Women in Climate Entrepreneurs’ Accelerator Project
Building a greener world, one female entrepreneur at a time.
Background
In Kenya, green enterprises are essential in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development. These businesses contribute to the environment through sustainable processes, product and service innovation, and the adoption of circular business models, particularly within waste management.
The impact of waste management and circularity is significant in Kenya, affecting the environment, livelihoods, and the economy, as highlighted in the “Building the Green Economy” report by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
Program Overview
Is your business focused on tackling social, economic, and environmental challenges in the manufacturing and agribusiness sectors? Then this is the program for you. The Women in Climate Entrepreneurs’ Accelerator (WiCE) Project, a partnership with KIEP-SKIES and Ongoza, will support up to 60 female entrepreneurs in Kisumu and Uasin Gishu counties. Through the support of Ongoza and its partners, we envision vibrant communities thriving with green businesses, creating jobs, and making a positive impact on the environment.
The program is designed exclusively for women-led or women-owned businesses tackling waste management and circular economy challenges in the agribusiness and manufacturing sectors. It aims to boost innovation and accelerate your business to drive economic growth and development. WiCE intends to leverage technical and financial support to design tailored performance improvement plans aimed at addressing the specific challenges identified below.
Why WICE?
According to the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs’ 2023 Building The Green Economy Report, entrepreneurs stated they had the following challenges in their green businesses.
Limited Access to Finance
Nearly 90% of support organizations highlight this as the top challenge. Barriers include low investor confidence, predominance of international funding, and lack of investment-ready models.
Insufficient SME Policy Support
Need for better government incentives and streamlined formalization processes. Policies are often overlapping and unclear, not tailored for SMEs.
Lack of Collaboration and Clarity
Duplication of business ideas and lack of customized support. Insufficient impact measurement tools, especially for adaptation and resilience.
Limited Support for Women and Local Enterprises
Support is concentrated in Nairobi and favours expatriate-led businesses. Underrepresentation of women-led enterprises and lack of local funding.
Access to Talent
Shortage of specialized local workforce in green sectors. High reliance on expensive foreign consultants.
Low Local Awareness
Limited consumer demand for green products. Need for awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices.
Program Benefits
Intensive Training (1 Week): Covering circular economy principles, business model development, financial literacy, sustainable operations, regulatory compliance, and pitching skills.
Personalized one-on-one business coaching: experienced advisors will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to tailor their guidance specifically to your business’s requirements, ensuring targeted and effective support throughout the program.
Grant Opportunities: Up to 10 businesses will be eligible to receive grants of up to KES 400,000 each to support their initiatives in waste management and circular economy.
Eligibility Criteria
Women-led or women-owned businesses operating in the agribusiness or manufacturing sectors in waste management and circular economy.
Business has been in operation for at least 15 months.
Businesses located and operating in Kisumu and Uasin Gishu counties, Kenya.
Registered businesses with valid legal documentation and meeting all statutory obligations.
Commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Demonstrated traction in average revenues of Kes 500,000 per year.
At least 4 permanent employees in the last 6 months.
Potential for positive social, economic, and environmental impact within the local community or sector.
Potential for growth and scalability.
Founder’s availability for full participation in the program, including training sessions and advisory support.
A Partnership for Progress
We’re proud to partner with KIEP-SKIES, the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, E-4IMPACT, S and the World Bank to support entrepreneurs and foster innovation in Kenya’s startup ecosystem.
Ongoza, 2023. All rights reserved