harmful cash flow problems. These include:  

 

Get invoicing right. 

Invoicing is one of the essential pieces of the puzzle regarding cash flow management. Speed up your cash inflows by delivering your invoices quickly so that you receive faster payment from your clients. Consider investing in automated invoicing such as point of sale machines so that you can improve your turnaround times and minimize delays in sending invoices. 

 

Keep your financial records up to date. 

Update your financial records as often as possible. This can help you gain a clear insight into your business’s financial health, which will give you a more precise foundation from which you can forecast your future cash flow, make important decisions, and plan for high and low seasons.  

 

Build a cash reserve you can rely on in tough times.  

Building a cash reserve is very important, and it can be done once you hit the break-even point. Businesses face highs and lows – having enough cash to fund your working capital needs can be critical for its continued survival during a low season business.  

 

Liquidate cash that may be tied up in outdated assets or overstocked inventory. 

Businesses sometimes have unused equipment, outdated assets, or too much inventory, all of which can be put to better use as income. Equipment and inventory can lose value as new equipment is produced or as customer preferences change. Regardless of whether you sell below initial value, liquidating assets that will not be utilized can contribute to a healthy cash flow.  

Consider implementing these strategies to improve cash flow management in your business.  

 

 

 

Uburyo bwo gucunga amafaranga yawe y’igicuruzo

Gucunga neza amafaranga y’igicuruzo ni ikintu cy’ingenzi kigomba gukoranwa ubuhanga na buri kigo cy’ubucuruzi gito cyose  kandi ni ingenzi kuri buri kigo cy’ubucuruzi gito guhorana  igicuruzo cyiza  kugira ngo kibashe gutera imbere.  Igicuruzo kiba cyiza  iyo amafaranga akomoka  mu byacurujwe n’ibindi byose byinjiza amafaranga bitanga amafaranga aruta asohoka mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi nk’amafaranga agenda ku ikode, imishahara y’abakozi, n’andi mafaranga yose asohoka. Ni ingenzi cyane  kugira ngo   ubucuruzi bubashe kunguka  no kugira ngo bigufashe guhangana n’ibihe bitateganyijwe. Igicuruzo kiba kibi igihe amafaranga asohoka mu bucuruzi bwawe asumba abwinjiramo; ibyo bikaba ari ikimenyetso kigaragaza ko ikigo kiri mu ngorane. Iyo amafaranga y’igicuruzo adakwiye, ubucuruzi bwawe bushobora kugenda nabi; ibyo bikaba byatuma ugabanya ikigero ubucuruzi bwari bugezeho ndetse ukaba wanabuhagarika.

Ingamba zo kuguma mu rugo zo gukumira ikwirakwira rya COVID-19 zatumye byinshi mu bigo by’ubucuruzi mu Rwanda bigira igicuruzo kibi umwaka ushize. Hejuru ya ba rwiyemezamirimo 57% ntibakoraga kugeza kuwa [ andika itariki] nk’uko bivugwa na [ andika aho wavanye aya makuru] naho ba rwiyemezamirimo 42.5%  barakoraga. Ba rwiyemezamirimo 35.8%  baracyagurisha ariko bakaba bafite igicuruzo kibi.

Ku bw’amahirwe, haracyari ingamba nyinshi ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe gishobora gufata kugira ngo kibashe guhangana n’ibibazo bikomeye bijyanye n’ingano y’amafaranga y’igicuruzo. Zimwe muri izo ngamba ni izi zikurikira:

Kora inyemezabuguzi  uko bikwiye.

Gukora inyemezabuguzi ni kimwe mu bice by’ingenzi bigize ihurizo rijyanye n’micungire y’amafaranga y’igicuruzo. Ihutishe ibikorwa bijyanye n’amafaranga yinjira utanga inyemezabuguzi vuba ku buryo wabasha kwishyurwa n’abakiriya bawe mu buryo bwihuse kurushaho. Tekereza gukoresha uburyo bwo gukora inyemezabuguzi bwikoresha nk’imashini zabugenewe ku buryo wabasha kunoza umubare w’inshuro uzenguruka ukanagabanya igihe wohererezamo inyemezabuguzi. 

Huza ibitabo by’ibaruramari byawe n’igihe.

Huza ibitabo by’ibaruramari byawe n’igihe uko bishoboka kose. Ibi bishobora kugufasha kugira igitekerezo cyumvikana ku bijyanye n’uko ubucuruzi bwawe buhagaze mu rwego rw’ubukungu; ibyo bikaba byaguha umusinge uhamye washingiraho uteganya uko amafaranga y’igicuruzo uzagira azaba angana mu bihe biri imbere, bikanagufasha gufata ibyemezo by’ingenzi, no kugena ibizajya bikorwa mu bihe byiza no bihe bibi.

Zigama amafaranga ushobora kwifashisha mu bihe bikomeye.  

Kuzigama amafaranga ni ingenzi kandi ibi bishobora gukorwa iyo umuntu atangiye kunguka. Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bigira igihe bigenda neza n’igihe bigenda nabi- kugira amafaranga ahagije yo kongera mu yo umuntu akoresha bishobora kuba ikintu cy’ingenzi kugira ngo ubucuruzi bukomeze gukora mu bihe bibi.

Shaka amafaranga ugurisha imitungo yarengeje igihe cyangwa ibicuruzwa by’umurengera biri mu bubiko.

Rimwe na rimwe ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigira ibikoresho bidakoresha, imitungo yarengeje igihe, cyangwa ibicuruzwa by’umurengera mu bubiko bwabyo; ibyo byose  bishobora gukoreshwa neza bikinjiza  amafaranga. Ibikoresho n’ibicuruzwa biri mu bubiko bishobora gutakaza agaciro igihe hakozwe ibikoresho bishya cyangwa bitewe n’ihinduka ry’ibyo abaguzi bifuza. Hirengagijwe ko ushobora kubigurisha munsi y’igiciro fatizo cyabyo, kugurusha ibikoresho bitazakoreshwa bishobora gutuma ingano y’amafaranga y’igicuruzo yiyongera.

