Founder of Impact Food Hub, Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare, has urged young people to do proper due diligence on whatever space or industry they want to venture into before entering it.
Speaking exclusively with Business Outlook Africa, Dr. Owureku-Asare explained that entering a space without a proper understanding of how things work within it is not sustainable and cannot ensure long-term business success.
“Understanding the space if you want to conquer it, if you want to survive in it requires a lot of patience. A lot of understanding of what it takes to thrive in that space. It’s not easy,” she stated.
Dr. Owureku-Asare further advised young people looking to enter the agricultural industry to exercise patience, adding that although the sector might seem lucrative, it takes considerable effort and time to realise the profit margins they may be looking at.
“But if you are very consistent with what you’re doing, very particular about quality, and you keep growing your brand meaning you’re building a consumer base who believe in the products you’re making it will be fulfilling. It will give you the figures you want to see. But I must say, Gen Zs, be very patient, because this is an area that requires taking things one step at a time. You can’t rush through it. You have to grow the business and leverage opportunities as you move,” she added.
The Founder of Impact Food Hub then urged young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to start small and scale gradually rather than starting big, explaining that there are considerable advantages that come with starting small which young people need to leverage.
“I always say that even when you want to set up a factory, start small. Get people to believe in the product if you’re doing it right, that’s how people will believe in your brand. Start at a scale you can manage, and then grow it gradually as you expand and scale up. That helps you stay in control. It doesn’t give you any shocks because sometimes you think, ‘I have this brilliant product,’ you set up big, and you expect it to do well, but there are challenges you may have to overcome. So start small, build a solid brand, make sure you’re on point with quality and certification, and then invest in branding and marketing,” she emphasised.
Dr. Owureku-Asare’s call comes at a time when young people appear increasingly disinterested in agriculture, with many efforts underway to draw them back into the sector.
About The Author
