Bootstrapping is a big part of the story for many of us entrepreneurs. You start with what you have. You make a plan, stretch every cent, get creative with resources. You figure it out as you go. It’s a powerful and a necessary mindset to have. Especially here in Africa where access to funding isn’t always realistic. There is a point though, where “bootstrapping” stops being a strategy and starts becoming a shield.

Some of us stay in that place too long. We don’t invest in better systems, we avoid hiring, delay upgrading tools or improving service. And it’s not because we don’t believe in the business, it’s mostly because we’re scared to bet on it. Especially after the struggle to get where we are currently. So we keep calling it lean when it’s really just fear. There’s nothing wrong with staying cautious but if your business can’t grow without basic investment and you keep refusing to make one, the issue isn’t money anymore. It's the mindset.