My experience teaching entrepreneurship cannot compare with that of a real-life, on-the-ground entrepreneur in the heart of Africa. Irene’s journey has truly been an uphill climb.
The hill metaphor comes from the historic meaning of Kampala, Uganda—“the hill of the impala”—a reference to the ancient hunting grounds of King Kabaka. Today, Kampala is a burgeoning capital city with millions of people living throughout the greater metropolitan area. Few people eat impala meat today, but many eat chicken—so much so that it might be considered a growth industry. People want roasted chicken.
I met Irene on a Zoom call after Bob shared a letter from her thanking IBEC for the loan that helped her start a chicken-roasting business. Hers is a story of an uphill entrepreneurial climb, complete with twists and turns.
She began by telling me about coming to faith in Jesus as a child and, eventually, pursuing her college studies. Her long climb up the hill has included many important steps.
Step 1 — God-given abilities: Irene’s strong work ethic helped her secure a job with the British Council.
Step 2 — A faithful mentor: One of her bosses recognized her ability with numbers and encouraged her to study accounting.
Step 3 — Leadership experience: She continued working hard and gained experience managing a supermarket and fuel station, followed by a boutique clothing shop, where she began experiencing entrepreneurship firsthand.
Step 4 — COVID pain: After she left the shop unattended, robbers broke in and stole her inventory. She returned to find herself without a job or assets, under tremendous stress, and struggling to trust the Lord.
Step 5 — Always a learner: Irene took small, temporary jobs while maintaining her commitment to hard work and integrity. In the evenings, she continued studying and reading. During this season, the Lord taught her at least two significant lessons: the importance of the workplace in missions and the opportunities available to her in the food industry.
Step 6 — The dream: Even while destitute and feeling helpless, Irene continued trusting the Lord. She dreamed of owning her own business and prayed for a way forward.
Step 7 — Finding help: God answered one of those prayers while Irene was searching the internet one night. She found IBEC and contacted Bob, who believed in her and encouraged her to continue studying in preparation for something bigger.
Step 8 — Triventure: Irene was introduced to Triventure’s three-part approach: COURSES, COACHING, AND CAPITAL. Bob continued patiently encouraging her as she worked through the courses, and soon she was ready to begin turning her dream into reality.
Step 9 — Coaching and capital: Irene was assigned a coach who helped her develop the dream using the lean startup approach. When she was ready, Bob helped her prepare a pitch—a proposal for a loan.
Step 10 — The loan and the start: In Irene’s own words, “When Triventure believed and entrusted me with a loan of $10,000, this was the greatest miracle that happened to me. I started seeing my dream come to life. I was able to start my journey of chicken roasting—a dream come true.”
Irene has been climbing this hill for several years, and more challenges undoubtedly lie ahead. Through it all, she has experienced God’s faithfulness. I conclude with Irene’s own words from July 2026:
“Without the financial support of Triventure, coupled with their tireless coaching and mentoring as well as encouragement, I honestly would never have been able to achieve this dream. I had completely lost hope and didn’t think that I would ever be able to start and build a business ever again.”
“The coaching from Triventure taught me a lot of things that I didn’t know both in life and the business world. The mentoring and coaching that I received and still receive is building me into a better human being and better business owner.”
“One of my employees came to join us when he was at his lowest, and he had no idea what to do or even where to run to. He didn’t know anything regarding cooking, and yet, he was seeking an opportunity to join the team. He didn’t think he would be given a chance. He was amazed that I gave him the chance to join, offered him training and as I write today, he can manage a shift on his own.”
“As a business owner and employer, I would like to see the team become better, as well as more business owners just like me. I don’t want to grow alone; I would like the growth effect to happen to both myself and the team working with me. The business training I acquired from Triventure has modeled me as a business owner. I learned that as a business owner, your growth and excellence should also be reflected in the people you serve as well as those you work with.”
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com