Tekereza uburyo washyira mu bikorwa izi ngamba mu rwego rwo kunoza imicungire y’amafaranga ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe gicuruza.

by KachecheMusa

ABH Prize Competition 2021 Seeks Applicants

ABH Prize Competition 2021 Seeks Applicants

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition aims to identify, support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs making a positive impact in their local communities. The competition recognizes entrepreneurs who work towards solving pressing problems  such as connected households to direct water supply and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.

Africa’s Business Heroes supports African entrepreneurs with the tools and the platform to scale and collaborate with likeminded entrepreneurs. ABH provides entrepreneurs with the chance to engage with industry experts, venture capitalists and celebrities. With the support provided the ABH finalists have made significant strides, including establishing new stores, increasing revenue and raising investments.

The competition is now receiving applications both in English and French. It is open to entrepreneurs from all African countries and sectors. Each year, ten finalists are selected to compete in the ABH finale pitch competition and participate in a TV Show that broadcasts online and across the continent.

The selected finalists for the competition will receive; 

  • An opportunity to pitch to business legends and receive advice from them
  • Grant funds ranging from $ 100,000 – $ 300,000
  • International publicity via televised Africa’s Business Heroes Show, press releases, news articles, TV/radio & print interviews
  • Tailored feedback, mentorship & training via ABH’s network of partners and judges
  • Connection to the online community of ABH Alumni that promotes peer learning, engagement and networking

Who can apply?

This competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs who fulfil the criteria below:

  • Applicant must be the founder or a co-founder of the company
  • The applicant is of African citizenship or is the child or grandchild of an African citizen
  • The company is registered and headquartered in an African country and primarily operates in Africa
  • Business is 3 years old or more and has at least 3 years of revenue history

How to apply

To take part in the competition 2021, register and apply here.

Application deadline: 07th June 2021; 23:59 GMT

For more information;

Email; info@africabusinessheroes.org

Visit; https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/the-prize/overview

by KachecheMusa

New Faces New Voices Rwanda in partnership with Rwanda Public Procurement Authority works to ensure women entrepreneurs are competitive candidates for public tenders.

New Faces New voices Rwanda partners with Rwanda Public Procurement Authority to offer training on public procurement for women entrepreneurs. 

 

New Faces New Voices Rwanda in partnership with UN Women and Rwanda public procurement authority has developed a training program to support women entrepreneurs in the public tender process. The trainings, which launched in 2018, provide information on procurement processes, the use of e- procurement platform https://umucyo.gov.rw/  and other ICT facilities, and address participant questions. 

The dedicated training program was developed as a result of the study NFNV conducted in partnership with UN Women about gender responsive procurement in Rwanda. The study sought to collect data and evidence to enable stakeholders make informed decision and proposal for furthering gender equality and women’s empowerment through successful tendering in public procurement.

The study confirmed the limited participation of women-owned businesses in the current tendering processes. From an indicative sample of 332 public tenders awarded in 2016/2017 and 2018/19, women-owned businesses won an estimated 13% compared to 85% for male-owned businesses.  This was in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, education, gender, trade and social protection.  The tenders won by women-owned businesses represent only 5% of the estimated total of RWF 34.5 billion.

New Faces New voices Rwanda in partnership with UN Women is responding to one of the study recommendations in order to increase the number of women entrepreneurs participation in public tenders, which is “Capacity Development to enhance businesswomen’s proficiency in areas such as financial management, tax processes, procurement processes, use of e-procurement and other ICT facilities”. To date, New Faces New Voices has had 3 sessions of trainings supporting over 100 women entrepreneurs and has a plan to train more. The trainings last 2 days, are held in Kinyarwanda or English and have taken place in person.

New Faces New Voices will be hosting more trainings in May and June and July 2021. Interested candidates are encouraged to find more information via secretariat@nfnv.rw.

The SME Response Clinic spoke with two training participants to learn more about hoe the procurement training has impacted their businesses and how they plan to sue what they learned. One participant, Laura Uwase of Tripple TM General Supplies, highlighted that as a result of the training, she has been able to transfer skills to her staff. Another, Adelaide Udusanze of Promota Creations, also highlighted that she leant how to search for public tenders both online and in the field, which she now does now a on regular basis to identify relevant opportunities for her business. Watch the videos below. 

by KachecheMusa

Strategies for Managing Risk as an SME

Strategies for Managing Risk as an SME 

Risk management involves making and carrying out decisions to minimize potential adverse effects of risk on a business. More than ever, with the COVID-19 pandemic threatening business survival worldwide, this is an important part of running a business. Failing to effectively manage risks can be especially damaging for small businesses since they tend to have fewer resources and expertise than large businesses to help contain unexpected emergencies or situations. With that in mind, there are a number of strategies SMEs can use to manage risk in their businesses. Read below to find out how to effectively manage risk in your own business.  

Diversify your products or services. 

There is a common expression that says: Never put all your eggs in one basket. Regardless of whether you are involved in the service, trade, manufacturing or any other sector, diversifying your business offers is an excellent idea. Offering a wide range of options to your clients enhances customer satisfaction while also creating several income streams for your business. It can also give you a competitive edge over your competition. One example would be a tech shop selling mobile phones or electronics. One way that kind of business can diversify its offering by providing device repair for damaged items – this can turn one-time customers into regulars.  

Educate yourself about the law. 

Simple information like business registration, health and hygiene protocols, and most importantly in today’s environment, COVID-19 preventive measures can help you manage legal risks. This because its critical for business owners to be aware of what rights their businesses have against other businesses and individuals. It is also essential to understand certain activities that may lead to closure of your business by governing authorities; for example, if you want to start a small manufacturing business with products like soap or hand sanitizers, you need to make sure your products are approved by the Rwanda Standards Boards before you put them on the market. Additionally, if a business is to engage in contracting agreement with another business, its important to know who is bound to the contract and what may happen if one or more parties cannot perform what they legally agreed to do or deliver. 

Keep clear, transparent records.   

