The Thein Lay Pyar Village Women’s Self-Help Group was formed in September 2023 with 16 members. Within a month, they began launching small businesses by investing $553 in phone top-up cards (adding minutes to cellular phones) and snack crackers using funds from their savings group.
They recognized that engaging in business was more advantageous than merely taking out loans. In May 2024, to create additional opportunities for fellow members, the group took part in a small business training session organized by Shanta and developed a business proposal to open a grocery store in the village. Ultimately, they obtained financial support of 3,221,000 MMK ($736) from Shanta to grow their business. Their group consisted of six members who managed the sale of various products, including children’s snacks, cooking ingredients, alcohol, beer, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and phone top-up cards. Each member is responsible for selling a specific type of product from home and offers home delivery services for an extra fee. During their monthly meetings, they share and discuss updates related to the grocery store business. Eight group members primarily oversee the grocery store, each with distinct responsibilities. Within the first eight months of operating the business, they generated a net profit of 4,189,200 MMK ($956).
The first four months of operating the grocery store were challenging as the group struggled to balance purchasing goods, setting fair prices, and preventing losses. Lacking experience in bookkeeping, they found it hard to record sales and expenses. Learning basic accounting was also tricky. They sometimes felt discouraged, considered returning the loan to Shanta, and hesitated to collect debts. Despite these challenges, they persevered and continued to grow their business skills. After eight months, there was a decrease in complaints and a marked improvement among operators in areas such as communication, confidence, discussion, and bookkeeping skills, along with significant progress in financial management.
Daw Nan recalled, “Three to four months into running the grocery store, I felt extremely anxious when the Shanta group checked the accounts. I feared the financial records wouldn’t match the cash balance, and they didn’t. I worried about covering any missing funds despite not having spent the money personally or fully understanding the transactions. After eight months, my fear vanished as I became familiar with accounting and record-keeping. I improved my calculations and faced fewer difficulties. I now manage my work efficiently, allowing me to use my free time productively and invest more energy into the business. This generates additional income for both the group and me, boosting my confidence in communication and interactions with others.”
Daw Nan Htun said, “I studied only up to primary school, and at 50, I started a grocery store. Initially, I thought keeping records was unnecessary and too much writing, making it difficult since I wasn’t used to it. However, running the business with a group meant I had to keep proper records. I had my 13-year-old son help with bookkeeping, and sometimes I asked a literate friend for assistance during meetings. My friend encouraged me to write independently, and I began to appreciate bookkeeping’s importance. Now, I independently record transactions and teach my son. I’m proud of this achievement and have developed the habit of comparing prices from several sources before purchasing.”
Daw Nan Nu said, “Before starting my business, I didn’t understand it, but now I grasp the principles of small-scale business. It involves not only selling and buying but also cultivating strong relationships with customers and families and managing finances. Accurate bookkeeping is essential, and I’ve gained these skills through hands-on experience. I’m now dedicated to improving my relationships and efficiency in grocery business management.”
Daw Pyo says, “I didn’t know how to write but wanted to try business after seeing others. I worried about bookkeeping but decided to sell dried tea leaves, which requires minimal bookkeeping. The group and accountant offered support, helping me gain business experience. Once the tea business grows, I plan to expand.”
Daw Pyo says, “I didn’t know how to write but wanted to try business after seeing others. I worried about bookkeeping but decided to sell dried tea leaves, which requires minimal bookkeeping. The group and accountant offered support, helping me gain business experience. Once the tea business grows, I plan to expand.”
Now that the team makes a profit, receives wages, and enhances their skills, the leader feels inspired to manage a business. With a solid foundation in store management and bookkeeping, the leader intends to engage the team in discussions to expand and develop additional businesses, fostering mutual support and success.
“In the coming years, our group is excited to centralize our grocery store operations, ensuring streamlined sales at a dedicated location under one expert’s guidance. However, we aren’t stopping there; we plan to expand significantly by entering the profitable cow dung market, especially during the planting season. This initiative not only supports sustainable agriculture but also presents a fantastic opportunity for growth and profitability. Join us on this innovative journey toward success!”
Report by Myanmar Team
