2010 commemorated the 16th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide that resulted in the death of nearly a million men, women and children and a society torn apart by politics, segregation, ethnic favoritism and economic injustices.

 

Today, this small peaceful nation in the heart of Africa contains one of the most compelling lessons on earth. With forgiveness and determination, Rwandans are recovering from one of the most violent conflicts in history, showing the path to a stable, peaceful and productive Africa.

 

The current government is on a mission, Rwanda 2020, to eliminate the genocide's drivers: idleness and poverty. The key? Jobs and economic development.

 

Bpeace’s history in Rwanda started in 2003 when volunteers first helped introduce the now famous Rwanda Peace Baskets to the U.S. market. Today, we are focused on assisting entrepreneurs in Rwanda’s service sector through pro-bono consulting, introduction of best practices, training and access to expansion capital.

 

Our goal is the same for every entrepreneur: help her expand her business so she can create additional employment to sustain the peace in her community.

 

Programs and progress

  1. In 2010, Bpeace will provide business skills training to Butare women opening Rwanda’s first ice cream shop. We are pleased to be partnering with Brooklyn Blue Marble Ice Cream help them realize their dream of bringing economic growth.
  2. Six semi-finalists in Bpeace’s first Race to Innovation are receiving expert technical advice to help turn their business dreams into reality.
  3. In 2009, 14 Fast Runner entrepreneurs who graduated from the Bpeace three-year program operate the kind of neighborhood businesses reflective of vibrant communities: beauty salons, restaurants, retail shops, landscaping, even an amusement park. Together they employ 286 people who contribute to the support of 1,462 family members.
  4. Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers to business and job growth. Bpeace volunteers and staff forged an innovative partnership with Fina Bank in Kigali to provide business expansion loans to the qualified entrepreneurs in our program.
  5. Government regulation is another constraint for Rwandan small business owners. Bpeace staff advocates for the Bpeace entrepreneurs among government agencies. In one case, Bpeace intervention saved a business and 20 jobs, and enabled construction to resume on a major new warehouse.
  6. As Rwanda positions itself to be a tourism and hospitality destination, Bpeace has stepped into the customer service gap by providing training workshops to employees at hotels, restaurants and more.
  7. Bpeace volunteers also develop and deliver priority training workshops and tools in finance and human resources. Highly popular is the follow-up financial advisory to the entrepreneurs that improves their profitability and potential for expansion.
  8. One of the most satisfying and productive ways for volunteers to engage with Rwandan women entrepreneurs is to work side by side with them as traveling mentors. Bpeace’s on-the-ground staff in Kigali identifies traveling mentor opportunities and Bpeace’s New York staff recruits and onboards qualified professionals willing to invest their time (two weeks to one month) and cover their own travel and living expenses. Read about HR professional Phyllis Rosen's time as a traveling mentor in Rwanda here.

 

Bpeace staff, entrepreneurs and volunteers talk about what Bpeace brings to them.

 

 

Traveling mentor Tatyana Kovalesky spent a month with Rwandan landscaper Soline helping her identify plant diseases/pests, enhance growing conditions with better soil and irrigation, and bid for major commercial contracts. 

 

 

In 2007 Bpeace piloted a beauty salon training program in partnership with the Regis Corporation.  Recognizing how a job as a hair stylist can transform families, providing stable income and hope for the future, two beauty salon owners  have asked Bpeace to help launch Rwanda’s first beauty vocational school.

Photo © Peter Lien 2007. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

BLOGS

 

Visit our most recent blogs.

 

April 2009 on HR professional Phyllis Rosen's trip to Rwanda as a traveling mentor.

 

November 2008 with more customer service and beauty school progress.

 

September 2008 to witness the beauty school taking shape.

 

January 2008 as a pop-up ad agency team creates and delivers logos and branding.

 

September 2007 as customer service unveils what Rwanda can do for you.