Empowering HelpingHands

Women Business Support

  1. Home
  2. Women Business Support

Women Business Support

These institutions have a dedicated desk for supporting women-led businesses.

Women face a rough road when trying to start businesses in traditionally male-dominated fields. Luckily, there are more resources today than ever before. Whether it’s addressing issues of equal compensation, finding like-minded investors to secure funding, or building a support network.

1) CHERIE BLAIR FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN.

Cherie Blair foundation was started by the wife of the former Uk prime minister Mr. Tony Blair, in the year 2008 as a development organization with an aim to support women entrepreneurs in developing countries by providing them with the skills, technology, networks, and access to capital that they need to become successful small and growing business owners so that they can contribute to their economics and have a strong voice in their societies. The foundation has a presence in Kenya through a partnership with DHL Express LTD.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. The integrated technological driven entrepreneurship training programme, business information, resources that assist in transforming women-led micro, small and medium businesses into thriving sustainable enterprises
  2. Mentorship, support, and financing for women entrepreneurs

Programmes in Kenya:

# her venture app – this is a mobile learning App that supports women entrepreneurs to access the skills confidence and networks they need to grow their business. The App can be downloaded from the Android Google play store and is compatible with all Smartphone’s

CONTACTS :

Email: media@cherieblairfoundation.org

     Website: www.cherieblairfoundation.org

2) KEPSA (Kenya Private Sector Alliance).

K.E.P.S.A is a limited liability membership organization registered in 2003 as the apex body of the private sector in Kenya. Its core role is to bring together the entire business community in a single voice to influence public policy for an enabling business environment.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. A business HUB desk that acts as a one-stop center for timely trade information in Kenya.
  2. Updates and outcomes on concluded roundtable forums with partner-link agencies aimed at addressing challenges facing the business community.
  3. Business support and mentoring.

CONTACTS:

  • 5th Floor, Shelter Afrique building

Mamlaka road

P.o box 3550-00100 Nairobi Kenya

  • Tel: +254 202730371/2/2727936/883

       +254 0720 340949/0735999979

3) MASTER CARD FOUNDATION.

Master Foundation was created in 2006 by MasterCard international with a core mandate to advance learning, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and fight unemployment among young people mainly in Africa.

 

PROGRAMMES:

  1. Young Africa Works

This is a public-private partnership to connect young Kenyans to dignified work.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Technology integrated assistance for young people to connect them to work, access to capital, mentorship, and business development sectors in agriculture manufacturing, housing & healthcare.

CONTACTS:

  • Nairobi Garage Office, 3rd Floor

The promenade, General Mathenge drive

Nairobi, Kenya.

4) OWIT (Organisation of women in international trade).

SERVICES

  • Business training on imports & exports trade.
  • Capacity Building and Skills transfer for women-run Businesses in
    • Manufacturing
    • Services sector
    • ICT
    • Agriculture
    • Retail business etc
  • Financing (innovative & women-friendly financing solutions for members)
  • Access to markets- assist in identifying available markets across the world for different products
  • Mentorship – organize local & international & local mentorship programmed which assist in impacting managerial & confidence for members to run their business effectively.

 

CONTACTS:

5) JOYFUL WOMEN ORGANISATION.

AVAILABLE SERVICES.

  • Affordable micro-credit facilities for grassroots women
  • Skills upgrade through training programmes for women running a small business
  • Market access for products
  • Enterprise development courses

 

COVERAGE

All sectors

 

LOCATION:

Nyayo Stadium

 

 

CONTACTS:

Tel: +254-722-840-349

       +254-710-826-959

Email: info@joywo.org

Website: www.joywo.org

6) MEDIUM ENTERPRISES FOUNDERS ASSOCIATION

SERVICES:

  • Provides mentoring opportunities for founders of businesses through weekly open sessions that empower entrepreneurs
  • Training for entrepreneurs in diverse areas.
  • (OBE) online business experts outsourcing platform for women founders to outsource crucial services.
  • Access to capital – through a revolving fund at very low-interest rates

