The Covid-19 pandemic has left many jobless, businesses struggling and salary cuts, for those that are still employed. This has left many trying to start business ventures and income streams and at the same time mindful of the Covid-19 measures in place. There are a number of ideas and concepts that emerging entrepreneurs can start operating from their homes. Below are a number of ideas and sectors one can start a venture working from home. Agribusiness Nellie Ingabire, a farmer and a business owner in Kayumba Sector, Nyamata District is of the view that farming is a business that one should try in this period. Nellie Ingabire, a farmer and a multi-business owner. Joan Mbabazi. For those who have an extra room or space in their homes, she said that one can consider transforming it into a chicken house or for indoor mushroom. A small space of about 10 by 5 meters can house up to 200 chickens, if someone puts up a creative installation. Ingabire added that when rearing local or broiler chicken, an individual could sell eggs to their neighbors, friends or even at a local food store. “Indoor mushroom farming is also worth giving a try. This is one of the easiest, since we now spend more time at home. In just 10 days, one can be harvesting,” she said. “I buy my ready to plant spores at Rwf 500 each. With about 200 spores, one can harvest about 100 Kgs of fresh mushrooms every week with each kilogramme going for Rwf 3,000,” she stated. The ‘agri-preneur’ also noted that all one needs is growing the mushrooms in a small space where they can control the temperature, humidity and light. Mushroom farming is also ideal in that there is no need for weeding or supervision. Ingabire further explained that one could also keep a milking cow at their backyard depending on where they live. They can hire a labourer to collect peels from their neighbourhood, and make sure the cow gets adequate water and a clean area. “A good cow can produce 20 to 25 liters of milk a day which could be supplied to the nearby market or neighbours. A litre of milk costs about Rwf 400. If one sold to a number of people per month, that would be good income,” she added. “I myself breed pigs, chicken, goats, cows, ducks, fowls, and pigeons. I sell eggs and chicks and for pigs, cows, and goats, I sell young ones. If one has an agreement to supply milk or meat to a hotel, restaurant, or they would be guaranteed regular income,” she says. Liquid Soap making Ingabire is also involved in making liquid soap which she noted that she only needs two large 200-litre containers. With just an investment of Rwf 100,000, she is in a position to make 400 litres of liquid soap, selling 20 liters at Rwf 15,000. Art production Gislain Mugisha, who is a pencil artist explained that when one is talented in any art genre and can market for themselves, there is no doubt that they can earn at the comfort of their homes. Gislain Mugisha, a pen-potrait artist. Joan Mbabazi. “Developing one’s skills at home is very easy if one has access to tools such as a computer or phone. However, it is necessary to create communication and network through social media to showcase one’s artworks,” he stressed. Mugisha added that for this business to be fruitful, one should seek opportunities and connect with galleries for collaboration, learn from the internet and keep in mind the need to improve their skills. The artist advised on creating more artworks with different meaning so that an artist is qualified for each and every opportunity, without any limitation. “Always approach galleries online and establish a good connection so as to exhibit one’s artworks in their showroom, create a great connection with fellow creatives,” he said. The portrait artist points out that some of the tools to start the art business are; a drawing table (for those who use pen, pencil and other drawing medium), easel (an upright support used for displaying and fixing something resting upon it, at an angle of about 20° to the vertical) to those who paint. Other necessities he said include; canvas, paper, brushes, pencils, pen, paints, working chair, working space (could be one’s room), computer or phone that can has internet access to allow one to learn of access markets. Baking Nana Gasengayire and Rehma Makarukundo, the brains behind a Kicukiro based “Bolus Ltd”, a company involves in pastries noted that starting a baking business requires passion. “Know your craft, invest in one’s self first, for instance, buy equipment, and set up to making quality products. Test and test and test, until the best quality of merchandise is achieved,” Gasengayire said. Rehma Makarukundo (L) the CEO of Bolus Ltd and her daughter Nana Gasengayire (R). Joan Mbabazi. She added that one should read up and get informed on how to get started by registering their business and make sure that they are operating legally Rwandan Standard Bureau measures of standards. Makarukundo stressed that like every other business, one requires to create networks which can be achieved through joining groups, social media, to create awareness of the brand’s existence. She further explained that an individual can literally start with an oven and a mixer and grow from there. “Alternatively, start with any capital and budget it according to the most needed equipment,” she said. Women in handcraft weaving Agaseke in Muko Sector, Musanze District. Sam Ngendahimana.