It is critical always to document important transactions in your business such as sales, credit you offer to clients, operations costs, work schedules, and tax payments. It is also essential to make sure that your staff are documenting transactions properly so that you can in turn prepare accurate financial records. This reduces the risk of loss of income, potential conflict with clients, and employee theft or fraud. This is because documenting your business transactions helps you monitor where your finances go, and it will also help you determine whether your spending is appropriate or not. For example, If you’re operating a clothing business, your accounts information will help you determine which products from your shops have more sales and generate more incomes hence enabling you to make informed decisions on which products to focus on. 

When you need financing, acquire business loans from a formal, transparent source.  

Many business owners struggling due to the adverse effects of the pandemic need financing to restart or invigorate their businesses. A loan from a formal financial institution can be a great resource to help in this case. Avoid using moneylenders or other informal sources of financing, which may charge hidden costs, typically have very high interest rates, and may resort to unethical recovery practices should you run into trouble paying. When looking for a business loan from a formal financial institution, be sure that the repayment amount is manageable, the interest rate and fees are transparent, and the institution is trusted. 

If possible, invest in insurance. 

Insurance is one of the tools used to manage risks in several business disciplines but may not cover all the risks to which your business may be exposed. All insurance policies have exclusions, making it essential to understand what is covered. It is critical to understand the nature of businesses you are operating to ascertain the likely risk that can affect it. For example, a restaurant business may opt for fire insurance given they deal with fire to prepare meals, and a transport business may opt for an accident insurance given their line of work. Consult with an insurance broker who can clearly explain both what is covered by your business insurance and what is not. 

Ingamba zo gucunga Ingorane mu Kigo cy’Ubucuruzi Gito n’Igiciritse

Imicungire y’ingorane ijyana no gufata no gushyira mu bikorwa ibyemezo bigamije kugabanya ingaruka mbi ku bikorwa by’ubucuruzi. Ubungubu kurusha mu bindi bihe byahise, bitewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19 gihungabanya uburambe bw’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi ku isi hose, iki ni igice gikomeye kijyanye n’imicungire y’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi. Kudacunga ingorane neza bishobora kugira ingaruka mbi cyane cyane ku bigo by’ubucuruzi bito kuko bikunze kuba bifite amikoro adahagaije  ari nta n’ubuzobere mu bucuruzi ugereranyije n’ibigo by’ubucuruzi binini byabifasha guhangana n’ibihe by’amage bitunguranye. Muri urwo rwego, hari ingamba nyinshi ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse bishobora gukoresha mu gucunga ingorane mu bucuruzi bwabyo.

Soma ibikurikira maze umenye uburyo wacunga ingorane neza mu bucuruzi bwawe.

Curuza ibicuruzwa cyangwa serivisi zinyuranye.

Hari amagambo akunze kuvugwa agira ati: Ntugashyire amagi yawe yose mu nkangara imwe. Utitaye ku rwego waba ukoreramo rwose rwaba urwa serivisi, urw’ubucuruzi, urw’inganda cyangwa urundi rwego urwo ari rwo rwose, gukora ibintu binyuranye mu bucuruzi bwawe ni igitekerezo cy’agahebuzo. Guha abaguzi bawe uburyo bwo guhitamo ibintu byinshi bizamura uburyo bumva bishimiye ibyo ukora; ibyo bigatuma hinjira amafaranga menshi mu bucuruzi bwawe. Ibyo bishobora kandi gushyiraho intera  hagati yawe n’abo muhiganwa. Urugero rumwe rufatika  ni iduka ricuruza ibijyanye n’ikoranabuhanga rigurisha telefoni zigendanwa cyangwa ibikoresho bya elegitoronike. Uburyo bumwe bene icyo kigo cy’ubucuruzi gishobora kongera mu bucuruzi bwacyo ibindi bicuruzwa binyuranye ni ugucuruza ibyuma byo kubikora igihe byapfuye- ibi bishobora gutuma wa mukiriya waje rimwe ahinduka umukiriya uhoraho uza buri gihe.

Iyigishe ibijyanye n’amategeko.

Kugira amakuru asanzwe nko kwandikisha ubucuruzi, ibigomba gukorwa mu rwego rw’ubuzima n’isuku cyane cyane muri ibi bihe, ingamba zo kwirinda ikwirakwira rya COVID-19 bishobora kugufasha gucunga ingorane zishingiye ku mategeko. Ibi ni ngombwa ku bafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi kugira ngo babashe kumenya uburenganzira ibigo by’ubucuruzi byabo bifite ugereranyije n’ibindi bigo by’ubucuruzi cyangwa abandi bantu ku giti cyabo. Ni ingenzi kandi kumva ibikorwa bimwe bishobora gutuma ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe gifungwa n’ubuyobozi; urugero, niba ushaka gufungura uruganda rukora amasabune cyangwa umuti wo gukaraba intoki, ugomba kureba niba ibyo ukora byemewe n’Ikigo cy’Igihugu Gishinzwe Ubuziranenge mbere yo kubishyira ku isoko. Byongeye kandi, niba ikigo cy’ubucuruzi kigomba kugirana amasezerano n’ikindi kigo cy’ubucuruzi, kigomba kumenya uwo kigiranye amasezerano nawe n’ibizakurikiraho igihe umuntu umwe cyangwa  benshi mu bashyize umukono ku masezerano atazabasha gukora cyangwa gutanga ibyo yiyemeje mu buryo bushingiye ku mategeko.

Kubika inyandiko zumvikana ziciye mu mucyo.   

