Kenya. My name is Simon, and I am an entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability. After finishing my high school education, I worked in various roles that helped me develop essential skills in finance and management. However, I always felt a calling towards creating a business that not only generated profit but also contributed positively to the environment.

This desire led me to start a business focused on reusable bags. I saw a significant opportunity in the market as more people became aware of the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Despite my enthusiasm, I quickly realized that turning a good idea into a successful business required more than just passion. It required structured knowledge, strategic planning, and effective execution. That’s when I discovered the Master of Business in the Streets (MBS) course. The MBS course has been a game-changer for me. Here’s how it has impacted my life: Goal Setting and Achievement: The course taught me the importance of setting measurable, motivating, and specific goals. For instance, instead of a vague goal to “increase sales,” I set a goal to “increase my sales of reusable bags by 5% this month by attending local farmers’ markets.” This clarity helped me focus my efforts and track my progress effectively. Business Planning: Creating a comprehensive business plan was one of the most valuable exercises. I defined the mission, values, and products of my business. This structured approach helped me understand my business better and communicate its value to others. The process of formalizing my business, including setting up a budget and income statements, provided me with a clear financial roadmap. Money Management: The financial management sections of the course were incredibly beneficial. I learned how to create personal and business budgets, maintain an income and expense log, and prepare income statements. These tools have enabled me to keep track of my finances meticulously, ensuring that I am aware of my cash flow and profitability at all times. Community Involvement: The course emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. I organized a community service project, where I provided free reusable bags to local farmers’ markets. This initiative not only benefited the community but also helped build my brand’s reputation. Action Steps and Accountability: Regularly setting and reviewing commitments in areas such as business development, home quality of life, and money management kept me accountable. Reporting on my progress at the beginning of each unit ensured that I stayed on track and made continuous improvements. Profitability and Growth: By focusing on key areas such as marketing, cost management, and product diversification, I have been able to increase my sales and profitability. For example, I introduced new product lines and optimized my advertising strategies, which resulted in higher revenue and customer satisfaction. In summary, the MBS course has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take my business to the next level. It has helped me turn my passion into a profitable venture and set me on a path towards sustainable growth. I am now better equipped to handle the challenges of entrepreneurship and am excited about the future of my reusable bags business.