In the rapidly evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, particularly in underrepresented regions like Jigjiga, Ethiopia, the need for innovative solutions tailored to local contexts is crucial. Guul Club, founded by Guled Abdi, is one such initiative that stands out for its unique approach to fostering entrepreneurship and creating a sustainable impact in a region known for its infrastructural challenges and limited access to resources. Through Guul Club, Guled has established a coworking and incubation space that is not only addressing these challenges but also empowering the youth to build successful businesses.
Guul Club: A Visionary Venture Born from Early Hustles
Guul Club was born out of Guled Abdi’s desire to fill the gaps in youth support and entrepreneurship in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Guled’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age. Growing up in Addis Ababa, Guled engaged in various business ventures, from selling electronic games and chocolates to providing translation services for the Somali community. This early exposure to the world of business instilled in him a hustler’s mentality, driving him to constantly seek out opportunities and learn from each experience.
His journey, shaped by his background in social work and business administration, and his experiences running various small businesses, provided him with a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial needs of the region. “What inspired me was that when I interacted with different youth in the region, I saw there was a gap in youth support in their journey in entrepreneurship. This led me to create a center in 2019, where we piloted entrepreneurship training for 10 youth in Jigjiga,” Guled shared.
The initial success of this pilot program, despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions, highlighted the potential impact of targeted training programs. Even without significant financial backing, the training empowered several participants to start their own businesses, demonstrating the power of skills development over mere financial investment.
Overcoming Challenges: A Testament to Resilience
Launching Guul Club came with its own set of challenges. In a region where the training industry is often dominated by NGOs offering free services and per diem payments, Guul Club had to carve out a unique identity. “I think what we are trying to do is new, and the obvious way is for an NGO to give training and grants. But we have kept our distance from being associated with free services,” Guled explained. The challenge was not just to offer training but to create a sustainable business model that would ensure the longevity of the center without relying on external funding.
To overcome this, Guled utilized a revenue-generating model where the coworking space’s earnings cover all the running costs of the center. This approach has allowed Guul Club to maintain financial independence and ensure that the services provided are both valued and utilized by the community. This self-sufficiency is a rare achievement in the context of similar initiatives, especially in regions with limited economic opportunities.
Innovation in Coworking and Incubation
One of the most innovative aspects of Guul Club is its dual function as both a coworking space and an incubation program. Jigjiga, a city undergoing significant transformation due to an influx of returnees and investors, has not kept pace with the infrastructural demands of this growth. Guul Club addresses this by offering a much-needed space where entrepreneurs can access essential resources to start and grow their businesses. The center has evolved from operating in a single room in 2021 to occupying a fully furnished villa with eight rooms, including private offices, shared spaces, and outdoor areas for events and conferences.
Guled’s vision for Guul Club is not just about providing physical space but about creating an environment where ideas can flourish and collaboration is encouraged. “We are now building a community that wants change, progress, and success. We bring together the players of the ecosystem like entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and business development service providers,” he noted. This holistic approach ensures that the members of Guul Club are not only equipped with the necessary tools but are also connected to a network that can help them thrive.
Community Impact and Success Stories
Since its inception, Guul Club has made a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Jigjiga. The center’s incubation program has provided young entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to pursue their ventures. Many success stories have emerged from Guul Club, with participants launching businesses across various sectors, including digital marketing and manufacturing. “We’ve seen growth from a small operation to a fully equipped workspace that now offers mentorship programs, community events, and workshops,” Guled stated with pride.
Guul Club’s influence reaches beyond the business community, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region. By hosting events and workshops that bring together diverse stakeholders, the center is fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, which are essential for the region’s economic development. For example, a recent event focused on Youth Entrepreneurship and the Startup Ecosystem of the Somali Region gathered key local players, promoting the exchange of ideas necessary for the growth of the regional economy.
Upcoming Training Program: Build and Start Your Career
As part of its ongoing efforts to empower the youth and foster entrepreneurship, Guul Club is launching a new paid training program, “Build and Start Your Career,” focusing on digital marketing. This program aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy, a sector that is increasingly vital for business success. The training will cover essential aspects of digital marketing, including social media management, content creation, SEO, and online advertising, providing participants with practical knowledge they can immediately apply to their businesses or careers.
The program is set to attract aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals looking to enhance their digital marketing capabilities.
Mentorship: The Key to Sustainable Growth
Mentorship is at the heart of Guul Club’s incubation program. The center carefully selects mentors who are not only successful in their fields but also have a deep understanding of the local business environment. These mentors provide invaluable support, helping startups navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship in a region where challenges such as limited access to finance, underdeveloped infrastructure, and poor connectivity are prevalent. The mentorship program is designed to be hands-on, offering practical solutions and networking opportunities that are crucial for the startups’ growth.
“We select mentors that are already in business and are experienced enough to mentor youth. They provide networking and consult entrepreneurs in the major tasks,” Guled explained. This focus on mentorship ensures that the entrepreneurs who go through Guul Club’s programs are not just left to fend for themselves but are supported throughout their journey.
Future Vision: Scaling Up and Expanding Impact
Looking ahead, Guul Club has ambitious plans for expansion and scaling its impact. Guled envisions the club becoming a key player in providing office solutions and incubation services not just in Jigjiga but potentially in other parts of the region. “In the next 5 years, we see ourselves providing office solutions for different organizations and expanding our incubation services,” Guled remarked.
The future of entrepreneurship in Jigjiga is promising, especially with the region’s high adaptability to new technologies and widespread use of digital wallets. However, Guled acknowledges that there are still significant challenges to overcome, particularly in terms of infrastructure and access to finance. “The challenge I see for entrepreneurs and the whole economy is that what keeps it not growing is the access to finance, which is collateral-based. Exposure is very important as it changes the trends of business, and infrastructure like roads, electricity, and connectivity are underdeveloped,” he pointed out.
Guul Club is a shining example of how local solutions can address global challenges, particularly in regions that are often overlooked in the broader narrative of entrepreneurship in Africa. By addressing the unique challenges of Jigjiga and providing a sustainable model for youth support and entrepreneurship, Guul Club is not only contributing to the local economy but also setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other underrepresented regions. As Guled aptly puts it, “Visit Jigjiga; there are a lot of opportunities, and we are ready to support you in navigating the region.”
This article highlights the power of innovation and community-driven initiatives in transforming challenging environments into hubs of entrepreneurship and growth. Guul Club’s journey serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and policymakers alike, showcasing the impact that well-thought-out, locally-driven initiatives can have on a community and beyond.
This is excellent news. Hats off to my very dear Somali brothers and sisters! Innovations that promotes and all-out industrialization is the way to go. Industrialization has proven to be the sole solver of societies’ ills since the 18th century. With industrialization come factories and factories will drag women out of their child rearing nest to operate machines fabricating products. That will bring the runaway population explosion to a screeching halt. Industrialization will create a massive middle class at a rate never seen in a given society. When the middle class becomes the dominant section of the society, then you can say goodbye to despots and conniving politicians. In such a industrialized society, citizens don’t need somebody else to answer questions of what, how and why. They can single out a cross eyed bee among the swarm of millions. The runaway population explosion the old country has been facing will be solved only through an all out industrialization. Such hub of innovation is the path that will lead to industrialization. To depend on agriculture will not cut the mustard. Bravo Jigjiges!!!!!