GreenBiz Entrepreneurs Undergo Business Mentorship

BY VICTORIA OBALLA

Everyone says that SMEs are the engines and driving force of Kenya’s development and economy, but few understand what it means to build and sustain SMEs What it means to navigate technical, legal, and financial challenges to stay afloat

These were the sentiments of the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, Mr Joseph Murabula, at the close of a two-day GreenBiz Bootcamp mentorship program that came to a close on Wednesday 24 May 2023

His statement aptly captures the essence of the bootcamp, which aimed to empower entrepreneurs and foster sustainable growth in Kenya’s green business sector through the GreenBiz program, a five-year program implemented by KCIC and supported by DANIDA

The 24 clients who took part in the bootcamp were provided with comprehensive business technical assistance and mentorship support to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving green business landscape The entrepreneurs received guidance on various aspects of business development, including market research, financial management, carbon measurement and trading, legal compliance, and effective marketing strategies

The bootcamp also featured trainers from government institutions such as the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) They shared their expertise and insights to further enrich the participants’ learning experience and compliance to various legal provisions

NEMA emphasized the importance of environmental regulations, encouraging entrepreneurs to align their businesses with green principles to gain a competitive edge The KRA shed light on tax incentives and benefits available to climate-focused enterprises, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting their growth and success

KEBS on the other hand emphasized the significance of quality assurance and certification to enhance product credibility, enabling entrepreneurs to tap into local and international markets.

The bootcamp also provided ample opportunities for collaboration and networking among the GreenBiz clients, with participants connecting with like-minded individuals and organisations, fostering an environment of shared learning and collaboration within the green business ecosystem

The mentorship bootcamp was actualised through the support and partnership of the SME Support Centre