We recently talked to Ndita Mulimbeni, National Coordinator of Zambia Business Angels Network (ZBAN) on the importance of supporting Women-Led startups and this is what she said…..
“Supporting women-led businesses is not just about diversity, it’s about unlocking economic potential. Investing in women entrepreneurs bridges the gender funding gap, strengthens economic growth, drives innovation through diverse leadership & encourages more women to participate in the startup ecosystem.”
A success story of a female founder ZBAN has backed
Three years ago, Idah Gondwe turned her passion for cleaning into a business, launching Promaid (formerly Door to Door Perfect Cleaning). What started with two employees quickly grew to four and kept growing, she now has 12 employees serving both residential and commercial clients.
However, scaling came with challenges, rising transport costs, the need for better training, and securing a dedicated office space.
After expanding to Lusaka, Idah faced new challenges, including finding a training center for her promaids. Through ZBAN, she pitched and secured investment and mentorship, leading to the establishment of a professional office and training space.
This milestone is key to her goal of increasing monthly revenue while also improving service quality.
Her next steps include targeting more neighborhoods in Lusaka to reach 100 customers, enhance customer service training, and maintain strong investor communication. She’s also exploring advertising and social media sponsorships to drive growth.
With a focus on quality service and referrals, Promaid is on track to becoming Zambia’s premier cleaning service. Idah’s journey showcases the power of persistence, strategic partnerships, and smart investments in business growth.
Ndita’s Advice for Women looking to invest in or build startups
- Start with a solid business plan, a well-defined business model is key. Understand the problem you are solving, your market, and your revenue potential.
- Seek Out Mentorship and Networks, connect with entrepreneurs, experienced investors, and business networks to gain insights and support. Learning from others can accelerate your success.
- Leverage Digital Marketing and Technology, a strong online presence and tech-driven solutions can help you scale faster, reach new markets, and streamline operations.
Think long-term, sustainable growth matters more than quick wins. Focus on investing in scalable, impact-driven businesses that can thrive in the long run. Ultimately, she emphasized the importance of empowering women-led startups, which consequently boosts the entrepreneurial landscape, creating sustainable businesses, and delivering high-impact solutions.
Happy International Women’s Day! Keep Accelerating Action!💜