 

COVERAGE:

Hospitality, education, agribusiness, retailing, service sectors

 

CONTACTS:

Tel: +254-715-356-571

Facebook – sme founders

Twitter-@ some founders

Instagram: smefounders Kenya

7) MICRO & SMALL ENTERPRISES FEDERATION.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

  • Training – assist MSMEs to grow from inception to international trade
  • Economic training for women-led businesses
  • Access to markets information
  • Business Branding Assistance

 

COVERAGE:

All MSMEs

 

LOCATION:

Kamutiini , off lower kabete road

 

CONTACTS:

Tel:+254-20-4401239

Email: info@msefederation.com

Website: www.msefederation.com

Facebook: @MSEFederation

Twitter: @msefederation .

8) KAYANA KENYA.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  • Kayana pro – a master class training programme for women running a small business.
  • Kayana accelerates- this is a co-working space located at CMS plaza Chania avenue and targeting female entrepreneurs.
  • Kayana harmony – an online community of women entrepreneurs.

 

LOCATION:

  • CMS Africa house, Chania avenue Nairobi Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

  • Tel +254-738-463-576
  • Email:https://kayana.org/home/
  • Linkedin:kayana-Kenya
9) HER HUSTLE LTD.

SERVICES:

  • Mentorship sessions
  • Business training- on upscaling, registration, interventions, and branding
  • Financing –short-term collateral-free loans

 

LOCATION:

  • 14 riverside drive, chiromo road, Nairobi Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

Facebook : @herhustleke

10) AWEP (African Women Entrepreneurship Programme).

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  • Capacity building &support to help grow and upscale businesses.
  • Access to market linkages including B 2 B platforms.
  • Access to finance
  • Mentorship & networking
  • Lobbying & advocacy
  • Procurement opportunities for women-led business
  • Social-economic support eg work-life balance health and wellness

 

COVERAGE:

Manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, mining, oil & gas, financial services.

 

LOCATION:

Afralti: conference center

Waiyaki Way, Nairobi Kenya

P.o Box 66370-0080

 

CONTACTS DETAILS:

Website: www.awepkenya.org

Facebook @ Awepafrica

Instagram: @Awepkenya

Twitter: @KenyaAwep

11) ASSEK (Association of start-ups & SMEs enablers of Kenya).

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  • Capacity building – organised knowledge exchange programmes and workshops to facilitate peer to peer learning.
  • Empowerment –shared timely information on available opportunities to the SME Sector.
  • Training & incubation –organised seasonal 3-day incubator nest programmes which cover all the fundamentals of starting and running a business.
  • Collaboration –ASSEK provides a pipeline to SMEs by connecting them to ecosystem stakeholders to aid in brand visibility.

 

COVERAGE:

All start-ups incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, innovation centres.

Contacts details:

 

 

LOCATION:

12) K.A.M (Kenya Association of Manufactures).

KAM was established in 1959 as a Representative of manufacturing and value- add industries in Kenya. Over the year the association has grown into a vibrant, credible voice for business in Kenya. KAM partners with the government including all enterprises to ensure a dynamic and flourishing manufacturing sector in Kenya.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Direct technical assistance to owners of SMES
  2. Capacity Building &training programmes for entrepreneurs
  3. Networking and mentorship among the SMEs
  4. Detailed industry insight & analysed data for use by the SMEs
  5. General trade and Export development services including lead to markets
  6. A.M Academy (Training Academy for Entrepreneurs)

LOCATION:

  • 15 mwanzi road opp west gate mall

Westlands

CONTACTS:

  • Tel: +2547-0722201368/0734-646004/5

Telkom :+254(020)232481

13) K.N.N.C.I (Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

K.N.N.C.I was established in 1965 and relaunched in 2015. K.N.N.C.I has a broader function of Promoting coordinating and protecting commercial enterprises in all 47 counties of Kenya. Membership is open to small, micro enterprises (MSE), medium and large enterprises.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Support for SME, growth, and development with a rallying call of growing your business together.
  2. Short business and technical courses which assist in building capacity for business owners.
  3. An economic diplomacy desk which is available in all 47 counties to enable the business to register their interest with respect to linkages and desired business collaborations
  4. Funding for small and medium enterprises
  5. Liaison guidelines for the promotion of “made in Kenya” products
  6. S.M.E Industrial Parks, SME academy, and dual vocational institute to enhance the competitiveness of the SMEs including those led by women or the youth.

