A 31-year-old entrepreneur with dwarfism just scored $550 at a Sightsavers Innovation Challenge in Zimbabwe, and Vimbai Mucheriwa is using the cash to level up her handbag business. She makes satchels and wallets by hand, but the prize money lets her buy a sewing machine that'll pump out way better products at higher volumes. The competition pulled in 34 people with disabilities who all pitched business ideas, with the top three nabbing between $400 and $550 while everyone else walked away with $300 consolation prizes.
Sightsavers partnered with Embrytech Zimbabwe and ZB Bank to train participants on running profitable businesses. Their country director, Peter Bare, said employers generally have zero clue how to accommodate workers with disabilities and wrongly assume it costs a fortune. The whole program aims to create jobs and help people achieve financial independence through actual capital and skills training.
Ministry official Laizah Chourombo backed the initiative as a legit way to unlock creativity among disabled entrepreneurs. Second-place winner Thandiwe Chakanetsa grabbed $450 to expand her buying-and-selling operation.
Sightsavers partnered with Embrytech Zimbabwe and ZB Bank to train participants on running profitable businesses. Their country director, Peter Bare, said employers generally have zero clue how to accommodate workers with disabilities and wrongly assume it costs a fortune. The whole program aims to create jobs and help people achieve financial independence through actual capital and skills training.
Ministry official Laizah Chourombo backed the initiative as a legit way to unlock creativity among disabled entrepreneurs. Second-place winner Thandiwe Chakanetsa grabbed $450 to expand her buying-and-selling operation.
