CBT

About the Chimanimani Business Trust

1. BACKGROUND OF THE CBT

1.1 Historical Origins

Chimanimani Business Trust (CBT) was born through the efforts of ITDG community mobilisation strategy in the Chimanimani District with the aim of improving the economic and investment climate. The strategy was to mobilise small business owners in the district to come together and examine ways in which they can better exploit the economic potential with a view to create wealth.

By October 1999 membership stood at 112 with the target of 300 members. The district was divided into 3 zones: East, Central and West as a strategy for member mobilisation. Membership is open to all business people and any other organisation, whose mission is in line with the CBT's.

CBT is supported by the IRDP Programme, ZOIC, the DTC and AgriBank.

CBT has an executive committee, whose members are committed to making a difference. A bank account was established with an initial contribution from the committee.

1.2 Core Business

CBT's core business is to build the capacity of its business associate members in order to impact on the economic development in the district by:

	Upgrading the quality of life for the community
	Promotion of wealth creation opportunities
	Developing a new economic agenda for the district
	Business information and technology innovations
	A voice for the local business
	Focus on capitalisation of the local businesses
	Creating business and entrepreneurship knowledge through advocacy, networking and collaboration

1.3 Vision

To be a visible, credible, stable business association within the district and beyond to assist the community to explore economic opportunities.

1.4 Mission Statement

To provide a sound economic direction for business community in the Chimanimani district through fostering a conducive environment and business development climate.

Principles

CBT will be guided by the following principles in pursuing its vision.

	Innovative business ideas
	Commitment to partnership and economic development
	Speedy response to members and ideas
	Accountability
	Employment creation
	Local governance and culture

1.5 Core Objectives

To facilitate the creation of a conducive environment for industrialisation and commercialisation in the district. To enhance the establishment of viable SMEs to facilitate self-emancipation of community so that they can become the drivers of their own development.

Specific Objectives

	The development of an economic framework for the Chimanimani district, which will act as a guide for prudent business decision-making by rural entrepreneurs in the district.
	The institutionalisation of CBT to develop its capacity to become the engine of entrepreneurial development in the district.
	The establishment of a business one-stop shop that will act as a resource facility and a catalyst for business enterprises. It will also be a database for business opportunities and business advice.
	The establishment of a participatory planning process involving all by stakeholders including the community, Chimanimani Rural District Council, the CBT and other relevant institutions including technical and professional services. The CRDC has indicated interest in professional services providers. the CRDC has indicated interest in the BOSS through making land available for the centre.

2. PROGRAMMES

2.1 Business One-Stop Shop

Please click on the above link to access more information on the Chimanimani BOSS.

2.2 Small Microfinance Enterprises (SMEs)

These are community-based microenterprises located in the Chimanimani district and supported by the CBT in partnership with ZOIC and DTC. These SMEs are funded by the revolving fund, which AgriBank administers on behalf of the CBT. The projects were selected using the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's selection criteria: 2 projects are owned by youth, another 2 are owned by women, 1 is owned by a marginalised family residing in the rural areas and 1 is a new micro-business owned by a board member. Descriptions of the projects follow:

2.2.1 Seyaimuto Kuwirirana Goat Project

Two families (Mhere and Masocha) are in an agreement to run the project at one selected site, the Mhakwe communal land. The project involves purchasing a herd of 40 breading goats, which will be sold both as beast and as meat. The enterprise is co-owned by the two families and Mhere and Masocha are the directors.

2.2.2 Chimanimani Leather Words (Pvt Ltd)

The project is owned by 18 youths, who are venturing into leather tanning for Nyanyadzi and craft for Biriiri. DTC has provided a technical advisor, who is thoroughly training the group.

2.2.3 Chinguno Foods (Pvt Ltd)

The two youth involved are key members of the community with potential for developing business leadership skills and pushing the agenda for youth leadership skills. The company is diversifying from their current business of milling and packaging mealie-meal to production of stock feeds, beans and other lighter grainy products like sorghum.

2.2.4 Rusitu Valley Garment Factory

The enterprise is located at Cooper Business Centre in the fruit-rich Rusitu Valley, where the entrepreneur is renting a sizeable local shop from which she operates. The female entrepreneur is making high quality clothing. The quality can improve with more exposure to similar ventures.

2.2.5 Tamuka Garment Factory

The project started in 2000 by a young graduate from Mutare Garment-making Training Centre. She used her skills to market the business to local schools and large corporate companies within the province. Chiedza is the director of the project. She plans to employ 2 assistant tailors and finishers.

2.2.6 Rusitu Valley Horticultural, Marketing and Processing

The company will be involved in the marketing of horticultural products and citrus fruits grown in Chimanimani, but consumed nationwide. The company is owned by Noel Kurwaisimba, who is also the director.

3. CHIMANIMANI BUSINESS TRUST GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

CBT is headed by a voluntary Board of Directors consisting of members drawn from various business backgrounds. The board is responsible for determination of the organisation's mission and objective, providing leadership through policy formulation, long-range policy planning resource mobilisation and institutional financial stability.

The day-to-day running of the organisation is assumed by the secretary, who ensures that the CBT fulfils its mission, as stipulated by the constitution and as agreed-upon by the board.

4. CONTACT

Please feel free to contact us with any queries or suggestions for improvement.

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