 

LOCATION:

  • Heritage House, Ground Floor

Woodlands Road, OH arywings kodlek road

Opposite department of defense HQS

Hurling ham- Nairobi Kenya

CONTACTS:

Branches

Offices available in all 47 counties

14) WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Networking and mentorship forums for women in the real estate business.
  2. Capacity building sessions e.g the “wire real talk” and WIRE Wednesday in which women get to visit each other’s place of work.
  3. Training programmes in diverse fields for sector players

 

LOCATION:

Hub 6th floor, Sente Plaza, Galana Road

Nairobi, Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.wire.or.ke

15) Women in Security Kenya (W.S.K).

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities for Stakeholders
  2. Training Forums on Industry Standards
  3. Special Help desk on industry stakeholder’s welfare.

 

LOCATION:

  • Salama Annex Office

Suite Milimani Road

Nairobi- Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

Website : www.wisk.co.ke

16) MARKETING SOCIETY OF KENYA.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Networking/ mentorship forums for stakeholders
  2. Training, workshops, seminars for stakeholders.
  3. A special help desk for women entrepreneurs in the marketing field
  4. Professional certification for industry prayers

 

LOCATION:

  • Lint 5 Block B, 51 Lenana Road Kilimani

 

CONTACTS:

  • Tel : +254-792 001 391

         +254 -752-434-152

17) DADA SOKO.

Dada soko is a Kenyan social impact project by Global Soko Foundation which provides self sustaining global ecommerce marketplace structured specifically for young women entrepreneurs to help them sell their goods and services remotely to anyone, anywhere around the world.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Digital transformation tools to young women entrepreneurs e.g
  • Customised trainings on financial literacy and marketing solution.
  • Certification on completed training programmes.
  1. Virtual Markets/ online shops for young women entrepreneurs to sell their goods and services.
  2. Networking events which assist in 4pscaling.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.dadasoko.com

18) WOMEN WORK NETWORK.

Women Work Network is a go-to Network for ambitious professionals in the employment and entrepreneurship sectors. Founded on the principles and power of community, Women Work Networks provides women with access to capital, marketing opportunities, networks, exposure and skills development that helps them realize their full potential in their business.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Training programmes for women using a peer community in wide-ranging areas to enable them to excel in entrepreneurship.
  2. Access to opportunities, Networks, Exposure and Skills Development
  3. Exclusive access to highly curated, impactful learning sessions on fundraising and leveling up to the next level.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.womenwork.co.ke

19) AFRICAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP COOPERATIVE (AWEC).

AWES foster knowledge and business growth for women-owned business using applied learning, community building and a digital –first approach.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Funding for women-owned businesses.
  2. Entrepreneurship-related training programmes.
  3. Networking and mentorship forums.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.weareawec.org

20) HER VENTURE APP.

This is a mobile learning app that supports women entrepreneurs to access the skills, confidence and networks they need to grow their businesses.

This app is a brainchild of DHL and the Cherie Blair Foundation.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.cherieblairfoundation.org

21) WOMEN IN BUSINESS KENYA.

AVAILABLE SERVICES.

  1. Education and Capacity Building training through webinars, mentorships forums, business coaching etc.
  2. Business Development Centres in Counties to mentor women entrepreneurs
  3. Guidance to access the 30% procurement opportunities enshrined in the tendering  lows of Kenya for women entrepreneurs
  4. Training on how to access the women enterprise fund low interest loans

 

CONTACTS:

22) MUM IN BUSINESS FORUM.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

  1. Networking forums for mums in business.
  2. Business training in marketing, entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy digital skills etc for mothers.

