The Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs (AWCE) Project

Climate change, an impending global crisis, has taken centre stage as a defining challenge of our time. Its impacts are pervasive, from erratic weather patterns to melting ice caps, and its ramifications echo through health, ecology, and economies. The urgency to combat these effects and devise innovative solutions has never been greater. In the vanguard of this battle, women climate entrepreneurs (WCEs), are the true protagonists who are redefining the rules of the game.

These women aren’t just entrepreneurs; they’re architects of a sustainable future. With a tapestry woven from diverse perspectives, they craft solutions that resonate. They prioritize community needs, foster collaboration over competition, and champion holistic approaches. It’s this synergy that makes them leaders of change.

But their impact goes beyond business; it’s about fostering balance. Women-led enterprises champion gender equality by empowering women in the workforce, driving environmental initiatives with fervour, and igniting a virtuous cycle of progress.

Yet, even amidst triumph, challenges loom. Capital constraints, limited networks, gender biases – these are the hurdles that punctuate their journey. The landscape remains skewed, with women’s voices often drowned out in the climate sector’s chorus. Biases cast long shadows, affecting investment decisions, and external recognition remains elusive.

Ongoza in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), ANDE, and WUSC, emerges as a rallying call. With Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) support, AWCE aims to dismantle barriers and empower women entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Entrepreneurship Skills Training: Nurturing Growth

Ten exceptional women embarked on a journey of growth through crafted entrepreneurship skills training. Guided by experts in gender dynamics, mental health, digital strategies, and climate awareness, these training sessions spanned five enriching modules.

• The Entrepreneur Wellness module cultivated resilience, equipping participants with mental and emotional tools essential for thriving amidst challenges.
• The Gender Responsiveness in Business module shed light on the nuances of women’s roles in the business world, fostering an inclusive approach.
• The Climate Finance module unravelled the financial intricacies of climate-focused businesses, empowering participants to harness funding sources.
• The Partnership Development module honed collaboration skills, enabling participants to forge impactful alliances.
• The Digital Inclusion module empowered participants with digital dexterity, allowing them to leverage technology for growth.

These modules didn’t just impart knowledge; they sowed the seeds of transformation, nurturing a holistic skill set that these entrepreneurs would wield to foster change.

2. Site Visits and Needs Assessment: Building Bridges

Ongoza’s commitment extended beyond virtual classrooms. Our team, alongside representatives from AKF, embarked on physical site visits to the businesses of WCEs across seven Kenyan counties. Through these visits, Ongoza delved deep into the businesses’ essence – their models, products, customers, and challenges. Armed with a needs assessment toolkit, we assessed not only the needs but also the barriers that these women faced in the climate sector. This information became essential for crafting personalized coaching and mentorship plans, each tailored to address specific needs and aspirations.

Moreover, these visits transcended business, cultivating personal connections and trust. These bonds would prove pivotal as WCEs found a safe space to voice their needs, concerns, and areas requiring support.

3. Coaching and Mentorship Support: Nurturing Potential

Armed with insights from site visits, Ongoza embarked on a journey of individualized guidance. The coaching and mentorship plans, born from personal connections and needs assessments, became blueprints for growth.

The coaching sessions, delivered virtually over a month, weren’t just about imparting knowledge; they were about unlocking potential. From storytelling to financial management, and marketing strategies to pitch deck development, WCEs were equipped with the tools to scale their operations, communicate their journeys, and confidently approach potential investors and partners.

4. Pitch Deck Development and Valuations: Elevating Confidence

Ongoza’s involvement extended to the heart of fundraising efforts. Collaborating with Raise, a fundraising platform, we crafted pitch decks and financial models aligned with the strategic vision cultivated during coaching sessions. The journey didn’t end there. Seven WCEs received valuation reports on their enterprises, a compass guiding them through fundraising endeavours.

The storytelling coaching sessions lent a powerful voice to these entrepreneurs’ journeys. With clear valuations and baseline values, these women found renewed confidence in pitching their ventures. Armed with the knowledge of suitable funding avenues, their steps toward impactful change were surer than ever.

Ongoza’s role was not merely that of a facilitator but of a partner in transformation. From nurturing skills to fostering connections, from individual growth to collective empowerment, we resonated with the journeys of women climate entrepreneurs.

If you’re an organization poised to make a global difference, we invite you to take centre stage. Get in touch with us and embark on a journey that transcends borders.