Championing A Kenyan Women's Microbusiness Program

A lot has happened since our last donor report and today we're excited to highlight the program's graduation ceremony, the businesses that have emerged, the ongoing support for the women, and our future plans.

The April graduation ceremony was a momentous occasion, bringing together the first two cohorts of the program. It provided an opportunity for the women to network, share their experiences, and celebrate their graduation as well as the start of their entrepreneurial endeavours. The event featured speeches from local dignitaries, the presentation of certificates of completion, lively music, and of course two delightful cakes.

Also in April our CEO, Kelly Brantner, visited Homabay. During her time in the region, Ms. Brantner attended the last module of Cohort 2's Street Business School program, visited several women at their businesses, and joined the graduation ceremony. Her visit allowed her to gain firsthand insights into how the program has supported the women and their families. She also sought feedback from the participants to identify areas for program improvement. Ms. Brantner has shared detailed accounts of her trip to Homabay in a recent blog post on the BBS website, which we invite you to read for further information.

The women who graduated from our incubator have established a wide range of businesses, all deeply rooted in the local economy. Their entrepreneurial ventures include:

1. Homemade snacks, such as samosas, grilled corn-on-the-cob, and chips.
2. Charcoal stands.
3. Tailoring and alterations.
4. Selling meals composed of chapatis and beans.
5. Wholesale distribution of mangoes to other fruit stand owners.
6. Fruit and vegetable stands.
7. Fresh fish stalls.
8. Second-hand clothing stalls.
9. Cold drinks stands.

While the graduation ceremony marked an important milestone, the program's support for the women continues. Regular visits and coaching sessions will be provided to help them overcome challenges and provide ongoing support and encouragement.

In discussions with Ms. Brantner, the women shared that their businesses are currently generating a daily profit ranging between 200 and 300 Kenyan Shillings. Importantly, the women have prioritised investing in their children's education, healthcare, and daily household expenses. They also expressed their ambitions for the future and shared their business expansion plans. Inspired by the key teachings of the Street Business School program, which emphasises taking small steps, many women have crafted strategies for growth. For example, fruit and vegetable stall owners have meticulously planned how they will expand their offerings over time, including dried beans and cooking oil. As one business owner stated, "I want to be one-stop shopping for my customers."

What's next? Our overarching goal for the microbusiness incubator program in Homabay is to support 500 women in becoming successful business owners. And in support of this greater goal, a special annoucement will be made at the first of August, which will be shared with all of our donors.

The microbusiness incubator program in Homabay has had a profound impact not only on the lives of the women involved but also on their families and the wider community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community of donors for their unwavering support, which has enabled us to achieve significant milestones. Together, we are creating lasting change and empowering women to build sustainable businesses.

We're excited to have you with us on this journey as we work towards our shared vision of a brighter future for the women of Homabay and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Links:

• BBS CEO's Blog About Her Time In Homabay