Join Phumzile Chifunyise on her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from navigating market gaps during the pandemic to thriving in the wholesale industry. She is experiencing the power of networking and mentorship with #SoilSistas.
Networking plays a crucial role in achieving business success, and for Phumzile Chifunyise, leaving the corporate world in 2019 provided her with a strong foundation of connections and knowledge necessary to embark on her entrepreneurial journey.
Chifunyise was chosen for the Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme, offering her a fresh perspective and hope in life. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, she had impressive ideas to launch her own business, CropBox.
Finding gaps in the market
She trusted the process of establishing her venture as an agri-distributor. When the pandemic struck in 2019 and the world entered lockdown, she had to find a market gap.
“I travelled from farm to farm, collecting produce and providing mobile services to my customers at that time, mainly in Johannesburg and Pretoria,” she explained.
Identifying a market gap and ensuring families received essential produce, she continued to explore the market and brainstorm ways to expand her business.
“With time, post-Covid-19, I decided to enter the wholesale industry by collaborating with NGOs and major organisations in Mzansi,” she stated in an interview with Food For Mzansi.
Growth and expansion
Over the past few years, the growth of the sector propelled her to expand and diversify her product offerings. “We ventured into the wholesale environment, supplying large volumes of fresh produce. We also expanded to frozen meats, poultry, and more,” she said.
She also mentioned that they now produce their natural product, stating, “We manufacture our natural peanut butter, a delicious and nutritious option.”
However, every opportunity comes with its challenges, and she has embraced them fully. She believes that with her team, she will achieve greatness soon. “This is just the beginning of our entry into the value chain. We are exploring opportunities in agritech or the logistics space.”
Life-changing #SoilSistas programme
The programme has provided her with invaluable opportunities, and she expresses deep gratitude for that. She particularly appreciates the mentorship provided by Corteva Agriscience and the GIBS Entrepreneurship Academy, which offers a holistic, unbiased perspective on her business.
Furthermore, the camaraderie and support shared among the women involved in the programme have created an encouraging and empowering environment. Chifunyise is thankful for the excellent networking opportunities the #SoilSistas initiative has afforded her.
“It has been an exciting journey so far. The most significant gift has been the chance to connect with women in the sector,” she shared.
ALSO READ: Side to main Hustle: #SoilSista’s Journey to farming triumph
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