Small Business In Cambodia

Our mission call was to serve in Self-Reliance Services/Perpetual Education Plan and anything else that the Mission President asked us to do. There have been some very broad assignment and we have been invited to help in many interesting ways.

Since Self-Reliance Services is our primary assignment, that is where the majority of our time is spent. There are some interesting aspects about Self-Reliance here in Cambodia. At least 65% of the population in Cambodia is under the age of 30 years old. Also, there is a greater percentage of the population that feel like they have to have their own business. It seems like the Young Adults are especially anxious to start their own business, to them it is a sign of success.

As we pass through neighborhoods it is amazing to see the little convenience stores setup in the front part and out front of the homes. Likewise, we see a lot of street food vendors. There are little carts that go up and down the street all day with very small fresh water river clams and snails. Everyday as we go to our office we pass vehicles packed with merchandise headed to set up a stall at a local market. There are some motos that pass us with loads that we can only imagine what kind of business that they are in, and where they are headed.

One of the classes that is taught in Self-Reliance Services is Starting and Growing My Business, which is absolutely one that many need. Unfortunately too many of those who need to attend are so busy trying to survive that they do not take time to find out how they could really do a lot better. That is part of why they sent us here, to convince them that they need to slow down and learn.