Uplift 15 Kenyan Women Through Entrepreneurship

We’re excited to share progress from the Microbusiness Incubator in Homa Bay, Kenya, where a new cohort of 18 adolescent mothers has successfully completed the first phase of their entrepreneurial journey. Throughout May, the participants took part in Street Business School learning modules led by a certified trainer. These sessions were designed to build their foundational skills and boost their confidence to successfully launch and sustain their small businesses.

The first module of the training played a particularly vital role in setting the stage for long-term success. Focused on building confidence and shifting mindset, this session helped the participants confront limiting beliefs and fears that may have held them back in the past. Through interactive activities and group discussion, participants explored the concept of stepping outside their comfort zones and began developing the resilience and self-belief necessary to pursue personal growth and economic independence. This confidence-building foundation is especially important given the social and economic challenges many of the women have faced.

The remaining five modules focused on core business skills and practical tools to support successful entrepreneurship. The diverse range of topics covered included:

• Conducting market research to evaluate business ideas
• Understanding basic bookkeeping and money management
• Building and retaining a customer base
• Managing risk and planning for growth

A key highlight from the sessions was the involvement of our program alumni. During the learning sessions, the cohort had the opportunity to hear directly from previous incubator graduates who shared their lived experiences as entrepreneurs including offering honest insights into both challenges and successes. This peer mentorship component added depth to the program and reinforced a sense of possibility and community among the participants.

By the end of the formal learning sessions, all 18 participants had completed the curriculum and are now eligible for startup support as they launch their micro businesses. For many, this will include receiving critical items such as produce stands and materials specific to their chosen trades.

The next phase of the incubator focuses on supporting participants as they bring their business ideas to life, including on-site visits and ongoing coaching to guide them through the early stages of implementation.

This phase is truly exciting, as we now get to see these determined women put their learning into action and begin their journey as business owners. The impact of business ownership truly extends beyond themselves and their families as it has the power to uplift entire communities.

For BBS, this program milestone also marks another important step forward in our broader goal to help address and ultimately end generational poverty through sustainable, community-driven entrepreneurship.

In closing, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the board of Activate Action, our local implementation partner, for their incredible support. The board's social media campaign played a vital role in mobilising resources and expanding awareness for this program.

To the broader BBS community, thank you for your continued support in helping create real, lasting change for the women in Homa Bay.

More from Homa Bay very soon!

“Poverty is not just a lack of money, it is not having the capability to realise one’s full potential.” This insightful quote by Amartya Sen, the 1998 Nobel Prize-winning economist, captures the essence of why the Business for Better Society (BBS) and Activate Action Microbusiness Incubator continues to make an impact in Homa Bay.

To date, this initiative has resulted in 130 women successfully opening their own businesses, alongside the establishment of a women’s group with 45 members who are working collectively to achieve financial independence. These successes highlight the profound and lasting impact the program is having on the local community.

As we move into Q2 of 2025, we are pleased to share an initial update on the sixth intake of the incubator program, marking another milestone in our journey toward economic empowerment for women.

Selection Process for the Sixth Intake

BBS is proud to continue partnering with Activate Action, who will again be the implementation partner. With their deep understanding of the local community and the trust they have built over years of dedicated service, they play a crucial role in the incubator’s ongoing success.

For this intake, the focus remains on identifying young women from low-income backgrounds who are either unemployed or working in the informal sector. Additionally, Activate Action prioritises women affected by HIV, recognising that they often face significant economic barriers. The selection process includes a combination of community outreach, referrals from partner organisations, and direct applications to ensure that those who join are truly committed to becoming entrepreneurs and prepared for the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Most women selected for this cohort come from rural areas, many are single mothers or primary caregivers facing financial instability. They often lack access to formal training, business networks, or capital, making this program a transformative opportunity to develop essential skills, build confidence, and achieve economic independence.

Curriculum and Training Modules

The incubator continues to utilise the highly effective Street Business School curriculum, which has been instrumental in the success of previous cohorts. The core modules will remain the same, ensuring that the fundamental business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills taught align with the needs of the women in the program. The modules covered will include:

1. Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone – Overcoming fear and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset.
2. Business Opportunity Identification & Market Research – Understanding viable business opportunities and conducting market research.
3. Finding Capital & Starting Small – Exploring different ways to access startup capital and beginning with a manageable business model.
4. Bookkeeping – Learning basic financial management and record-keeping skills.
5. Business Planning – Developing a structured business plan to guide their ventures.
6. Money Management – Understanding cash flow, budgeting, and financial sustainability.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to welcome the next 15 women into the incubator and witness their growth as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Their resilience, creativity, and determination continue to inspire us, and we look forward to sharing their progress with all of you who have supported this initiative.

Your generosity enables us to empower more women, transform more lives, and create lasting economic change in Homa Bay.

Thank you again!