Toni NDIKURIYO is a logistics coordinator at a local Christian organization in Burundi. This organization ministers to marginalized people in five sites throughout the country. Outside of her full-time job, Toni uses her gifts in food preparation to operate a catering business. She offers clients simple refreshments for groups as small as 15 people to full event meals for groups as large as 300 people. It is a lot of work, but Toni is passionate about helping her clients celebrate life’s events with refreshments and good food.
Toni recently participated in a 9-week teaching course called Aspire (see my previous post from November 2020). The course is designed for idea stage and early stage entrepreneurs who seek to build a scalable business model while integrating their faith into the business. “I really enjoyed my time in the Aspire course, especially meeting new people. As fellow entrepreneurs we spoke the same language and we could challenge and share with one another.”
Toni has seen an increase in referrals for her business and she believes it is through these Aspire alumni connections. “A large organization contacted me to cater an event. I do not know how they heard about my business, but I believe it was through the Aspire network [in Burundi].” This opportunity challenged Toni on how to advertise her catering business. “Today, I ask my clients for feedback on the services I provided, and I adjust accordingly. I wish to maintain the relationship. I want my clients to be heard and hopefully they will recommend me to other businesses.”
The Aspire course helped Toni to see how God uses business to further His Kingdom. “Personally, I used to think business was for others. How can Christians maintain integrity in business? But I realized we reflect His character in how we operate our business and ultimately, we are a witness for Him. His leading can guide us into a better way of doing business.”
“This whole experience was life changing for me and my family.”