You could be one of them. You could have seen others or heard about the misfortune that befell them, leaving them helpless. They had no one to turn to for help or redress. Many business people face problems but they do not know how to solve them or the people and government institutions that could help them. Though they run to colleagues for help, more often than not, this effort is fruitless. That is where joining an umbrella group of your sector comes in handy. As a business person, it is important that you join others in your sector and work to find solutions to your industry’s challenges as a group. After all, they say that together we can do more. That’s why almost every Rwandan is in a co-operative society. Do not underestimate the power of unity and collective bargaining. As a private sector player, it is only logical that you join the Private Sector Federation (PSF). Many small-and-medium businesses are always complaining about lack of access to finance, taxes and other issues that affect their enterprises. If you are not a member of any lobby group, who will forward your grievances to the authorities for remedy? Look beyond the membership fee that organisations like PSF ask because the benefits far outweigh it. Besides lobbying government to enact favourable laws and scouting for investment opportunities and partners that could help grow your business, umbrella groups can help you get funding.Let’s work smart to reap maximum benefits. Remember, solitary journeys are never a good idea as you will most likely get no one to help in case of an accident.
