From May to August 2021, ELYSIAN introduced the #BoostMeUp Initiative to help cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses in Malawi.

One of the biggest impacts COVID-19 had on personal finances was the ability of individuals to make purchases with the same frequency that they did before the pandemic. With an even smaller and limited cash flow, consumers were forced to become frugal with their finances—a development that impacted small businesses negatively, especially if they weren’t classified as providing essential services.

While being mindful of our growth and the challenges associated with it, ELYSIAN introduced #BoostMeUp - an initiative offering affordable marketing opportunities for just MK2,000.00 (approximately $2) to small business owners. We created graphic design posters that aided small businesses' marketing operations at an affordable price. This resulted in small businesses saving up to approximately 87% of what would typically be spent on the graphic design aspect of marketing while giving them a push that helped them keep going in a (new) reality that told them they wouldn't make it.

Through the #BoostMeUp initiative, ELYSIAN:

• created posters for over fifteen youth-led businesses

• offered accessible advertising in ELYSIAN Magazine to small business owners at affordable rates (approximately 93% less than normal market prices)

• empowered women to have marketable businesses