Groove Magazine Zimbabwe Issue 1 | Page 56

BUSINESS With the current economic environment and high unemployment rate, at times many young people find it challenging to make it in this world. With ambitions to succeed and the pressures of expectations, one wants to have something tangible to bring to the table. And because at times one needs a lot of capital to start their own businesses, getting a project loan from the bank is a long process on its own; they might find it tedious and fail to launch their ideas. We have found some simple ways to start raising capital, and with a lot of discipline, focus and patience, you might be able to raise capital and also have a source of petty cash to help you get by as you build your empire. 54 Line of business: Airtime Capital required: Start from $1500 going up Labour required: Minimal. You will need to go purchase airtime vouchers from dealers. Minimum profit per day: $30 to $40 Target market: The general public Reasons why this is a good start up: Airtime credit is a necessity for all cell phone users so you are likely to make sales due to the demand. You would have to be strategic where you sell your airtime vouchers so as to have as little competition as possible. Line of business: Hair and beauty Capital required: None to $500(for the nail kit) Labour required: Your talent or trained skills in beauty therapy Minimum profit per day: Varies with your charge and number of clients but one can make $50 or more Target market: Women who are image conscious Reasons why this is a good start up: It is a fact that most women love to look good and have a great appreciation about grooming. You would want to start with people that you know and you can offer housecalls and special promotions so as to increase your clientele. Line of business: Car wash Capital required: $100 for cleaning equipment Labour required: You will have to be willing to stand for most of the day Minimum profit per day: $20 to $45 Target market: Motor vehicle owners, car parks Reasons why this is a good start up: A lot of people do not really have time to thoroughly clean their cars, so you could maximise on this. It is important to be strategic and create a large clientele basis so as to increase your profit margin. Your neighbourhood could be a great place to start and as your skills and speed improve you could move to other places, or receive referral clients.