February 17, 2026
Stories
What began as a small home-based catering effort has grown into a formally registered and expanding enterprise, thanks to entrepreneurship training, a grant, and determination.
Soka, 41, a single mother of four from Lusaka’s John Laing township, Zambia, is living proof that livelihood support can transform when the right skills combine with resilience. Soka successfully professionalized her catering business, now registered as Emma Grape Enterprises, after completing the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training in 2024 provided by Caritas Czech Republic as part of the “Enhancing Well-being and Self-reliance of Refugees and Their Host Communities” initiative, and receiving a grant.
The training and the grant empowered her to make informed business decisions, expand her operations, and build a more stable and sustainable income for her family.
Humble Beginnings Under Challenging Conditions
Before receiving the support, Soka operated under challenging conditions. Working from a small residential house, she had limited space that restricted production, compromised hygiene standards, and growth potential. She carried the responsibility of providing for her children’s education and daily needs as a divorced mother of four.
A key turning point came when a church organisation entrusted her with providing meals for missionaries, increasing demand for her services. As orders grew, the limitations of her working space became more evident. Armed with new knowledge and confidence from the training, Soka made a bold move to find a bigger and more sustainable place, which now serves as a hygienic and efficient food-preparation space.
The training equipped her with critical business skills, including business planning, costing and pricing, record keeping, and customer management. Applying these skills enabled her to structure her operations more professionally, track income and expenses, and plan for long term sustainability.
The impact of this transformation extends beyond the business. Soka has consistently used her income to support her children’s education.
Reflecting on her journey, Soka shares:
“The Start and Improve Your Business training helped me understand my business better. I now plan, keep records, and make decisions with confidence. Registering my business has given me pride and hope for the future.”
Concrete Achievements and Measurable Growth
Today, Emma Grape Enterprises stands as a symbol of progress. Among Soka’s key achievements are the expansion of catering operations, relocation to improved premises, formal business registration, increased household income stability, and continued investment in her children’s education.
Soka’s story highlights the transformative power of targeted entrepreneurship training, particularly for women and single mothers. From preparing meals in a cramped space to running a registered catering enterprise, her journey reflects resilience, growth, and vision.
Looking ahead, Soka aims to expand her client base, improve service delivery, and continue uplifting her family and community, a clear testament to how training can lead to lasting transformation.