Ni ngombwa buri gihe kubika inyandiko z’ibikorwa bikomeye by’ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe nk’inyandiko z’ibyacurujwe, imyenda uha abakiriya bawe, ikiguzi cy’ibikorwa, ingengabihe z’akazi, n’ubwishyu bw’imisoro. Ni ngombwa nanone kumenya niba abakozi bawe bandika ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byawe uko bikwiye ku buryo nawe byagufasha gutegura raporo z’imari. Ibi bigabanya ingorane zijyanye n’igihombo gishobora kubaho, amakimbirane n’abakiriya, ubujura cyangwa uburiganya bushobora gukorwa n’abakozi;  kwandika ibikorwa by’ikigo cy’ubucuruzi cyawe bigufasha kugenzura aho imari yawe yerekeza kandi bikagufasha kumenya niba amafaranga usohora akwiye cyangwa adakwiye. Urugero, niba ucuruza imyenda, amakuru wandika atuma umenya ibicuruzwa byo mu iduka ryawe bigurwa kurusha ibindi kandi byinjiza amafaranga menshi; ibyo bikagufasha gufata ibyemezo uzi n’impamvu yabyo ku byerekeranye n’ibicuruzwa ugomba kwibandaho.

Mu gihe ukeneye amafaranga, saba inguzanyo ahantu hazwi hakorera mu mucyo.  

Benshi mu bantu bafite ibigo by’ubucuruzi bari mu ngorane zakomotse ku cyorezo bakeneye amafaranga yo kongera gutangira cyangwa kongera imbaraga mu bikorwa byabo by’ubucuruzi. Inguzanyo itanzwe n’ikigo cy’imari kizwi ishobora kugira akamaro cyane muri uru rwego. Irinde gusaba inguzanyo abandi bantu cyangwa ngo uguze amafaranga ahantu hatazwi kuko bashobora kuguca ibiguzi bitagaragara  cyane cyane inyungu zihanitse cyane cyangwa bakakwishyuza mu buryo budakwiye igihe ugize ikibazo cyo kwishyura. Mu gihe usaba inguzanyo mu kigo cy’imari kizwi, ugomba kureba niba amafaranga usabwa kwishyura ushobora kuyabona, niba ijanisha ku nyungu n’amafaranga yo kwiga dosiye aciye mu mucyo kandi niba ikigo usabamo inguzanyo kizewe.

Niba bishoboka, fata ubwishingizi.

Ubwishingizi ni kimwe mu bikoresho byifashishwa mu gucunga ingorane mu nzego nyinshi z’ubucuruzi ariko bukaba butabasha kwishingira ingorane zose ubucuruzi bwawe bushobora guhura nazo. Ubwishingizi bwose bugira ibintu butishingira; ibyo bikavuga ko ari ngombwa kumva ikishingirwa icyo ari cyo. Ni ingenzi kumva ubwoko bw’ubucuruzi ukora kugira ngo ubashe kumenya n’ingorane bushobora guhura nazo. Nk’urugero, umucuruzi wa resitora ashobora guhitamo ubwishingizi bw’inkongi y’umuriro kubera ko akoresha umuriro igihe ategura ibiryo naho umucuruzi ukora imirimo y’ubwikorezi agahitamo ubwishingizi bw’impanuka bitewe n’urwego rw’akazi akoramo. Baza ushinzwe gucuruza ubwishingizi maze agusobanurire ibyishingirwa n’ibitishingirwa mu bucuruzi bwawe.

 

 

by KachecheMusa

Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX n’Abafatanyabikorwa Bishimiye 

Itangazo rigenewe abanyamakuru – Ririhutirwa 

Kigali, Rwanda – kuwa 30 Mata  2021 

Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX n’Abafatanyabikorwa Bishimiye 

Gutangaza Abatsindiye Ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic 

  • Ibigo bitatu by’ubucuruzi binyuranye byatsindiye ibihembo bitangwa na SME Response Clinic ku nshuro ya mbere bihwanye na miliyoni y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda 
  • Abatsindiye ibihembo batoranyijwe nyuma y’uko abagera ku 1200 mu gihugu cyose batanze amazina 
  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo bitanu byaje ku mwanya wa kabiri batewe inkunga yo gukurikira amahugurwa y’amezi atandatu azabungura ubuhanga mu by’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi 

Uyu munsi Access to Finance Rwanda na ConsumerCentriX batangaje amazina y’abatsindiye ibihembo bya  SME Response Clinic ku nshuro ya mbere nyuma y’ubukangurambaga bwiswe Twiteze Imbere bwo kuzirikana uruhare rw’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto mu gufasha u Rwanda kwigobotora ingaruka zatewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19. 

Muri ubwo bukangurambaga, abantu bose muri rusange batanze amazina y’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto, babiha amahirwe yo gutsindira igihembo cya SME Response Clinic. Irushanwa ryari rigizwe n’ibyiciro bitatu: ibigo by’ubucuruzi byashinzwe cyangwa biyoborwa n’abagore, icy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya hamwe n’ibigo byamaze gukomera. Abanyarwanda batoye ibigo baha amahirwe bifashishije urubuga rwa SME Response Clinic na terefoni. 

Ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bitatu byegukanye imyanya ya mbere muri buri cyiciro, ibyaje ku mwanya wa kabiri, ndetse n’ibigo 30 byashyizwe ku rutonde nyuma y’ijonjora ry’ibanze byose byatoranyijwe hakurikijwe isuzuma ryimbitse. Access to Finance Rwanda na Consumer Centrix binejejwe no gutangaza ko abatsinze n’abaje ku myanya ya kabiri ari: 

  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi biyoborwa n’abagore 
    1. Ku mwanya wa mbere: Kurema Kureba Kwiga, Ikigo gikora ibijyanye n’ubugeni giherereye i Kigali 
    2. Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Kicirwanda, ikigo gifite ububiko bw’ibikoresho by’ubugeni n’ubukorikori buherereye i Kigali 
  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya: 
    1. Ku mwanya wa mbere: HADI Constructions, ikigo cy’ubwubatsi gikorera mu karere ka Nyagatare 
    2. Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Bhiku Bakery, ikigo gikora imigati cyo mu karere ka Rwamagana na Johnson’s Bakery yo mu karere ka Kicukiro, umujyi wa Kigali 
  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bimaze gukomera: 
    1. Ku mwanya wa mbere: Umucyo Company, ikigo gikora isabune zisukika giherereye mu karere ka Kirehe 
    2. Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Blessed Garden, inzu yakira ba mukerarugendo iyobowe n’umugore iherereye mu karere ka Kayonza na Crema, iduka ricuruza ikawa mu mujyi wa Musanze 