 

LOCATION:

  • Apartment No 3, Diani Close

Off-Ole ndume Road, Kilimani- Nairobi

  • Tel; +254-717-559-378

        +254-710-321-107

        +254-768-079-080

23) HAIRDRESSERS, BEAUTY AND BARBER’S PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Networking /mentorship/coaching opportunities
  2. Forums that empower members with vocational skills, new technologies including innovations in the Hair and beasty industry.

 

Contacts

24) UBUNIFU ASSOCIATION.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Support for SMEs in the handicraft industry, leather, accessories textiles, apparel, basketry, jewelry, and Home decors.
  2. Networking and partnership forums
  3. Link to access grant opportunities
  4. Training programmes for stakeholders covering; financial management, market access, branding, sales and marketing etc.

 

CONTACTS:

Tel: +254-735-446-841

Email: info@ubunifukenya2017@gmail.com

Website: www.ubunifuassociation.co.ke

25) Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT).

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Mentorship, training, and capacity building forums for women entrepreneurs in the Tourism industry.
  2. Information in the tourism industry on related News and updates
  3. Link to other entrepreneurs in related professions for Networking Opportunities.
  4. She trades online platform, which is a resource bank for stakeholders to access crucial enterprise development guidance.

 

LOCATION:

1st Floor, western Heights, Karuna Road, westlands -Nairobi Kenya.

 

 CONTACTS:

  • Tel+254-763 697 924
  • Email :info@kawt.or.ke
  • Website: kawt.or.ke
26) Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK).

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Refreshed Courses in Conjunction with Utalii College and Tourism Fund
  2. Security training in conjunction with Kenya Tourism Federation
  3. Marketing training in conjunction with Kenya Tourism Board
  4. Tax, Labour and employment benchmark training for Stakeholders
  5. Networking Forums

 

LOCATION:

Website: www.perakkenya.co.ke

27) Kenya Association of Women Surgeons (KAWS).

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Mentorship Forums, Hands on training on different elements related to surgery
  2. A dedicated empowerment desk for women doctors pursuing a career in surgery

 

LOCATION:

Menelik Medical Centre, Nairobi Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.womeninsurgeryke.org

28) WOMEN ENTERPRISE FUND.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Loans to women led enterprises
  2. Loans to women groups
  3. Capacity building
  4. Market support and linkages
  5. Bind Bonds and LPO financing for women led companies

 

LOCATION:

  • 11th Floor, NSSF Building Block a Eastern wing Nairobi –Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

  • Tel: 0714606845 /0793-324820
  • Website: wef.co.ke
29) CBWW-K (Common Wealth Business Women’s Network Kenya).

CBWN-K is a ground partner of the common wealth business women’s network (CBWN) which is an accredited organization directly recognised by 54 government across six continents.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. An activity
  2. Calendar for women and youth economic empowerment activities
  3. Capacity building forums that empower women with business and market exposure
  4. Relevant timely support for the youth so that they can engage in business and earn meaningful incomes.

 

LOCATION:

  • Blue violet plaza, Kambugu

Nairobi

Website : www.cbwnkenya.org

30) DADA BY STANBIC BANK.

DADA is inclusive platform created by stanbic bank for women that provides financial and non-financial services to enable women entrepreneurs to start and grow their enterprises. This includes financial benefits such as borrowing, saving, protecting and managing wealth.

Non financial benefits through education, information, networking, rewards and wellness activities.

 

LOCATION:

Stanbic Bank Kenya Branches

 

CONTACTS: 

Tel: 0711068888

Email: dadake@stanbic.com

Website: www.dada.stanbicbank.co.ke

31) MSAMARIA ACCOUNT BY CO-OPERATIVE BANK.

Msamaria is an exclusively dedicated account for women in business and those who are looking to expand their businesses.

This account is packed with loan offers, financial empowerment, and training to aid in making better investment decisions.

