One woman’s journey to empowerment

Lay Sreybo's venture into the world of business started with a mix of determination and hesitation. Age 39, she owns a small shop named after herself, Lay Sreybo, in the bustling Smao Ambok market, located in Banteay Meas district, Kampot province of Cambodia. She sells a range of electrical products such as cookstoves, rice cookers, kettles, and frying pans, alongside a selection of shoes and other household items. 

Despite her entrepreneurial spirit, Sreybo is quite reserved. In the past, her quietness made it hard to navigate the complexities of applying for funding to expand her business. When she first heard about the Higher Tier Cooking Component (HTCC) project's Innovation Fund and Result-Based Financing (RBF) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), she hesitated. The thought of preparing a proposal and handling the application process felt daunting. She asked her husband to take charge even though she is the business owner. 

One of SNV’s Project Field Officers had shared information about the application process. As she reviewed the information shared, Sreybo realised that to truly grow her business and seize the opportunities before her, she needed to take the reins herself. 

Gathering her courage, she decided to apply for the RBF under her own name. 'At first, I was afraid and unsure,' she recalled. 'But then I thought, this is my business and my dream. I have to do it myself.'

Sreybo threw herself into the application process, crafting a detailed proposal that highlighted her business's current status, potential, and her vision for its future. Her efforts paid off when she secured the funding, marking a turning point both personally and professionally. 

It is estimated that Mrs. Lay Sreybo earns an average monthly income of 2,170,000 KHR (approximately USD 540) from her clean cooking business, which includes sales to end-users both within and outside the province. Her business has established extensive connections with village sales agents, local authorities, and direct sales to last-mile customers in her community. Sreybo is the driving force behind the business, although her husband provides occasional support when needed. 

Under the Results-Based Financing (RBF) scheme that is part of HTCC, she earns incentives ranging from 30% to 50% of the sale price of clean cooking appliances she sells to end-users. 

When asked how her life has changed since becoming involved in the HTCC project, she noted that the project helped her improve her financial stability increased her sense of purpose and pride in her work. 

'Since becoming involved in the HTCC project, my life has transformed. Initially, I received a percentage-based incentive for selling more products, which I then shared it with my customers as discounts. This unique strategy set my store apart and increased my sales significantly. Now, I earn an additional USD 48 per month, which is a substantial improvement.'

Sreybo speaks with enthusiasm about the newfound confidence and skills she had gained, noting that she no longer relies on her husband to run the business. She can present her work to many people during community events where she displays her products, expanding her network. 

She collaborates with local authorities and distributors, sharing profits and providing incentives to support her business. 

'I feel encouraged because the products I sell contribute to reducing smoke in the village. Offering 10% discounts, and even 15% for those with poor ID cards, has increased my profits and helped my community. Before the project, my earnings were minimal, but now, with better market strategies like free delivery, my business is thriving. I always tell my clients that the discounts do not mean lower quality. The products are as good as ever, thanks to the cooperation with the project. This reassurance has built trust and loyalty among my customers.'

'I have three distributors selling in different villages. After the project ends, I will provide them with cooking ingredients as incentives and offer warranties to customers ranging from one week to three weeks, depending on the products. I also work with a fixer to repair any broken products.'

Today, Sreybo’s deep sense of pride and hope for the future is clear. 'I love my business and hope it grows bigger and more successful'.