Ambitious Anthony realises his entrepreneurship dream
Chakalisa Dube | Monday July 27, 2015 18:04
The 26-year old second born of a family of three, is the founder Anthony Carpenters. The father of one established his business in 2013, a year after completing his tertiary studies at Tutume Brigade. He holds a trade test B and C in carpentry.
Anthony’s business offers a wide range of carpentry services including roofing, wall wardrobe and ceiling fitting, among others.
“My customers at the moment are individuals, but I just got a trade licence to tender for government works. I intend to begin tendering soon. I have also submitted my business profile to some furniture shops and they have promised to review them and get back to me. I hope their response will be positive,” says an optimistic Anthony.
Anthony’s venture was funded to the tune of P98,000 by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture through the youth fund initiative in October last year.
“ I used the money to buy machinery, pay rent for the workshop and to pay my staff of four people while the business was still finding its footing,” Anthony says during a recent visit to his workshop situated at the Monarch Industrial area. Prior to being funded, Anthony used to operate the business at home.
Just like many businesses, Anthony does encounter challenges in his venture. “As a new market entrant, it is difficult to compete against established businesses. However customers I have worked for have done a great job of marketing my business after they were satisfied with my work. My hope is that as time goes on more people will develop confidence towards my products and engage me.”
In a bid to penetrate the market ,Anthony mainly market his business through word of mouth, business cards and the social media. He also recently exhibited his products at the popular BOCCIM Northern trade fair.
“The response I get through various marketing channels I regularly use is very promising. I also welcome constructive criticism during my marketing activities,” Anthony says.
Anthony comes across as a very ambitious businessman when he outlines his main goal as to expand his business into a venture that can compete locally and with other businesses in the SADC region.
“I believe I am capable of achieving the goals I have set myself in the next five years,” he says.
As a parting shot, Anthony encourages more youth to consider setting up their ventures instead of being employed.
“I think the youth need to be resilient. They tend to give up easily when they try to establish businesses and things do not go their way. There are more business opportunities out there,” he says.