Stephen Molatlhegi , Botswana
Stephen founded Tshwaragano Entrepreneurial Trust as a forum for small business owners to save securely, share best practice and access financial advice. The collective savings groups have 617 members, of which 586 are women. Currently, 1,380 people have benefitted from business counselling and training, and over 180 small enterprises have profited from access to quarterly Tshwarangano market days and an annual expo. The Trust aims to improve financial stability and develop capacity for members to increase opportunities for business growth, sustainability and consequently improved livelihoods. Tshwaragano Entrepreneurial Trust offers access to dedicated market days every three months, providing small business owners with additional opportunities to sell their products and increase their revenue. Business counselling and mentoring services allow members to seek specific advice or access a more general health check on their business activities. Mentors support business owners to deal with emerging challenges and to guide plans for expansion.