Build on family legacy—turn small family businesses into generational success.
Many people hesitate to continue in the business their parents used to support them through school. They see it as “small” or blame it for why they grew up without luxury. You’ll hear someone say, “I work hard so I won’t have to sell puff-puff like my mother.” But to me, that mindset is missing the potential right in front of us. I have always dreamed of starting a poultry farm just like my father did. He was a police officer. Yet, he built a side business on poultry and gardening. He grew carrots, green spices, and peppers that he sold to our community. Watching him, I saw that his work was not just about money—it was about building something sustainable.
For the past week, I have been looking for images of a farm to inspire my vision. I picture a quiet place outside the city. It would be a small sanctuary where I’d raise “contri fowl”—local chickens. These are not just the typical commercial breeds. My father once bred a hybrid of local and “agric fowl”. It was an incredible success. They became bigger and stronger chickens that everyone wanted. That’s what innovation is about, even in “small” businesses.
We often overlook the value of these family businesses. Still, you know that very trade better than any other. Imagine if you took that knowledge and innovated, brought in fresh ideas, or scaled it up. Today, look at businesses like Tchop et Yamo. They took the same “puff-puff” your mother sold. They turned it into a successful restaurant chain. Your parents not have had the resources or education to expand. But, they sent you to school so you.
Generational businesses are rare in Africa for several reasons. One major reason is that we see our parent’s work as too small. We often consider it unworthy of our attention. We dream of “doing better.” Yet, we often start from scratch instead of building on a foundation that’s already there. Imagine the client base your mother built from her puff-puff business; that’s a network ready to support you! She’s already built that trust and reputation. With a bit of innovation and capital, you take it further.
In Africa, parents don’t just send us to school so we can help them live comfortably. They hope we’ll grow beyond them. They dream of seeing us elevate the very businesses that sustained us. And they would be proud to be part of that journey.
At OpenHub Consulting, we believe in the value of these “small” businesses. We have a network of investors ready to support businesses that generate daily income. These include barbershops, salons, car washes, and education centers. If you’re interested in growing one or selling it, reach out to us. We’re here to help turn those “menial” businesses into something lasting.
Photo by Jozef Fusung & Aymar Ngahan
Read Also: How long does it take to register a business in Cameroon?
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