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

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, and Partners Announce Winners of SME Response Clinic Business Awards

Press Release - For Immediate Release

Kigali, Rwanda - 30 April 2021

English
Kinyarwanda

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

Ministry of Trade and Industry's support to SMEs in Rwanda in the face of COVID-19 pandemic

Ministry of Trade and Industry’s support to SMEs in Rwanda in the face of COVID-19 pandemic

The SME Response Clinic spoke with Samuel Kamugisha, the Director–General for Industry Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM). The session sought to understand how MINICOM supports SMEs in Rwanda. The discussion focused on programs and policies the Ministry is implementing to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the interview, Director General Kamugisha gave insights about some of the programs and policies the Ministry is currently developing or implementing, such as a new e-commerce policy, the Economic Recovery Fund, and export promotion strategies.

Additionally, Mr Kamugisha highlighted the role the AFCFTA will play in implementing the Entrepreneurship Development Policy and provided information on how entrepreneurs can access information on the Ministry’s interventions. For the full interview, visit: SMEResponseClinic

by SME Response Clinic

Celebrating the SME Response Clinic Awards

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We are proud to feature the 30 businesses shortlisted for the SME Response Clinic Business Awards through the Twiteze Imbere campaign, which celebrated the role small businesses play in the country’s journey to recovery following COVID-19. We received around 1,200 nominations from across the country in three categories: established businesses, women-owned businesses, and startup/innovative businesses. Congratulations to the businesses that were shortlisted and we wish them the best in their growth!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS

HADI Construction

Start-Up Business

A construction consulting firm based in Nyagatare District

Umucyo Company

Established Business

A liquid soap manufacturer based in Kirehe District

Kurema Kureba Kwiga

Women-Owned Business

A public-arts social enterprise located in Kigali

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RUNNERS UP

Bhiku Bakery (Start-Up Business)

Johnson's Bakery (Start-up Business)

Crema (Established Business)

Blessed Garden (Established Business)

Kicirwanda (Women-Owned Business)

MEET THE SHORTLISTED NOMINEES

Kigali Farmers Artisians (Women-owned Business)

Nisawa Africa (Start-up Business)

Zöi Design (Women-owned Business)

4ever Bloom (Women-owned Business)

Wazobia Chops (Established Business)

Umurawa Work Core Solutions (Start-up Business)

Urukundo Initiative (Start-up Business)

Igisura Company (Start-up Business)

Tripple TM General Supplies (Women-owned Business)

Kebs Fashion House (Established Business)

VNG Technology LTD (Established Business)

Champion Grocers (Women-owned Business)

Agri Kungahara (Start-up Business)

by Ana M Singh

Call for Application – Smart Cities Innovation Programme

Invest for Jobs, in collaboration with the Rwandan government and Make-IT in Africa, has organized the Smart Cities Innovation Programme (SCIP) to support the growth of digital urban innovations in Rwanda and beyond.

The six-month accelerator programme will support high potential tech start-ups from Rwanda and other African countries working in the same field of smart cities. The programme is divided into three tracks: smart mobility, smart housing & fintech for affordability, supporting ten start-ups.

During the programme, selected start-ups will benefit from individual mentoring, training and intensive networking, matchmaking with international business partners and investors. The call for applications officially opened and will run until the 9th of May 2021.

SCIP will be implemented in collaboration with various partners, including Volkswagen, Siemens, and the African Business Angels Network (ABAN) so that applicants have access to highly specialised technical expertise. Successful start-up applicants will also have the opportunity to use Green City Kigali, Rwanda’s flagship smart city project, to test their solutions and enter the Rwandan market.

To be eligible for the programme, start-ups must have already launched their tech-enabled product or service on the African market and have customers. Start-ups should also have a high growth and job creation potential and a positive social and/or environmental impact. Finally, start-ups from Rwanda and/or with female members in management are preferred at equal qualification.

For more information, visit: Smart Cities Innovation Programme’s website

To apply for this programme, visit: SCIP Application.