 

LOCATION :

Cooperative bank branches

 

CONTACTS:

Tel: 0736690101         WhatsApp 0736690101

Email: customerservices@co-opbank.co.ke

Website: www.co-opbank.co.ke

32) ABSA BANK SHE BUSINESS ACCOUNT.

She account by ABSA is a business account designed to provide women entrepreneurs with one stop banking solutions, affordable financing, and access to local and international markets, business- based information, coaching and mentorship to accelerate their business.

 

LOCATION:

ABSA Bank Branches

 

CONTACTS:

Tel:0732130120

Whatsapp: 0710-130000

Email: absa.kenya@absa.africa

Website: www.absabank.co.ke

33) EQUITY BANK FANIKISHA WOMEN SUITE:

This is a dedicated banking solution that seeks to give women entrepreneurs equal rights to economic resources.

Products packing include; women-friendly loan facilities, training, and empowerment platforms.

 

LOCATION:

Equity Bank Branches

 

CONTACTS:

Tel:0763063000

Email: info@equitygroupholdings.com

Website: equitygroupholdings.com

34) KENYA WOMEN MICROFINANCE BANK.

KWFT has an ecosystem that is wholly dedicated to advancing women entrepreneurs and their families to accelerate the growth of their small businesses in urban and rural areas. This includes free collateral loans to women, training, networking events, and insurance products.

 

 

LOCATION:

In All Major Towns

 

CONTACTS:

Tel: 0703-067700

Email:info@wwftbank.com

Website: www.wwftbank.com

35) STANDARD BANK DIVA ACCOUNT.

This is a uniquely designed account for women that come with many added benefits.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.sc.com  

36) GUIF AFRICA BANK ANAISAA ACCOUNT

GAB has designed this banking solution with Muslim women entrepreneurs in mind. Added benefits include; loan facilities, empowerment events and equipping women with the right skills set and knowledge to enable them to build solid businesses.

 

LOCATION:

Geminia Insurance Plaza, Upper Hill- Nairobi Kenya

 

CONTACTS:

Tel: 0711-075000

Whatsapp: 0729111537

Email: customercare@gab.co.ke

Website: www.guifafricabank.com

37) SME SUPPORT CENTRE –KENYA.

SME support centre was born out of the need to tackle the African unemployment problem by providing business and investment support to the SMEs in Kenya, the centre partners with localised institutions to implement its programmes.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Financial literacy training
  2. Digital marketing training
  3. Investment readiness and venture building training
  4. Financing for the MSMEs.
  5. Accelerator programmes.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.sme-supportcentre.com

38) Kenya Association of Women Business Owners (KAWBO).

KAWBO began in response to a yearning among local business women for a forum in which they could network, professionally engage on issues affecting their business and acquire   requisite skills that would enable them to upscale their enterprises and create stature and resources to benefit their community and the economy.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Mentorship forums
  2. Business development training programmes
  3. Networking opportunities

 

LOCATION:

Bandari Plaza, 2nd Floor

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.kawbo.org

39) Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association –Kenya (FEWA).

FEWA was established as an effective channel through which joint programs and initiatives for women in business can be channeled easily.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Affordable tailored credit facilities through FEWA Sacco.
  2. Networking/Business training forums
  3. One-stop information portal dubbed 50 MAWS, intended to empower women in Africa to grow and scale up their businesses.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.womenconnect.org

40) WOMEN BUSINESS HUB- KENYA CHAPTER.

Women’s business hub was formed to promote initiatives advancing women and youth advancement in agro-enterprise development and E-commerce using land ownership as a catalyst.

 

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  1. Support for rural women and youth smallholder farmers with knowledge of modern agriculture.
  2. Capacity building on effective production and quality control starting from the farm level.
  3. Digital literacy training forums.
  4. Interventions that seek to reduce the burden and bottlenecks of accessing business space for women and youth-led MSMEs in Kenya.

 

CONTACTS:

Website: www.namati.org