Mamona Cuts Teeth In Welding Business
Faith Siako | Monday September 28, 2015 18:00
The business started operating in August and mainly offers welding and related services.
“Some of the services I offer include fixing car trailers, car shades, mobile car beams, making burglar doors and steel structures,” he said.
Mamona, who holds a Trade C Certificate in Welding (Trade C) from Madiba Brigade said that he was forced by lack of employment to start his own business.
He said that he approached the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) to fund him to start the business.
He added that after his application for funding was successful, the ministry sponsored him to study a basic Business Management course at Sand Sledge Business Service in Gaborone.
“After the course, I received the funds that I used to acquire all the necessary equipment and open my own business. Overall I was funded to the tune of P98,000,” he said.
Mamona currently has two employees in his business. He explained that since his venture is new he is still trying to sell his company to the public and develop good relations with his clients, adding that at the moment the business is doing fairly well.
He markets his business mostly through word of mouth and the social media.
Mamona said that the main challenge in his business is stiff competition from established welding firms.
“As part of mitigating against competition I have lowered my prices. I also put a lot of emphasis on quality service and material in order to attract and retain customers,” he said. His main clients are individuals.
He disclosed that his other challenge is lack of transport to attend some of his customers who require his service outside the office, particularly in places outside Francistown. “I will buy a car once the business has found its footing,” he said.
In addition, Mamona noted that there is lack of operating space for business.
“The space that I operate from is very small and it cannot accommodate all my equipment.
We will also secure a big operating facility once the business is well established,” he said.
Mamona said that his goal as a young entrepreneur is to see his business competing with very established welding companies locally and abroad.
He further urged the youth to be creative and critical thinkers if they want to develop their start-up businesses.
“Youth also have to embrace hard work if they want to start their businesses,” he said.