Introductory Level

10 Questions of Good Business

The BFA introductory level is primarily designed to get the beneficiary to start thinking about business in a more ordered and logical way - i.e. to develop a “business mindset”.

To develop this “business mindset”, the level starts by asking the beneficiary to consider:

1. What a business is
2. What the characteristics of a good business person are
3. Why do people do business
4. What skills and training are needed for a successful business person
5. Explain the principle of the “Learning Circle”

The beneficiary then has to consider the 10 Questions of Good Business.  It asks questions relating to the 10 core areas / principles of good business (as seen on the home page), in simple language and with illustrations, which are understandable by all beneficiaries and their family, neighbours and friends, who can then share the ideas and thoughts with.

After thinking about the 10 questions of good business, the beneficiaries can play “Profit or Loss - the business game for entrepreneurs”.

Once the beneficiary has understood what a business is, the ten questions of good business have been “answered” and “Profit or Loss” the business game played, they will start to have a business mindset” and be able to complete the introductory business plan.

Download a copy of the 10 Questions of good business and the “Profit and Loss” game

Typical Beneficiaries

• Type of business: Vegetable seller in village market or side of the road
  Client demographic: Semi literate / educated, rural based, a number of dependants and orphans
• Business experience: Limited – been doing the same business for long amount of time, with little growth
• Loan size: Up to $500
• Motivation: Financially sound business / business start up, start to save money.  Re-investment: Profit to “build” robustness of business and diversify

Next steps

Once the trainee has completed the Introductory level of training, they should complete the Introductory business plan and then they will be able to start the Intermediate level of business training.