Ibi bihembo bije bikurikira ubukangurambaga bwiswe ‘Twiteze Imbere’ bwateguwe na SME Response Clinic bwari bugamije kwishimira uburyo ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto byabashije guhangana n’ibihe bikomeye no kuzirikana uruhare rwabyo mu rugendo rwo kuzahura ubukungu bw’u Rwanda. SME Response Clinic ni ihuriro ryashyizweho na Access to Finance 

Rwanda na ConsumerCentrix ku bufatanye n’Urugaga rw’Abikorera mu Rwanda (PSF), Ishyirahamwe ry’Ibigo by’Imari Iciriritse Bikorera mu Rwanda (AMIR), Ikigo Nyafurika Kigamije Guteza Imbere Imiyoborere (AMI), New Faces New Voices Rwanda, n’Ishyirahamwe ry’Amabanki mu Rwanda. 

Asobanura iby’ibi bihembo n’ubukangurambaga, Jean Bosco Iyacu, Umuyobozi Mukuru wa Access to Finance mu Rwanda, aragira ati: “Twishimiye abatsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic n’icyiciro cy’ibigo byaje ku mwanya wa kabiri. Mu byumweru bicye ubukangurambaga bwamaze, habashije gutora abantu bagera ku 1200 mu gihugu cyose. Twishimiye kubona hatorwa ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto mu ngeri zinyuranye, ishyaka n’akanyamuneza k’ababigana, ndetse n’uruhare biri kugira mu guteza imbere aho biherereye muri uru rugendo turimo rwo kuzahura ubukungu bw’igihugu bwashegeshwe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19.” 

Yarongeye ati: “Turashimira buri muntu wese wagize uruhare mu bukangurambaga bwiswe Twiteze Imbere, abafatanyabikorwa, ndetse n’ibitangazamakuru dufatanya byadufashije gusakaza amakuru kuri ubwo bukangurambaga. Birashimishije kubona SME Response Clinic ibasha kugera ku bigo by’ubucuruzi buto muri buri gice cyose cy’iki gihugu kandi tuzakomeza kubishyigikira muri ibi bihe bikomeye na nyuma yaho”. 

Judith Kaine, umuyobozi wa Kurema Kureba Kwiga, kimwe mu bigo by’ubucuruzi byatsindiye igihembo yagize ati: “Ni ishema kuri jye kandi nejejwe no kuba umwe mu batsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic. Iki gihembo ni icyo kuzirikana uruhare rw’ingenzi abahanzi bagira mu rwego rw’ubukungu kandi igihembo cy’amafaranga kizafasha ubucuruzi bwanjye gutera imbere. Ndashimira SME Response Clinic n’abafatanyabikorwa bayo kuba barateguye ubu bukangurambaga no kuba batekereza ku bigo by’ubucuruzi buto.” 

Ikigo cy’ubucuruzi buto cyatsinze muri buri cyiciro kizahabwa igihembo cy’amafaranga y’u Rwanda angana na miliyoni imwe (1,000,000) yakwifashishwa mu bucuruzi bwabo, ndetse na serivisi z’ubujyanama zitangwa n’inzobere mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi. Icyiciro cy’ubucuruzi bwatsinze ku mwanya wa kabiri kizahabwa inkunga yo gukurikirana amahugurwa atangwa n’Ikigo Nyafurika Kigamije Guteza Imbere Imiyoborere (AMI), yiswe “Komeza Utere Imbere – Survive to Thrive” aho ba rwiyemezamirimo bazamenya uko bahangana n’ibibazo bahura nabyo mu bucuruzi bakanahahurira n’abandi bacuruzi bo mu Rwanda no muri Afurika. 

Ibyerekeye SME Response Clinic 

Muri Gicurasi 2020, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) yafatanyije na Consumer Centrix hatangizwa icyiswe SME Response Clinic; ihuriro rifasha ba rwiyemezamirimo bagerageza guhangana n’icyorezo cyugarije isi cya COVID-19. SME Response Clinic igenera ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu Rwanda bagerageza kumenyera imiterere y’ubucuruzi bwazanywe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19, amahugurwa, ubujyanama ku bigezweho, n’uburyo bw’icungamari. Ku bindi bisobanuro, wasura urubuga smeresponse.clinic 

Ibyerekeye Access to Finance Rwanda 

AFR yatangiye ibikorwa byayo muri 2010 ifite intego nyamukuru yo guteza imbere urwego rw’imari mu Rwanda. AFR igamije gukuraho inzitizi zo muri sosiyete tubamo zibuza abantu kubona serivisi zijyanye n’imari hibandwa ku bantu binjiza macye, cyane cyane abatishoboye n’abagore bo mu cyaro. AFR ishyigikira iterambere n’itangwa rya serivisi z’imari zirimo ubwizigame, gutanga inguzanyo, ubwishingizi, ubwishyu, no guhererekanya amafaranga. Ushobora kubona amakuru kuri AFR unyuze ku rubuga rwa afr.rw 

Ibyerekeye ConsumerCentriX 

ConsumerCentriX ni sosiyete y’inzobere mu bijyanye no gushyiraho ingamba ikorana n’abatanga serivisi z’imari n’abashyiraho za politiki. Iyo sosiyete ihindura ibitekerezo by’abaguzi mo ingamba na politiki zijyanye n’imiterere y’isoko hagamijwe kwegera abantu badakunze kubona izo serivisi. Icyo tugamije ni ugutanga ibisubizo bishobora guhinduka bigendeye ku bitekerezo bihamye bijyanye n’imibereho, ibikenewe, n’imbogamizi z’abantu badakunze kubona serivisi z’imari mu masoko agenda avuka hagamijwe kuzamura imibereho yabo no guhanga imirimo bateza imbere ubukungu. 

Aho wabariza amakuru 

Niba hari ibyo wifuza kubaza, andikira Nadege Nzeyimana, Inzobere mu bijyanye n’Ihererekanyamakuru muri AFR kuri nadege@afr.rw. 

Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX, and Partners Announce Winners of SME Response Clinic Business Awards 

  • Three diverse Rwandan businesses win inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards with Rwf 1,000,000 prize 
  • Winners selected from 1,200 nominations across the country 
  • Five runners-up awarded 6-month business skills course 

Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX today announced the winners of the inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards following the Twiteze Imbere campaign to recognise the role of small businesses in Rwanda’s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Through the campaign, the general public nominated their favourite small businesses, giving their nominees the chance to win an SME Response Clinic Business Award. The competition featured three categories: women-owned businesses, start-up or innovative businesses, and established businesses. Rwandans made online nominations via the SME Response Clinic website and over the phone. 

The three winning small businesses and five runners-up were selected from among 30 shortlisted companies after careful and thorough deliberation. Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX are pleased to announce that the winners and runners-up are: 

  • Women-owned business category: 
    1. Winner: Kurema Kureba Kwiga, a public-arts social enterprise located in Kigali 
    2. Runner-up: Kicirwanda, an art and craft store based in Kigali 
  • Startup/Innovative business category: 
    1. Winner: HADI Constructions, a construction consulting firm based in Nyagatare District 
    2. Runners-up: Bhiku Bakery from Rwamagana District and Johnson’s Bakery from Kicukiro District 
  • Established business category: 
    1. Winner: Umucyo Company, a liquid soap manufacturer based in Kirehe District 
    2. Runners-up: Blessed Garden, a female-owned guest house based in Kayonza District, and Crema, a coffee shop located in Musanze District 

The awards come as a result of the SME Response Clinic campaign ‘Twiteze Imbere’ (Let’s Move Forward Together), which celebrated the resilience of small businesses and recognised their contribution to Rwanda’s economic recovery. The SME Response Clinic is a platform developed by Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX in collaboration with the Private Sector Federation, the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda, African Management Institute, New Faces New Voices Rwanda, and Rwanda Bankers’ Association. 

“Congratulations to the winners and runners-up of the SME Response Clinic Business Awards. In just a few weeks, we received 1,200 nominations from across the country. We were pleased to see great diversity among the nominated small businesses, enthusiasm from their customers, and the impact they are having in their communities on our journey of COVID-19 recovery,” said Jean Bosco Iyacu, Country Director, Access to Finance Rwanda. 

“We are grateful to everyone who took part in the Twiteze Imbere campaign, partner institutions as well as media partners who helped us spread the word. It’s rewarding to see the SME Response Clinic reaching small businesses in every corner of this country and we will continue to support them in these difficult times and beyond,” he added. 

“I am honoured and excited to be one of the winners of the SME Response Clinic Business Awards. This award recognises the important role of the creative industry in the economy and the prize money will support my business to grow. Thank you to the SME Response Clinic and its partners for organising this campaign and for looking out for small businesses,” said Judith Kaine, Director of Kurema Kureba Kwiga, one of the winning businesses. 

The winner in each category receives a cash prize of Rwf 1,000,000 to invest in their business as well as expert advisory services. Runners-up will be sponsored to participate in the African Management Institute‘s Survive to Thrive programme where they will learn how to navigate business challenges and network with other entrepreneurs in Rwanda and across Africa. 

About the SME Response Clinic 

In May 2020, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) partnered with ConsumerCentriX to launch the SME Response Clinic – a platform that supports entrepreneurs in Rwanda struggling in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SME Response Clinic provides access to training, industry insights, and financial management advice to entrepreneurs in Rwanda struggling to adjust to the economic realities of COVID-19. Access the platform at smeresponse.clinic 

About Access to Finance Rwanda 

AFR began its operations in 2010 with the core objective of stimulating the development of the financial sector in Rwanda. AFR’s intention is to remove the systemic barriers that hinder access to financial services by putting low-income people particularly the rural poor and women at the centre of its interventions. AFR supports the development and provision of financial services including savings, credit, insurance, payments, and remittances. Learn more at afr.rw. 

About ConsumerCentriX 

ConsumerCentriX is a strategy consulting firm that works with financial service providers and policymakers on translating consumer insights into market strategies and policies to reach the un/underserved. Our mission is to develop scalable solutions that are based on deep insights into the lives, needs, and constraints of un/underserved people in emerging markets to improve their livelihoods and create opportunities for economic growth. 

Media Contact 

For any enquiries, write to Nadege Nzeyimana, AFR Communications Consultant, at nadege@afr.rw. 

by KachecheMusa

Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX, and Partners Announce Winners of SME Response Clinic Business Awards

Press Release - For Immediate Release

Kigali, Rwanda - 30 April 2021

Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX, and Partners Announce Winners of SME Response Clinic Business Awards 

  • Three diverse Rwandan businesses win inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards with Rwf 1,000,000 prize 
  • Winners selected from 1,200 nominations across the country 
  • Five runners-up awarded 6-month business skills course 

Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX today announced the winners of the inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards following the Twiteze Imbere campaign to recognise the role of small businesses in Rwanda’s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Through the campaign, the general public nominated their favourite small businesses, giving their nominees the chance to win an SME Response Clinic Business Award. The competition featured three categories: women-owned businesses, start-up or innovative businesses, and established businesses. Rwandans made online nominations via the SME Response Clinic website and over the phone. 

The three winning small businesses and five runners-up were selected from among 30 shortlisted companies after careful and thorough deliberation. Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX are pleased to announce that the winners and runners-up are: 

  • Women-owned business category: 
    1. Winner: Kurema Kureba Kwiga, a public-arts social enterprise located in Kigali 
    2. Runner-up: Kicirwanda, an art and craft store based in Kigali 
  • Startup/Innovative business category: 
    1. Winner: HADI Constructions, a construction consulting firm based in Nyagatare District 
    2. Runners-up: Bhiku Bakery from Rwamagana District and Johnson’s Bakery from Kicukiro District 
  • Established business category: 
    1. Winner: Umucyo Company, a liquid soap manufacturer based in Kirehe District 
    2. Runners-up: Blessed Garden, a female-owned guest house based in Kayonza District, and Crema, a coffee shop located in Musanze District 

The awards come as a result of the SME Response Clinic campaign ‘Twiteze Imbere’ (Let’s Move Forward Together), which celebrated the resilience of small businesses and recognised their contribution to Rwanda’s economic recovery. The SME Response Clinic is a platform developed by Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX in collaboration with the Private Sector Federation, the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda, African Management Institute, New Faces New Voices Rwanda, and Rwanda Bankers’ Association. 

