By Betsy Ramser Jaime
Joseph Amofa Atuahene hails from Bekwai and currently lives in Kimasi, Ghana. After graduating from high school, he joined the family business as his father was getting too old to run the company, and soon after, passed away. Joseph explains, ‘Business has been improving and as a business minded person, I always need help to support my business and I am happy to join this organization. I currently employ about four people to help in my business. I like reading and am always inspired by motivational messages.’ He is also excited to be part of Zidisha as he hopes to continually upgrade his business.
In describing his business, Joseph shares, ‘I am into the sales of plumbing materials. These plumbing materials are also in my shop/store and customers come and buy them in retail and wholesale. I sell every material that plumbers need for their work. I retail my goods and also sell them in bulk or large quantities.’
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Zidisha has continued to support entrepreneurs like Joseph as they do their best to pivot, and continue to run businesses, even under the most unusual of circumstances. Joseph is fairly new to the Zidisha community, joining in July 2020, and has since raised 9 Zidisha funded loans.
In July, Joseph raised his first loan of $18 and shared, ‘Thank you Zidisha for allowing me to create a loan proposal. This loan is purposely intended for, to buy plumbing materials for sales. Buying of the plumbing materials will boost my sales and to also increase my profit margin for me to repay my loan given. Buying of plumbing materials are essential to aid water flows in institutions, schools, homes etc. My loan will be used to buy plumbing materials for sales. I pray to the most high God to end this Corona virus outbreak that is collapsing many businesses. It is really sad for business to be closed or not working. In my country, businesses are operating fully because we are not on a lockdown. People are buying and selling so I will use the sales from my plumbing materials to repay my loan. Thank you so much.’
Doing well and repaying his first loan, Joseph was able to raise five additional loans throughout the month of July, continuing to increase his inventory supply. The following month, in August, Joseph raised $287 as he wrote, ‘Words cannot express itself for the support that I am receiving from Zidisha and the lenders. Market was really good a few days ago. My loan is going to be used to buy plumbing materials for sales. Thank you.’
As 2020 is coming to a close, Joseph is continuing to work hard and keep his inventory stocked as he raised a loan for $316 in November and one for $455 in December, sharing with lenders, ‘I am here again to give thanks to the Zidisha staff and the lenders for all the loans I have taken from Zidisha. This loan that I am requesting will be used to restock my shop with plumbing materials for sales. Restocking the shop with plumbing materials for sales boost good sales and increase profits. This loan is purposely going to be used to restock my shop with plumbing materials for sales. Many businesses are facing high risks of climate change but I can repay my loan in the coming weeks. This is because, people patronize my plumbing materials that I sell and there’s a free movement of people in my country and that will enable me to make repayment on time.’
Recently, Joseph left a comment for his lenders on his discussion page and wrote, ‘I thank you so much for your support with my loan. Indeed sales have been extremely good and I am here to appreciate Zidisha for their support with my business. Thank you team Zidisha and everyone here. God bless you all.’
Would you like to continue supporting entrepreneurs that are persevering through the pandemic? Make sure to head on over to our Browse Projects page to read about Zidisha business owners around the world.
