Since the February conclusion of the first Goldman Sachs Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, Anastasie Nyirabukeye – one of two grand prize winners of the business plan competition that capped the six-month program administered by WDI - has made some changes to her business.
One of the first changes was how Nyirabukeye, who owns a lumberyard, furniture manufacturing business, and construction company, manages her staff. Prior to being selected for the program, she said spoke harshly to her employees. She thought that was the only way to get them to work properly.
But Nyirabukeye used what she learned in the program’s HR session and sat down with every employee to discuss the important role they play in making the business work well. She asked the workers to consider themselves a partner in the business, and to feel free to discuss any problems with her before they start affecting their performance. She said she has seen improvement in employees she thought would never change.
As a result, her business is improving. And because she has developed and empowered her employees, Nyirabukeye is now free to write bids for more work and strategize about the future of her business.
Also due to her participation in the program, she has changed her view of, and approach to, the Rwandan government. Before, she was afraid to register her business because she was worried the government would find a reason to fine her business. But the Goldman Sachs program familiarized her with the government regulations and taxation policies. She now understands what the government expects, and how to follow their rules. Her business is now registered and she pays taxes. She also is now eligible for a larger variety of contracts.
Nyirabukeye credits the program with giving her the confidence to succeed despite difficult situations, and to become a calculated risk taker. The furniture industry as a whole has slowed down due to several factors. However, she’s found ways to increase her sales and expand her business.
She sells lumber scraps to hotels for their cooking stoves. She started building low-cost, high quality practical furniture for immediate purchase. She moved two machines that weren’t being used to a work site where they can be used in construction projects.
When reading about government policies, Nyirabukeye sees business opportunities. For example, the Rwandan government announced that it will be emphasizing education for all. Nyirabukeye sees a potential need for more schools and is positioning herself to be a contractor.
Nyirabukeye sees her business continuing to grow. She is in the process of developing artisan skills in some of her employees so she can become an exclusive supplier of custom molding and furniture.
She said it was the entrepreneurship program that challenged her to be creative in her approach. It gave her a confidence she lacked, the know-how needed to improve her business, and made her resilient to economic climates.