“Congratulations to the winners and runners-up of the SME Response Clinic Business Awards. In just a few weeks, we received 1,200 nominations from across the country. We were pleased to see great diversity among the nominated small businesses, enthusiasm from their customers, and the impact they are having in their communities on our journey of COVID-19 recovery,” said Jean Bosco Iyacu, Country Director, Access to Finance Rwanda. 

“We are grateful to everyone who took part in the Twiteze Imbere campaign, partner institutions as well as media partners who helped us spread the word. It’s rewarding to see the SME Response Clinic reaching small businesses in every corner of this country and we will continue to support them in these difficult times and beyond,” he added. 

“I am honoured and excited to be one of the winners of the SME Response Clinic Business Awards. This award recognises the important role of the creative industry in the economy and the prize money will support my business to grow. Thank you to the SME Response Clinic and its partners for organising this campaign and for looking out for small businesses,” said Judith Kaine, Director of Kurema Kureba Kwiga, one of the winning businesses. 

The winner in each category receives a cash prize of Rwf 1,000,000 to invest in their business as well as expert advisory services. Runners-up will be sponsored to participate in the African Management Institute‘s Survive to Thrive programme where they will learn how to navigate business challenges and network with other entrepreneurs in Rwanda and across Africa. 

About the SME Response Clinic 

In May 2020, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) partnered with ConsumerCentriX to launch the SME Response Clinic – a platform that supports entrepreneurs in Rwanda struggling in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SME Response Clinic provides access to training, industry insights, and financial management advice to entrepreneurs in Rwanda struggling to adjust to the economic realities of COVID-19. Access the platform at smeresponse.clinic 

About Access to Finance Rwanda 

AFR began its operations in 2010 with the core objective of stimulating the development of the financial sector in Rwanda. AFR’s intention is to remove the systemic barriers that hinder access to financial services by putting low-income people particularly the rural poor and women at the centre of its interventions. AFR supports the development and provision of financial services including savings, credit, insurance, payments, and remittances. Learn more at afr.rw. 

About ConsumerCentriX 

ConsumerCentriX is a strategy consulting firm that works with financial service providers and policymakers on translating consumer insights into market strategies and policies to reach the un/underserved. Our mission is to develop scalable solutions that are based on deep insights into the lives, needs, and constraints of un/underserved people in emerging markets to improve their livelihoods and create opportunities for economic growth. 

Media Contact 

For any enquiries, write to Nadege Nzeyimana, AFR Communications Consultant, at nadege@afr.rw. 

Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX n’Abafatanyabikorwa Bishimiye 

Gutangaza Abatsindiye Ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic 

  • Ibigo bitatu by’ubucuruzi binyuranye byatsindiye ibihembo bitangwa na SME Response Clinic ku nshuro ya mbere bihwanye na miliyoni y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda 
  • Abatsindiye ibihembo batoranyijwe nyuma y’uko abagera ku 1200 mu gihugu cyose batanze amazina 
  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo bitanu byaje ku mwanya wa kabiri batewe inkunga yo gukurikira amahugurwa y’amezi atandatu azabungura ubuhanga mu by’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi 

Uyu munsi Access to Finance Rwanda na ConsumerCentriX batangaje amazina y’abatsindiye ibihembo bya  SME Response Clinic ku nshuro ya mbere nyuma y’ubukangurambaga bwiswe Twiteze Imbere bwo kuzirikana uruhare rw’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto mu gufasha u Rwanda kwigobotora ingaruka zatewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19. 

Muri ubwo bukangurambaga, abantu bose muri rusange batanze amazina y’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto, babiha amahirwe yo gutsindira igihembo cya SME Response Clinic. Irushanwa ryari rigizwe n’ibyiciro bitatu: ibigo by’ubucuruzi byashinzwe cyangwa biyoborwa n’abagore, icy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya hamwe n’ibigo byamaze gukomera. Abanyarwanda batoye ibigo baha amahirwe bifashishije urubuga rwa SME Response Clinic na terefoni. 

Ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bitatu byegukanye imyanya ya mbere muri buri cyiciro, ibyaje ku mwanya wa kabiri, ndetse n’ibigo 30 byashyizwe ku rutonde nyuma y’ijonjora ry’ibanze byose byatoranyijwe hakurikijwe isuzuma ryimbitse. Access to Finance Rwanda na Consumer Centrix binejejwe no gutangaza ko abatsinze n’abaje ku myanya ya kabiri ari: 

  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi biyoborwa n’abagore 
    1. Ku mwanya wa mbere: Kurema Kureba Kwiga, Ikigo gikora ibijyanye n’ubugeni giherereye i Kigali 
    2. Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Kicirwanda, ikigo gifite ububiko bw’ibikoresho by’ubugeni n’ubukorikori buherereye i Kigali 
  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya: 
    1. Ku mwanya wa mbere: HADI Constructions, ikigo cy’ubwubatsi gikorera mu karere ka Nyagatare 
    2. Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Bhiku Bakery, ikigo gikora imigati cyo mu karere ka Rwamagana na Johnson’s Bakery yo mu karere ka Kicukiro, umujyi wa Kigali 
  • Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bimaze gukomera: 
    1. Ku mwanya wa mbere: Umucyo Company, ikigo gikora isabune zisukika giherereye mu karere ka Kirehe 
    2. Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Blessed Garden, inzu yakira ba mukerarugendo iyobowe n’umugore iherereye mu karere ka Kayonza na Crema, iduka ricuruza ikawa mu mujyi wa Musanze 

Ibi bihembo bije bikurikira ubukangurambaga bwiswe ‘Twiteze Imbere’ bwateguwe na SME Response Clinic bwari bugamije kwishimira uburyo ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto byabashije guhangana n’ibihe bikomeye no kuzirikana uruhare rwabyo mu rugendo rwo kuzahura ubukungu bw’u Rwanda. SME Response Clinic ni ihuriro ryashyizweho na Access to Finance 

Rwanda na ConsumerCentrix ku bufatanye n’Urugaga rw’Abikorera mu Rwanda (PSF), Ishyirahamwe ry’Ibigo by’Imari Iciriritse Bikorera mu Rwanda (AMIR), Ikigo Nyafurika Kigamije Guteza Imbere Imiyoborere (AMI), New Faces New Voices Rwanda, n’Ishyirahamwe ry’Amabanki mu Rwanda. 

