Joan is a cheerful young woman who owns a mobile money agency plus services from 4 different banks in a peri-urban town just outside Nairobi, Kenya. She loves reading inspirational books and listening to christian messages. She is a mum to a playful 10 year old boy.
Three years ago, she launched her business after being laid off from a tea factory where she had worked for 12 years. The news of her layoff left her terrified, uncertain about what the future held for her and her child. However, a friend who operates a mobile money agency guided her through her business's operations, highlighting its pros and cons. With the small severance package from her employer, she decided to pursue this new path. So far, she has thrived and no longer wishes to return to traditional employment
A key factor in her success has been her commitment to
complying with all legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary licenses, and ensuring that no transactions occur without a national ID. This diligence has helped her steer clear of fraudulent activities. In early 2024, her business encountered a significant setback when an employee was conned out of a substantial sum of money. Consequently, she had to shut down the bank agency, leading to a drastic decline in her profit margin. As a single parent, this made it increasingly difficult for her to meet her family's needs. Seeking assistance, she turned to a friend who referred her to 4G Capital. Initially skeptical about her friend's glowing recommendations, Joan visited the 4G Capital office. After an appraisal of her business, she was approved for a $300 loan. True to her friend's words, she received the funds that very day, with no requirement for savings or collateral. The branch officers have been incredibly professional and supportive, providing her with valuable business training.
Over time, her business has experienced remarkable growth, allowing her to reopen the four bank agencies and restore her profit levels. She also noted personal milestones, such as purchasing land and comfortably meeting her family's needs due to her business's stability.
Recently, she has benefited from a training program aimed at empowering women, offered through the HerVenture learning app by the Cherie Blair Foundation in a Pilot run by 4G Capital.
One of the most impactful trainings she accessed through the app. was in bookkeeping, which she implemented immediately. The Budgeting and saving strategy lessons have enabled her to manage her profits effectively, plan her expenses, and enhance her savings goals. She appreciates the convenience of the app, allowing her to learn during her free time and share insights with others. “Opting for financial empowerment for women in business is the best decision that 4G Capital has made. The money lessons we learn here are invaluable, and as mothers, we pass this knowledge on to our children.”
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