23/06/2023
TLDR: Africa Thryves is BACK! We've discovered that our meager support has generated $300,000+ in revenues and is growing. We're ready to do more and would love your help!
Please watch our 2 min Intro Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NMAMDxAsS2w
BEGINNING
In 2018, we embarked on a journey with a clear vision and lots of enthusiasm to empower African entrepreneurs and transform communities. However, we quickly learned that passion alone was not enough, we needed to be better at adapting to unexpected challenges while still navigating towards the vision we set out to achieve.
THE SCHOOL OF GRIT
Our journey has been far from smooth. Only a couple of months after starting a custom apparel and promotional product business, we found ourselves in the midst of the global pandemic. In our industry, this was an automatic enrollment into the renowned "school of grit." We took courses in subjects like "actually, it can get worse" and "how in the world are we still in business?" The pandemic tested our resilience, teaching us invaluable lessons, but as we grappled with our own problems we were acutely aware that our friends in Africa faced even greater challenges. In fact, for many of them the pandemic was no different than their previous experiences. Most have been students since birth. Although nobody graduates from the school, most Africans are in the graduate program. One course they excel at is "success isn't measured by a clock, but by progress," even very little progress. Tuition is paid with gratitude and it's up to you how much you pay, but the more you pay, the more you learn and the more you learn the better you get.
AFRICA THRYVES: ROUND TWO
We are stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever to make our vision a reality. We believe we are better equipped to support African entrepreneurs and to help build a middle class of entrepreneurs in Africa who are passionate about creating a better future for their families, their communities, and the African continent as a whole. Our approach remains the same, focusing on providing Capital Assets, delivering Education and Training, and promoting Social Impact.
Before the pandemic we were blessed to help around 45 budding entrepreneurs. All of them were asked to take the "Master of Business on the Street" which is a course that was created by our non-profit partner, Interweave Solutions, to support self-sufficiency among the world's poor. For some of the entrepreneurs we supported in taking this course we were able to provide resources to help them start the business they designed during the course. We ask four things from the entrepreneurs we help:
1. Trust in our Partnership: we ask them to allow us to help them develop profitable habits.
2. Transparency in Business Operations: we ask them to share their costs and revenues with us.
3. Sharing of Experiences: we ask them to share their experiences so we can all learn.
4. Invest in Community Impact: we ask them to pay dividends to causes in their community.
Due to our own challenges we have not been able to continue with the pace we had hoped and envisioned, but we recently discovered that our support has generated at least $300,000 in revenues. Those who are participating are better providing for their families, as well as contributing time and some resources to their communities and they are on the path to fulfilling their dreams.
THE SPIRIT OF THE "Y"
Africa Thryves intentionally uses 'y' in its name. In Maridi, South Sudan when someone needs help with an overwhelming task like building a house they make a declaration of "Y" to rally their community for support. Sure enough, the community supports with labor and love to help the individual accomplish something important to them. Similarly, we hope that Africa Thryves can rally support that sparks opportunities for entrepreneurs eager to expand their horizons. Through their growth, we believe they can become key contributors in solving the challenges our world faces.
We are now prepared to leverage our own business and partnerships to offer more opportunities to even more entrepreneurs. By purchasing Thryve Threads, items from our Kindness Collection, and using Advanced Promotions for your custom apparel you help us empower African entrepreneurs and transform communities. When you donate to Interweave Solutions through Africa Thryves you provide life changing business training that helps these entrepreneurs. When you share stories and lessons from Africa Thryves social media platforms you inspire fellow students at the school of "grit".
WE ARE NOW PREPARED TO ACCEPT HELP IN THREE WAYS
1 - Buy Our Products.
Africa Thryves has created two brands that supports African entrepreneurs and our own small business. Additionally, we work with Advanced Promotions SLC to create custom apparel and promotional products that can be used for a variety of needs. All of these help Africa Thryves provide business start up capital to budding entrepreneurs. We are finalizing the inaugural Thryve Threads which is a monthly subscription service that will begin shipping on 1 Aug – we invite you to pre-order now.
2 - Donate to Interweave Solutions
Donations to Interweave Solutions (please ensure you allocate the donation to support Africa Thryves entrepreneurs) support the basic business training process and allows more people to receive the training.
3 - Share on our Social Media Platforms
We are on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow us as we make the case for Africa and its future.
Additionally we welcome small contributions through Venmo (-2019) and Cash App https://cash.app/$AfricaThryves ).
You are also welcome to Book some time with us through our website www.africathryves.com where we can discuss any questions you might have.
