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BEDCO flea markets play a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship in Lesotho.

They provide affordable business spaces and encourage creativity and innovation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Improve marketing and digital training for vendors.

Offer financial support and mentorship programs.

Encourage participation in regional and international trade fairs.

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TikTok visual representation of the Maseru flea market. Video by @summernights_ls

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BEDCO's flea market in Maseru provides stalls for small vendors.

Businesses benefit from exposure to a larger customer base .

Some entrepreneurs have expanded to permanent shops.

For instance, Local clothing and crafts vendors who gained loyal customers through flea market sales.

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Strategies for Expanding Beyond the Local Market

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Strategies for Expanding Beyond the Local Market

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Market Diversification: Selling through online platforms and exports.

Partnerships: Collaborating with the larger retailers and suppliers.

Brand Development: Using social media for international marketing.

Product Quality: Meeting global standards to attract foriegn customers.

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Type: Qualitative Study

Methods: Observation, interviews with BEDCO market vendors, and secondary research.

Focus Areas:

Opportunities and challenges faced by small businesses

How flea markets help businesses expand .

The economic impact of the BEDCO initiative in Maseru.

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One of the products at the flea market.  

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The Role of Flea Markets in Small Business Development 

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The Role of Flea Markets in Small Business Development 

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Flea markets offer low start-up capital and flexible spaces for entrepreneurs.

They promote direct customer interaction and instant market feedback.

Studies show that flea markets enhance informal sector growth and income diversification.

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The Maseru flea market hosted downtown CBD

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The Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation(BEDCO) established flea markets to support small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs).

Significance: Flea markets encourage entrepreneurship, job creation, and local economic growth.