Visa has officially launched its She’s Next global advocacy program in Kenya, marking a significant step towards supporting women-owned small businesses. This initiative is part of Visa’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable world where women entrepreneurs can thrive. The program aims to provide funding, training, and mentorship to women business owners across various industries and sectors.
Women entrepreneurs in Kenya now have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to KES 2.5 million. Beyond the financial support, top applicants will benefit from comprehensive training and capacity-building sessions provided by Visa and its partners. This holistic approach is designed to equip women with the necessary skills and knowledge to scale their businesses successfully.
Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the program: “We are excited to bring She’s Next to Kenya and provide a platform for female entrepreneurs to thrive. We believe in the power of women to drive economic growth and societal progress, and this is an opportunity to provide the resources, tools, and support women need to grow their businesses.”
Patricia Okelo, Co-founder of Kayana Create, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaboration with Visa: “As the capacity-building partners of She’s Next Kenya, Kayana Create is delighted to be partnering with Visa to unlock the potential of female entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns with our strategy to support and empower talented women entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant community focused on collaboration and capacity building.”
Since its inception in 2020, Visa’s She’s Next program has invested over $3 million in more than 250 grants and coaching sessions for women entrepreneurs worldwide. The program has already made a significant impact in countries such as the US, Canada, India, Ireland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco.
Applications for She’s Next Kenya are open until June 12th, with winners set to be announced in July. Interested applicants can submit a short application form detailing their business via the She’s Next Kenya | Visa website. This initiative represents a vital opportunity for Kenyan women entrepreneurs to access the resources and support necessary to elevate their businesses.
