District to District stirs entrepreneurial spirit nationally

LINEO MALATALIANA

MASERU – In a move to support small enterprises, Thabo Putsoe, co-owner of Retography, has expanded his entrepreneurial efforts into the business expo arena. His latest venture, District to District, aims to bridge the information gap between small businesses and larger, more established corporates, promoting the growth and success of youth-owned ventures.

Collaborating with Pokane Letsie, owner of Heritage Inc., Putsoe launched District to District under the umbrella of Heritage Inc. The initiative is a platform that connects small enterprises with larger co-operatives, encouraging collaboration and breaking down the barriers of intimidation that often prevent small business owners from engaging with bigger players.

“We noticed a clear divide between large companies and smaller enterprises,” Putsoe said, explaining his vision. “This divide is a significant roadblock for the growth of youth-owned businesses. Our expos are specifically designed to educate young entrepreneurs on how to grow their ventures through effective marketing strategies and available resources.”

The crux of Putsoe’s initiative lies in addressing the lack of knowledge and confidence many small business owners show when approaching larger organisations. For example, many entrepreneurs are unaware that institutions like Post Bank and Letshego provide loans and financial support tailored for small businesses.

“Many small businesses do not know how to apply for these loans, or they feel intimidated to even approach these institutions,” Putsoe shared. Over the past seven months, District to District has hosted expos in seven districts across Lesotho, with Maseru, Qacha, and Thaba-Tseka lined up as the next stops.

These expos have offered more than just information — they have cultivated networks, provided hands-on learning experiences, and inspired small business owners to break free from their fears.

One key focus of the initiative is marketing education. “Many small-scale entrepreneurs do not realise they already have a flourishing market right under their noses,” Putsoe explained. “For instance, some businesses are not aware of the potential demand for their products within the hospitality industry. We are teaching them how to tap into those opportunities.”

Beyond connecting businesses with financial and cooperative support, District to District serves as a platform to inspire confidence and action among young entrepreneurs. Putsoe’s message to the youth is clear: start now.

“Young people should stop second-guessing themselves,” he said. “There is no such thing as ‘I do not have capital.’ A graphic designer, for example, can offer their services to a company in exchange for equipment or other resources.” For Putsoe, the initiative is personal. At Retography, he practices what he preaches, utilising profits to invest in new equipment and foster growth. Collaboration, he believes, is a powerful tool for any young entrepreneur.

“We pool our resources, helping each other grow. Small businesses need to adopt this mentality.” However, the road to success is not without challenges. Putsoe is no stranger to rejection. “These expos started with a zero budget,” he revealed. “We knocked on countless doors, faced rejection after rejection, but we kept going until we got the recognition we needed.”

District to District has already garnered partnerships with major corporations like Econet Telecom Lesotho, Post Bank, Insucare, Naledi Funeral Planners, and Sentebale Gap Funeral Services. Each district visited brings on board new participants, highlighting the growing influence of the initiative.

Putsoe’s vision is clear: District to District is not just an expo — it is a movement, one that encourages young entrepreneurs to seize opportunities, collaborate, and invest in the future of their businesses. As he passionately puts it, “Business is not hard if you follow your passion. Stop being monotonous and start something meaningful.”