adminA number of rural entrepreneurs said the stringent requirements by banks were making it difficult for them to get loans.
In an interview, an entrepreneur from Lupane, Mr Austin Mpofu, said rural small to medium entrepreneurs needed support but most of the time they were last to be considered for loans.
He said entrepreneurs who specialised in craftwork were being forced to work in the open as they could not get affordable premises to rent.
“As individual entrepreneurs we face a lot of challenges and we wish we could get funding so that we could secure our own permanent place where we could put our products for market,” he said.
Another entrepreneur, Mr Washington Tshuma, who operates a shop, said together with other up-and-coming businesses, they had tried to engage banks and other relevant authorities to help them build a complex but did not get any joy.
“We wish to be assisted with funds to build a complex or a big hall fitted with stands so as to put our products for sale.
“This will make us to be recognised in the business industry and also get orders from a lot of people,” said Mr Tshuma.
Mr Never Mpala, another entrepreneur, said the issue of collateral was making it difficult for most rural businesses to access loans.
“Accessing funds has been difficult for most rural businesspeople because they own cattle and other livestock,” he said.
Mr Mpala said a number of people in rural areas were willing to venture into businesses but capital and facilities were the major problems.
He said one could have the capacity to start a business today but by the end of the month, it would have collapsed because of lack of support.
“There are people especially women who wish to venture into some projects and start businesses but fail due to lack of funds and support,” said Mr Mpala.
Online Reporter