How did you enter the security alarm business?
Bedane: I was motivated to invent and create a new kind of security
system after an incident of burglary I encountered. My wife and I ran a
shop, which was a game center and a movie-rental service. This shop was
looted by our own guard, who used a similar key to get in and took every
item we had.
After the robbery, I looked for a security device I could use to prevent
such incidents. However, I could not find a system that suited my interests
and my budget. I decided to do it myself. It took me two years to make the
device, but I did so.
I’ve been tinkering with circuits and machines since I was a boy. My
parents allowed me to work in a mechanic’s garage when I was only 14
years old. I was at school half the day, and at the garage the rest of the
day, learning electrical installation in vehicles and electrical maintenance.
The skills I developed then have helped me quite considerably for work
today.
Describe your business today.
Bedane: The BG electrical security system is used to secure households,
businesses, fences and vehicles. When the alarm is disturbed by an
intruder, the system 1) dials or texts to the client’s phone number or 2)
triggers an alarm sound or light in the premises.
This product and service is registered by the Ministry of Science and
Technology and the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, and I have
been granted two certificates of patent rights.
What were some of the challenges you had to overcome in building BG
Electric and Security System Enterprise?
Bedane: Transforming my plan into practical implementation was a
serious challenge.
I had a shortage of knowledge, so I attended a private electronics school
for six months’ training on maintenance of electronics.
I had lots of other startup problems: shortages of work space, materials to
build components and a lack of financing. I didn’t have office furniture
and tools, working clothes, raw materials, or encouragement from
individuals and government offices. People rejected my proposals and
looked down on my plans.
With my own business plan, over about three years, I managed to
overcome the problems and become a success story for myself and others.
Presently, my enterprise has increased its capital to 1.5 million birr
[almost $75,000 U.S.], and I am preparing to transfer the enterprise to a
middle-level industry. We have now eight salaried employees working
with us. I have recruited experts of business plan research and I am about
to apply for an investment license. I will also apply for additional loan and
a work site.
I am providing trainings to other young people at my work site.
How would you advise others who want to turn an idea into a
business?
Bedane: I think the prerequisites of starting a business are self-reliance,
vision and an unwavering spirit of work. After that, I’d say a person must
identify gaps in the marketplace, work effectively with customers,
promote the product, be adaptable and take quality issues seriously. One
can begin small and transform the business to a big industry.
In my country, [government delays, high taxes, favoritism are all
obstacles]. Corruption and mismanagement are rampant. However, one
needs to follow his ways and means to overcome these problems. I believe
perseverance will lead one to triumph.
Lastly, the support from and experience exchange made possible by YALI
will help Africans have better lives. Your continued support to young
people of real dreams will help us Africans to stride to a bright future.
(Courtesy of YALI)
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