Small Business Workshops in Zimbabwe: February 2004

The British Council invited me to run some workshops for their small business members, as they felt that they were not doing enough for this sector. Although I approached the project with some trepidation, as even then Zimbabwe was in severe economic difficulties, it proved to be a great success.

I wrote the article below about the workshops for the local British Council newsletter:

Small Business Management Seminars: Feb/March 2004

The British Council ran Small Business Development Seminars in February 2004 in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. There were two one-day workshops: one on 'Start-up & Survival', and one on 'Business Growth'. There was also an evening workshop on ‘Lean Office’.

The seminars, which were lively, practical and interactive, were very well attended.

Start-up

For business start-up key questions dealt with included:
- have you an entrepreneurial personality?
- are you really motivated to start a business?
- have you good business idea, and is there really a demand for your product?
- have you the business skills that are needed?
- can you gather the resources you need to start up?

Survival

As many small businesses fail in the first two years the groups discussed ways to ensure success, including building strong networks with other people who can help the business, managing cash, and especially concentrating on selling the product.

Growth

Rapid business growth can be very dangerous if the right foundations are not laid first. The participants learned how to use the ‘DUBS Growth Framework’, a systematic tool specifically designed to assess the current performance of a small business, and to evaluate its potential for growth.

Lean Office

In the evening the participants learned about ‘Lean Office’ – the application of lean manufacturing tools to the office environment. They used a case study to learn to identify ‘wastes’ including:
- waiting and delays in processing documentation.
- unnecessary movements of materials and people.
- rectifying defects and errors.

Outcomes

We have several reports that participants are already using these techniques in their businesses.

One of the participants – Faith Ntabeni-Bhebhe said “I realised from the workshops that my business was well poised for growth, and now I have to decide in which direction to go. I will use the Growth Framework to help me do this”

The Presenter

Richard Hanage worked for 12 years in the prestigious Durham Business School, before that he was with the large chemical manufacturer, ICI, in production and computing. He now helps run several businesses including a Sailing Centre and an exciting new project: the publication of ‘Stag & Groom’ a wedding magazine for men.