Three Women-Owned Small Businesses Surviving the Pandemic in Cambodia
July 1, 2021: Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of local economies all over the world. According to the United Nations, these businesses, both formal and informal, make up 90% of firms worldwide and represent 70% of employment (2021). MSME were also among the most deeply impacted businesses in the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of small business closures and setbacks have been felt unevenly amongst small business owners, with those owned by women, migrants and minorities affected the most. In fact, a recent International Trade Centre survey reports that women-owned MSME are 27% more likely not to survive the pandemic. At Harpswell, we know that women-owned businesses are a critical element in building back sustainable economies. We talked with three Harpswell graduates who own and operate their own micro- and small enterprises in Cambodia to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and on their work.
When and why did you start your small business?
Ang Sivlong ‘17: I started Santé Battambang Pharmacy somewhat spontaneously in September of 2020. I knew I wanted to go back home and be close to my family. At that time, it was suggested that I should run my own business and I agreed. It was a difficult decision that took courage and support from my family, especially my dad.
Keo Rindarath ‘13: I started my own business, King Rice, in 2015 because I was inspired by my mother-in-law who owned a similar business and I already had a network of people who trade in rice. I think this business is a smart choice because in all circumstances, good or bad, everyone needs to eat.
Loem Leakhena ‘15: The STP Printer Shop was started by my husband in 2013 before we married. This business was born through his passion and love of electronics, but at that time it was not going well as there were many obstacles and my husband was the only employee. I was a midwife but I decided to quit my job to help my family’s business. I started to manage the shop and do online marketing through social media while my husband works on the electronics.
How has your business helped your community?
Ang Sivlong ‘17: Right now, I’m so glad that I made this decision because my pharmacy has helped my community’s overall wellbeing. It’s different from past local pharmacies that might have simply given customers medicine. At Santé Battambang Pharmacy, we have consultations before we dispense medicine to our patients so that they are able to receive advice on proper usage.
Keo Rindarath ‘13: My business has helped Cambodian farmers to grow local rice because I do not sell rice imported from neighboring countries, even though it is cheaper. This provides Cambodians with locally produced and processed rice that is high quality with no chemicals or preservatives that could do harm to their health in the future.
Loem Leakhena ‘15: This business has helped our community because it contributes to the economy and creates jobs for employees. At the moment, we have six employees as well as three part-time delivery men on staff.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
Ang Sivlong ‘17: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we closed our physical store which means fewer people walk in to buy our cosmetics, personal care items, etc. As a result, we have had a decreased number of sales. However, we’ve been trying to take consultations online because we wanted to limit physical contact. After consultations, we prepare and deliver our products while practicing safety guidelines.
Keo Rindarath ‘13: Covid-19 has both positively and negatively affected my business. I had the opportunity to partner with a number of humanitarian organizations to provide food for people who have been harmed by the outbreak of Covid-19. At the same time, restaurants, small rice stalls and cantines are closed, resulting in a loss of regular income. Some factory workers have returned to their hometowns, also causing sales to decline. Some strategies that have allowed me to sustain this business in such difficult circumstances are:
Working with my business’s landlord to reduce rent
Renting a house to sell coffee to earn extra income
Finding new customers by selling online and distributing leaflets from house to house
Keeping the rice quality good and the price stable for customers
Loem Leakhena ‘15: Covid-19 has affected my business like many others, but even though we lack walk-in customers, we have sustained wholesale purchases locally and abroad. I think the reason that we have been able to continue our business is because we have already gained trust from our customers through the years as a long-term business in the community.
Ang Sivlong ‘17 – Santé Battambang Pharmacy
Keo Rindarath ‘13 – King Rice
Loem Leakhena ‘15 – STP Printer Shop