Meet Dorothy: How Your Support Turned a $10 Firewood Investment into a Secure Future

My name is Gonza Dorothy, and today, I am a proud small business owner. But my journey towards independence and success began with a single, simple opportunity.

I was fortunate to attend a comprehensive community development training course organized by Global Village Connect in eastern Uganda. That training completely transformed the way I looked at my environment, my community, and my own potential.

Spotting the overlooked opportunity

I had always dreamed of starting a business, but I lacked the knowledge, capital, and confidence to make that first move. During GVC’s interactive sessions, I learned how to identify local market needs, calculate profit margins, manage daily finances, and promote products.

With these tools in hand, I noticed an enormous opportunity right in front of me that I had previously overlooked: schools, local restaurants, and busy households in my neighborhood were all struggling to find a consistent supply of split firewood.

“I had always wanted to start a business, but I lacked the knowledge and confidence.” — Gonza Dorothy

Regaining dignity and independence

Armed with just a $10 seed investment, I took a bold step and started my firewood supply business. At first, I focused on supplying split logs to nearby schools and restaurants. Soon, however, word spread. Individual families began buying my high quality bundles for cooking and heating water. As demand grew, so did my customer base.

Today, I earn a reliable profit of about $1.60 a day. To some, this might seem like a modest amount, but to me, it means absolutely everything.

“I can put food on the table, meet basic needs, and support my children and grandchildren. I no longer depend on others, I have regained a sense of dignity and independence. My grandchildren look up to me, and I feel proud knowing I’m building a legacy for them.” — Gonza Dorothy

Managing challenges with skill

The journey of a small business owner is rarely smooth. There are seasons when supply is low, or heavy rains make transporting logs on dirt roads incredibly difficult. But because of the analytical skills I acquired, I now know how to navigate these challenges, budget for dry periods, and keep my business moving forward.

What keeps me motivated is the knowledge and inspiration I gained from Global Village Connect.

Thank you, Global Village Connect, for opening my eyes and giving me the confidence to begin. My life has truly been elevated!