Tameer Entrepreneurs of 2008

 People with disability have a 2% government job quota. To date, that still has not been met. There is a dearth of employment issues for such youth, and entrepreneurship is a far away concept for them. ExtraCorp, the parent non-profit organization that initiated Bäckerei, strives to change this picture.

 

      Bäckerei is the first of its kind bakery in Pakistan. Suggestive of its German name, it serves specialized German confectionary and assorted European goodies. Asides from its products, the bakery is unique as it is owned and run completely by young entrepreneurs with hearing disability. Haven gone through a grueling 2-month training period on managerial and attitudinal training, they were then given 3 month training to prepare them in specialized baking and cooking. For this, they had a qualified German bakery owner come to Pakistan.

 

 

2. Profile of the entrepreneur                               

3.  When it took off

       Bäckerei was officially launched on Dec 16,
             2006. They had been training for 3 months 
             prior to this.

 

4.  The results so far (Sales/Turnover)

    During pre launch research we found out that 
            bakeries take a minimum of a couple of years to
            establish themselves well. With that thought in
            mind, Bäckerei considered itself lucky to have 
            established a small but steady clientele without
            any proper marketing. The first year has been a 
            mixed plate for Bäckerei. It experimented with
            various new strategies and seems to be settling 
            down now. Although it doesn’t have a steady profit
            flow right now, it achieved close to break even in 
            most of its months. 
            Summers was a slump for the bakery with unexpected
            weather related problems and electricity issues. Both 
            winters the bakery saw a blossoming bottom line.
            It has experimented with supplying to various super
            markets, and does bake sales at melas, organizations
            and institutions regularly.
 

5.       Future prospectus.

            After breaking even, these entrepreneurs will return
            their capital, which will be used to fund another
            business by people with disability. They will also
            pass on their training and hence be master trainers
            for more bakeries.
 

           Bäckerei is located in Defense Phase II commercial
           area and upon expansion, will move to a more
           accessible location for its retail café. It will also use 
           alternative selling points like mini outlets  within malls,
           super markets, and hospitals.        
           
           Bäckerei contact number is 021-5380312.

  

After successfully establishing its quality and name,
Bäckerei will move to its own retail setup with a sitting
capacity of 50-60 people at one time, while continuing
its supply and orders. It will also increase its product
line to increase more international confectionary
including Pakistani confectionary.           

Having never excessive funds for marketing, Bäckerei
has always been marketed through customer driven word
of mouth. In future, Bäckerei plans to market its products
through proper channels to increase Sales.                                 

 

8.             Employment size                

The Bäckerei employees 11 direct employee full time
        and 4 part  time employees.   (9 Hearing impaired young 
         men, I manager, 1 cleaner).

Our most unique selling proposition is our entrepreneurs.
They are extraordinary young gentlemen with a vision to
be pioneers in entrepreneurship ventures by dif-abled people.

 

Along with the manpower, at Backerie the product line is very
unique too. Our products are free from additives and preservatives. Our bread especially is known amongst the health conscious for its quality and authentic German taste.

 

Besides the product and people, the pricing at Bäckerei also represents a unique value system. It promotes equality amongst different social classes by making quality available for all at the same affordable prices.

 

The place is also not behind the people, price and product. Upon entering Backerie, one instantly gets a homey feeling with the scent of fresh baked bread, bright yellow walls, Christmas lights and hand made things on the wall.