Asobanura iby’ibi bihembo n’ubukangurambaga, Jean Bosco Iyacu, Umuyobozi Mukuru wa Access to Finance mu Rwanda, aragira ati: “Twishimiye abatsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic n’icyiciro cy’ibigo byaje ku mwanya wa kabiri. Mu byumweru bicye ubukangurambaga bwamaze, habashije gutora abantu bagera ku 1200 mu gihugu cyose. Twishimiye kubona hatorwa ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto mu ngeri zinyuranye, ishyaka n’akanyamuneza k’ababigana, ndetse n’uruhare biri kugira mu guteza imbere aho biherereye muri uru rugendo turimo rwo kuzahura ubukungu bw’igihugu bwashegeshwe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19.” 

Yarongeye ati: “Turashimira buri muntu wese wagize uruhare mu bukangurambaga bwiswe Twiteze Imbere, abafatanyabikorwa, ndetse n’ibitangazamakuru dufatanya byadufashije gusakaza amakuru kuri ubwo bukangurambaga. Birashimishije kubona SME Response Clinic ibasha kugera ku bigo by’ubucuruzi buto muri buri gice cyose cy’iki gihugu kandi tuzakomeza kubishyigikira muri ibi bihe bikomeye na nyuma yaho”. 

Judith Kaine, umuyobozi wa Kurema Kureba Kwiga, kimwe mu bigo by’ubucuruzi byatsindiye igihembo yagize ati: “Ni ishema kuri jye kandi nejejwe no kuba umwe mu batsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic. Iki gihembo ni icyo kuzirikana uruhare rw’ingenzi abahanzi bagira mu rwego rw’ubukungu kandi igihembo cy’amafaranga kizafasha ubucuruzi bwanjye gutera imbere. Ndashimira SME Response Clinic n’abafatanyabikorwa bayo kuba barateguye ubu bukangurambaga no kuba batekereza ku bigo by’ubucuruzi buto.” 

Ikigo cy’ubucuruzi buto cyatsinze muri buri cyiciro kizahabwa igihembo cy’amafaranga y’u Rwanda angana na miliyoni imwe (1,000,000) yakwifashishwa mu bucuruzi bwabo, ndetse na serivisi z’ubujyanama zitangwa n’inzobere mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi. Icyiciro cy’ubucuruzi bwatsinze ku mwanya wa kabiri kizahabwa inkunga yo gukurikirana amahugurwa atangwa n’Ikigo Nyafurika Kigamije Guteza Imbere Imiyoborere (AMI), yiswe “Komeza Utere Imbere – Survive to Thrive” aho ba rwiyemezamirimo bazamenya uko bahangana n’ibibazo bahura nabyo mu bucuruzi bakanahahurira n’abandi bacuruzi bo mu Rwanda no muri Afurika. 

Ibyerekeye SME Response Clinic 

Muri Gicurasi 2020, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) yafatanyije na Consumer Centrix hatangizwa icyiswe SME Response Clinic; ihuriro rifasha ba rwiyemezamirimo bagerageza guhangana n’icyorezo cyugarije isi cya COVID-19. SME Response Clinic igenera ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu Rwanda bagerageza kumenyera imiterere y’ubucuruzi bwazanywe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19, amahugurwa, ubujyanama ku bigezweho, n’uburyo bw’icungamari. Ku bindi bisobanuro, wasura urubuga smeresponse.clinic 

Ibyerekeye Access to Finance Rwanda 

AFR yatangiye ibikorwa byayo muri 2010 ifite intego nyamukuru yo guteza imbere urwego rw’imari mu Rwanda. AFR igamije gukuraho inzitizi zo muri sosiyete tubamo zibuza abantu kubona serivisi zijyanye n’imari hibandwa ku bantu binjiza macye, cyane cyane abatishoboye n’abagore bo mu cyaro. AFR ishyigikira iterambere n’itangwa rya serivisi z’imari zirimo ubwizigame, gutanga inguzanyo, ubwishingizi, ubwishyu, no guhererekanya amafaranga. Ushobora kubona amakuru kuri AFR unyuze ku rubuga rwa afr.rw 

Ibyerekeye ConsumerCentriX 

ConsumerCentriX ni sosiyete y’inzobere mu bijyanye no gushyiraho ingamba ikorana n’abatanga serivisi z’imari n’abashyiraho za politiki. Iyo sosiyete ihindura ibitekerezo by’abaguzi mo ingamba na politiki zijyanye n’imiterere y’isoko hagamijwe kwegera abantu badakunze kubona izo serivisi. Icyo tugamije ni ugutanga ibisubizo bishobora guhinduka bigendeye ku bitekerezo bihamye bijyanye n’imibereho, ibikenewe, n’imbogamizi z’abantu badakunze kubona serivisi z’imari mu masoko agenda avuka hagamijwe kuzamura imibereho yabo no guhanga imirimo bateza imbere ubukungu. 

Aho wabariza amakuru 

Niba hari ibyo wifuza kubaza, andikira Nadege Nzeyimana, Inzobere mu bijyanye n’Ihererekanyamakuru muri AFR kuri nadege@afr.rw. 

by KachecheMusa