BY NEHAL FATIMA ARBAB
When an individual initiates a start up, they do it to feel empowered, support their dependents, or maybe to simply showcase their talent. It is observed that, in Pakistan, small business owners do not get the attention and traction they deserve, as it isn’t speculated as a proper, running source of income. In an impoverished country like ours, with the resources and speed bumps we face – lack of jobs, a corrupt education system, overpopulation – small businesses allow one to beat the odds and move one step forward in the right direction.
Small businesses include a very significant niche in our society, however, in people’s eyes; it is not adequate for an honorable man. In Pakistan, people should normalize other people with lesser experience or personal issues, to stand up for themselves and be self-sustaining. Small businesses could be seen in various ways – the opening of a general store, running a cab service or auto-rickshaw services, home-made cooking services, online marketing, selling on a small level, home-based sewing, freelancing, Mehandi art, home tutoring, fruit stalls, opening up a local Dhaba, or many more. These businesses on a particular level are a valuable part of the market because middle-class people confide in these categories of businesses.
Unfortunately, due to small businesses being looked down upon, many resort to the practice of begging – a prevailing social issue in our nation. They would rather work discreetly as beggars, than work hard as a small business owner, because of the fear of people. In Islam, it is prohibited to take begging as a norm of livelihood. “I swear by Allah that is better for one of you to take his rope and gather firewood on his back than to come to a man and beg him whether he gives or refuses to give.” Instead of giving them money when they plead, an organization of people can allot some finances for resourcing and sponsoring these self-initiated start-ups, so that they can benefit themselves and support their family.
Small businesses are a crucial part of earning for the middle class. Many people are ashamed of such jobs so they expend their entire lives evasive towards their means of earning. No business is small or huge. The level of hard work compels the same energy for all fields of work.
Supporting small businesses will make this era understand financial independence. Youth today will come to realize that no employment or chore is minor or massive, as it imposes hard work and commitment as a necessity in all scenarios. They will be contributing and helping their underdeveloped households to withstand their basic needs and maintenances.
We as a society can support a small business or endeavor doings by standardizing them and treating them well with appreciation like we treat other businesses and services at a recognized, well-established level. For example, if we treat the business proprietor of the supermarket and a stall owner as an equivalent then this will oversee us to betterment in society. Awareness toward this commonly seen yet rarely discussed issue must be brought forth. Stimulating small businesses, or encouraging the establishment of agencies which facilitate start-ups, will eventually allow us to get warmer to the idea of self-sustenance, and hopefully let Pakistan rise in economy and development. (Edited by Khadijah Kamili)
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