My name is Ebenezer Ashong-Katai. I am a citizen of Ghana, in West Africa. I attended my tertiary education at the University of Professional Studies- Accra. We are two boys of my parents. Currently, I stay in Accra. I stay with my Auntie in a suburb called Weija-SCC. I successfully graduated from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. I established bus stop popcorn whilst on campus and currently, I have successfully registered the business with an outlet called POPCORN CREW. I have realised that I can concentrate and expand this business to satisfy my clients who are curious about my progress. I plough back every returns for the expansion of the business. in other to reach wider market, we need to improve the packaging hence increase in marketing cost. but have not been able to achieve that as I have planned because of financial constraints. I will like to use my leisure time to read books and articles about business particular 'food retail' business and also to search and know more about the wonderful help Zidisha is offering to Africa.

Gaining assistance from Zidisha as it has been, will continually help me pursue my aspirations and as well help improve my community and be able to serve my clients and the nation at large.

Bus Stop popcorn is the name of my business. It was established in June 2014. But currently called Popcorn Crew. My popcorn business is located in front of my house and currently expanding by distributing to offices and homes in the community upon order. At the moment I sell the Popcorn to all persons and especially on Sundays where it serves church members in the area. My business is a lucrative business because just with 1 Ghana cedi or less one can purchase popcorn. School children especially rush to purchase popcorn because of the low price. Unlike products like biscuits, meat-pie and other pastries which requires relatively more and expensive goods to prepare, popcorn is easy to prepare, less expensive and can be prepared more faster.

Profitability is key for every business hence the popcorn business is one that provides that considering the cost of production and sales per the average demand for it. Considering risks involved in my business; electrical faults, power outage and increase in the price of corn or its shortage can inhibit the progress of my business. In a month, I am able to make profit of 100Ghana cedis. But this profit margin mostly decrease when some of the crisis stated above occur.

I am determined to build and sustain any level of progress my business will achieve. I believe this will happen with your kind help. Thank you

This loan when received will help me acquire a tricycle purposely for the distribution of packaged popcorn to schools, offices and homes in the neighborhood. The price is estimated at Ghs600 to Ghs800 without a galvanized container behind it with a canopy. The total cost estimated is Ghs 1, 500. When this is done, we will be able to supply our clients and as well serve prospective clients. The business is planning to roll out a project to support some needy children in hospitals. This will help me achieve this as sales will increase and positively affect our profits.