September 26, 2024, the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) was officially launched by USAID in partnership with Strathmore University. This initiative aims to empower Women Owned-Small and Growing Businesses (WO-SGBs) across Kenya by providing tailored business development services, mentorship, and access to funding. This program is part of the growing recognition that women entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth in Kenya and beyond, yet often face barriers that limit their potential.
Addressing Barriers to Women’s Entrepreneurship
Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, from limited access to finance to restricted business development services. Studies have shown that women-led businesses in Africa are more likely to experience growth constraints due to systemic barriers such as lack of market access, low confidence, and fewer networking opportunities. According to a World Bank report, providing these entrepreneurs with targeted support can significantly enhance their ability to scale and thrive.
The WEIP initiative directly addresses these issues by providing resources and mentorship to 135 Women Owned- businesses in key sectors, including agri-business & agro-processing, textiles & apparel, healthcare, and water & sanitation. The program will also provide over $1.27 million in co-investment grants, offering the financial backing these businesses need to scale.
Empowering Women to Lead Sustainable Growth
During the launch, Marianne Smallwood, Director of Private Sector Solutions, Office of Economic Growth at USAID emphasized how empowering women entrepreneurs leads to broader societal gains. “Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about business growth—it is about transforming communities and building a sustainable future for all”. This sentiment is echoed globally, as research shows that closing gender gaps in the workforce can significantly boost economic growth.
A report by McKinsey Global Institute estimates that advancing women’s equality in Africa could add $316 billion or 10% to the continent’s GDP by 2025. This illustrates why programs like WEIP are critical—not only do they support individual entrepreneurs but also play a vital role in driving national and regional economic development.
The Sectors that Matter
Agri-business & agro-processing, textiles & apparel, healthcare, and water & sanitation are essential sectors for Kenya’s growth. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), agriculture alone represents a significant opportunity to improve food security and create jobs. By focusing on these key areas, WEIP is not only empowering women entrepreneurs but also addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the country today.
Participants in this program will benefit from ten months of incubation, including business development services, personalized mentorship, and market linkages from the @iBizAfrica Incubation Center and Strathmore Enterprise Development and Innovation Centre (SEDIC). These efforts are aimed at positioning women led businesses to compete both locally and internationally.
For partners such as USAID, WEIP serves as a powerful initiative to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. For women entrepreneurs, it offers a unique opportunity to scale their businesses, access funding, and become part of a network of like-minded business leaders.
If you are a woman entrepreneur looking to grow your business, apply now to be part of the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program. This program offers you the chance to scale your business, access funding opportunities, and establish valuable market linkages and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Together, we can drive Kenya’s future towards a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow.
Apply Today: https://weip.strathmore.edu/#/
For more information Click Here: https://weip.strathmore.edu/#/