In case of questions, reach out to info@scipafrica.com.

by SME Response Clinic

Virtual Event: Sub-Saharan Africa Vendor Forum for Woman-Owned Businesses

Virtual Event: Sub-Saharan Africa Vendor Forum for Woman-Owned Businesses

The World Bank Group (WBG) Corporate Procurement Unit invites woman-owned businesses to participate in an upcoming procurement forum. Entrepreneurs will learn how WBG does business, what they purchase, and what they are doing to include woman-owned businesses in their supply chain.

Date: April 7, 2021

Time: 8:00 am EST (3:00 pm EAT)

Where: Zoom

The event will highlight the role played by WBG as an agent of change towards gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in the sub-Saharan Africa region. Woman-owned businesses that currently work with the WBG will share their insights and experiences with Corporate Procurement practices and procedures.

Agenda Highlights:

Welcome remarks:

Mr. Shaolin Yang, Managing Director and World Bank Group Chief Administrative Officer

Speakers include:

Ms. Caren Grown, Global Director, Gender, World Bank
Mr. Kenny Cheung, Chief of Corporate Procurement, World Bank Group
Ms. Ercília Mata Ubisse, Director of Business Development and Learning, ELIM Serviços (Mozambique)
Ms. Margaret Jackson, Managing Partner, Rainbow Consult (Ghana)
Ms. Patricia Sennequier, Founder and Managing Partner, Beautiful Soul (Senegal)

Language:

The language of the event will be English. English to French interpretation will be available.

Registration:

Registration for this event is required, and participation is free. To register, click on this link: https://worldbankgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8hLid8l8R_iLxWQ5dmFS6w.

Space at the event is limited to 500 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. After registration reaches the maximum number of attendees, a waitlist will open. Attendance cannot be guaranteed to waitlisted individuals.

by KachecheMusa

5 ways to enhance employee experience

During challenging times, many companies have a hard time ensuring good employee experience and morale, which can be especially harmful to business performance. In this video, we discuss five ways your company can improve employee experience and positively impact your bottom line. Get ready to reap the rewards of greater employee engagement!

Script

As a business owner, you are always on a constant journey with your employees. Employee experiences are crucial to your business – they influence employee attitudes and these attitudes in turn form behaviors that eventually drive outcomes. These are five ways you can improve employee experience:

Exercise an open-door policy.

An open-door policy means that you are open to communication, discussion, and feedback from every employee. This means employees have the liberty to raise their concerns and suggestions outside their chain of command without worrying. With an open-door policy, business owners have a better chance to connect with employees, show their support, and understand employees personally. This arrangement fosters trust and loyalty and strengthens your work relationship with them.

Check-in individually from time to time.

One-on-one meetings are essential and should help you understand current issues employees may be facing and offer the opportunity for you to provide feedback on employee progress. We know things get busy; therefore, it is crucial to dedicate some time to listen to employees while being supportive through providing positive and constructive feedback.

Share the bigger picture.

With fewer complicated administrative procedures than a large corporation, consider sharing plans for your business with employees. This will make them feel more valued. It is easy for employees to be more engaged with their work if they better understand your vision for the future, and their contribution can help you achieve a particular goal.

Exercise flexibility.

Flexible work arrangements are becoming the norm in many businesses across all sectors. Consider flexibility in your business to improve your employees’ work-life balance and quality of life. Being flexible means that you are open, allowing workers time-off, especially during emergencies s. Such arrangements can help to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and enhance loyalty.

Provide employee benefits that are relevant to their needs.

Small businesses may have the idea that employee benefits are costly and unaffordable, and while this may be the case, implementing some benefits makes a massive difference in keeping workers happy, which in turn incentivizes higher productivity. An example of an affordable employee benefit would be to offer options or perks that coincide with the season. For example, introduce summer Fridays so that everyone starts their weekend a few hours early. Most businesses are resuming operation soon in Rwanda; consider implementing these tips to create a conducive environment where your employees have the opportunity to increase their productivity in their work.

by Ana M Singh