What We Learned from BDS Training with Small Businesses in Kitengela
At Raising Hope Centre, our Business Development Services (BDS) training programs aim to empower small businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of entrepreneurs in Kitengela, and the experience provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the community.
Understanding the Challenges Entrepreneurs Face
One of the most important lessons we learned is how many small business owners operate in the informal sector. Many entrepreneurs manage day-to-day operations without structured financial systems, often mixing personal and business finances. While this may seem convenient in the short term, it makes it difficult to track profitability, plan for growth, and make informed business decisions.
Additionally, we observed that many small businesses face limited access to formal training and mentorship, which can slow their development and limit opportunities for expansion.
Key Lessons from the Training
The BDS sessions highlighted several recurring themes and insights:
- Financial Management is Critical
- Separating personal and business finances is a challenge for many entrepreneurs.
- Keeping simple records, understanding costs versus revenue, and planning budgets are essential skills for sustainable growth.
- Planning and Sustainability Matter
- Business development goes beyond solving immediate problems.
- Entrepreneurs who adopt long-term planning, goal-setting, and reinvestment strategies are better equipped to withstand economic pressures and grow steadily.
- Entrepreneurship Requires Confidence and Adaptability
- Many participants learned that running a small business is not only about products or services, it also requires communication skills, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
- Community and Peer Learning Strengthens Businesses
- Training sessions that encouraged group discussions and peer-to-peer learning created opportunities for entrepreneurs to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build support networks.
The Impact of BDS Training
Through the training, participants left with more than technical skills, they gained confidence, clarity, and a sense of direction. Many expressed that learning how to track finances, plan for growth, and set realistic goals gave them new motivation to take their businesses to the next level.
These insights confirm that Business Development Services training is not just about teaching tools, it’s about empowering people to make sustainable choices and create lasting impact in their communities.
Moving Forward
Our work in Kitengela continues, and these lessons inform how we design future BDS programs. By addressing both practical skills and mindset development, we aim to equip small business owners with the knowledge and confidence to succeed, while fostering a culture of collaboration and peer support.
Business development training in Kitengela is more than a series of sessions, it’s an investment in the growth, resilience, and sustainability of local entrepreneurs. The insights we’ve gained from recent trainings will guide future programs and strengthen the impact of our work in the community.
