GOLOCAL
GoLocal is a Liberian social impact agro-venture that amplifies women and youth participation in economic activities and fosters opportunities with other businesses through speed mentoring, pitch or business plan competitions, and entrepreneurial fairs. The Giving Joy grant contributed to the socio-economic capacity of 55 women and girls, facilitating the initiation, launch and successful management of new and existing businesses in Monrovia.
GOLocal offered tailored mentorship and coaching through its business clinic designed to enhance entrepreneurial acumen and equip participants with skills to launch and manage start up ventures. Activities included business ideation sessions covering idea generation, financing small businesses, and marketing strategies, as well as business planning, financial management customer segmentation, resource mobilization, customer relations, recordkeeping and leadership skills.
GoLocal also published a book to generate funds for the DKS Startup Revolving Fund, supporting female entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses. Lessons learned highlight the need for diversified learning approaches and enhanced post-program support, influencing future modifications such as practical application through case studies and strengthened support structures.
The program’s impact resonated wildly, boosting newfound confidence and sharpened business skills. One example is Rachel B. Williams, founder of R Fashion. Her dedication to the program led GoLocal to invest in a new sewing machine for her, which enabled her to work from home while mentoring others. Rachel stated: “Prior to joining the program, I worked at a tailor shop where I was not earning anything because I was just a student seamstress.” But since acquiring the sewing machine, with the help of GoLocal, Rachel can now sew clothes on her own, pocket the revenue, continue to apprentice at the tailor shop and hone her skills, save funding to open her own shop, and eventually hire young women like her. Additionally GoLocal extended $150 micro-loans (with very low interest) to Rachel and 3 other exceptional entrepreneurs to further enhance their businesses.
This is GoLocal’s first ever grant! Since receiving the grant, GoLocal’s brand recognition increased from 5% to 35% in local and international donor networks. As a result GoLocal signed a contract with Canadian -based business to conduct a business development training. GoLocal also won the Mercy Corps Market Facility Fund, receiving $14,000 to help them purchase processing machines, raw materials, marketing and promotion, shipment, and custom clearances for GoLocal’s farina cereal. Similarly, sales of GoLocal’s farina cereal increased by 10% over a period of 5 months -generating revenue for additional business trainings to local entrepreneurs.
“The Giving Joy grant has taught us the transformational power of even modest donations, illustrating how $500 can significantly amplify our efforts to create social impact. This funding has enabled us to strengthen partnerships and networks, enhancing our capacity to generate meaningful change.” David K. Sinatue, Founder and CEO.
