This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 18, 2019, Bizna Kenya's founder, Tonnie Mello, was on a mission to create awareness about Kenyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). In an exclusive interview, Mello shared his vision of recognizing and promoting SMEs through his online platform and awards.
As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, Mello understood the challenges SMEs face and wanted to create a platform that would help them get their stories told. He noted, "Everybody else is talking about the big guys. People like recycling stories yet there are a million untold stories about SMEs. They may not be successful as the big guys but someone has to tell their story. These stories are different."
With the Bizna SME's awards and the Young Entrepreneur's awards, Mello aimed to create a platform that would not only recognize SMEs but also provide them with opportunities for growth and development. He said, "Writing about them was not enough. You have got to create other avenues for engagement and be able to create that visibility."
The awards process involved nominations, scrutiny, and finally, recognition of the successful SMEs. Mello observed that the awards created a sense of validation and motivation for the businesses, saying, "Even if you have been in business for years, there is some validation that comes when people celebrate you. It gives you extra motivation and inspiration for your business."
As an entrepreneur himself, Mello advised others to get their business online, citing the benefits of increased recognition and opportunities. He said, "Given the current market and economy, opportunities are few but when you venture into the digital world you will find opportunities opening up."
