🙏 Thank you to everyone who participated in our financial priorities poll. We asked what you would do if given $40,000 today, with the constraint that you must choose only one option, and the results reveal fascinating insights about entrepreneurial ambition and investment priorities in Zimbabwe.
Poll Question: If you were given US$40,000 today, what would you do with it? (Assume you cannot split the money, you must choose one option.)
Total votes: 416
Poll Results:
Start a business → 292 votes (70.2%)
Buy a high-density house → 89 votes (21.4%)
Buy a medium-density stand → 35 votes (8.4%)
Key Findings:
Entrepreneurial Spirit Dominates: An overwhelming 70.2% would choose to start a business, showing that the entrepreneurial mindset is extremely strong in Zimbabwe, with people prioritizing business opportunities over property ownership.
Property Still Appeals to Some: Combined, 29.8% would choose property investment (either a high-density house or medium-density stand), indicating that real estate remains attractive but is clearly the minority preference.
High-Density Housing Over Land: Among property buyers, 21.4% prefer a ready house in high-density areas versus 8.4% for a medium-density stand, suggesting people value immediate shelter over land for future development.
Business Over Security: The results show that most people are willing to take entrepreneurial risks rather than secure guaranteed property ownership, reflecting either confidence in business abilities or desperation to escape financial constraints through entrepreneurship.
Business Insights and Analysis:
Why Business Wins:
Income Generation Potential: A business can potentially generate monthly income and grow exponentially, while property provides shelter or rental income but limited growth potential with $40,000.
Active Wealth Building: Entrepreneurs see business as an active way to multiply money rather than the passive appreciation of property.
Economic Reality: Many respondents likely already have housing (family property, renting) but lack income opportunities, making business the more urgent need.
Entrepreneurial Optimism: The 70.2% reflects belief that with proper execution, $40,000 can be turned into much more through business rather than locked into property.
Why Some Choose Property:
Tangible Security: Property cannot disappear or fail like a business can – it provides permanent, physical security.
Housing Crisis: For those without secure housing, owning a home addresses a fundamental need that trumps business aspirations.
Risk Aversion: The 29.8% who choose property may have experienced or witnessed business failures and prefer guaranteed asset ownership.
Long-Term Appreciation: Property historically appreciates over time and can be passed to children, providing intergenerational wealth.
Strategic Considerations:
For the 70.2% Choosing Business:
Success Requires More Than Capital: Having $40,000 does not guarantee business success. You also need viable business ideas, market research, business skills, industry knowledge, and execution capability.
Many Businesses Fail: Previous polls showed 61% of entrepreneurs earning less than their previous salary. Starting a business is risky, and $40,000 can disappear quickly without proper planning.
Consider Hybrid Approaches: While the poll forced one choice, in reality, you could use part for business and part for property down payment or income-generating assets.
Business Type Matters: $40,000 goes further in some businesses (trading, services, small manufacturing) than others (large-scale manufacturing, franchises, property development).
Protect Your Capital: Have a solid business plan, test your concept small before going all-in, and do not assume entrepreneurial passion equals business success.
For the 29.8% Choosing Property:
Property Provides Stability: Owning property eliminates rent payments, provides security, and can generate rental income if you live elsewhere.
Appreciation Potential: Well-located property typically appreciates, especially in growing areas with infrastructure development.
Can Enable Business: Property ownership can free up mental energy and cash flow (saved rent) that can later be directed toward business ventures.
Collateral Value: Owned property can serve as collateral for future business loans if needed.
What This Means:
The results reveal a population hungry for economic opportunity and willing to take entrepreneurial risks to achieve it. The overwhelming preference for business over property security suggests either great confidence in business abilities or recognition that property ownership alone will not solve financial challenges without income generation.
However, this entrepreneurial enthusiasm must be balanced with reality – starting a business is extremely challenging, and many fail. The optimism reflected in 70.2% choosing business should be tempered with proper planning, market research, and realistic assessment of skills and market opportunities.
For those choosing property, they demonstrate wisdom in securing foundational stability before pursuing riskier ventures, though they may miss wealth multiplication opportunities that successful businesses can provide.
Key Takeaway:
The choice between business and property reflects two different wealth-building philosophies – active entrepreneurship versus passive asset accumulation. While 70.2% demonstrate admirable entrepreneurial ambition, success requires more than capital and enthusiasm. It demands business acumen, market understanding, execution capability, and often, some luck.
The ideal approach for most people would actually be balanced – secure some property for stability while building businesses for income and growth. However, with limited capital, people must choose, and Zimbabweans overwhelmingly choose the entrepreneurial path, for better or worse.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, remember that the 61% who left jobs and are earning less than their previous salary also likely had entrepreneurial optimism. Make sure your business decision is based on solid fundamentals, not just hope and $40,000.
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