Small entrepreneurs in developing countries start their own business with a high handicap

Help to improve the handicap of these SMEs:
The BPN seminars reduce the handicap of small entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic development in the countries.

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Felt shoes

Altantsetseg E.
Mongolia / Ulaanbaatar

Altantsetseg has a university degree in heating automation and combines technical expertise with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. A married mother of four, she discovered her passion for handmade felt products while on maternity leave. What began with the production of baby shoes developed into her own business in 2021—driven by creativity, craftsmanship, and the desire for professional fulfillment.

Today, she mainly produces felt shoes for women in all sizes and also offers models for men, children, and babies in small quantities to order. The collection comprises four designs that are characterized by timeless elegance and suitability for everyday wear. Each pair is embroidered by hand and can be worn both at the office and in your free time.

Photo studio

Jocelyn C.
Nicaragua / Managua

With a solid background in business administration and professional experience in marketing, Jocelyne took over the administrative and communication tasks in the family business that her husband Jorge had built up in 2012. Jorge, who originally worked as a computer engineer, discovered his passion for photography during a period of professional reorientation - and quickly made it his profession. With technical sensitivity and an eye for the emotional, he continued to develop and built up a professional photo studio together with Jocelyne.

Photo and video production

Emmanuel K.
Rwanda / Kigali

Emmanuel is a 35-year-old entrepreneur who has turned his childhood motivation into a professional calling. His desire to create lasting memories for others grew out of the painful realization that there are hardly any photos from his own childhood. Although he originally studied civil engineering, his passion for photography remained unbroken. While still a student, he began photographing his fellow students—a first step toward self-employment.

After graduating, Emmanuel gained valuable experience as an intern and later as an employee at three renowned media companies. At the same time, he completed professional training in digital photography. In 2018, he founded his own photo studio and expanded it into a fully-fledged audiovisual production company by 2020.

... How big is your handicap?

Small entrepreneurs in developing countries start their own business with a high handicap. Help to improve the handicap of these SMEs!

Willi Helbling CEO of the BPN Foundation / Handicap 34.5

Help to improve the handicap of these SMEs: BPN seminars reduce the handicap of small entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic development in the countries.