WOMEN SME’S SUMMIT

Women in SMEs Workshop Summit 2024

On August 30, 2024, Ubunifu Hub in Nairobi came alive with the vibrant energy of over 75 women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners for a social entrepreneurship training organized By CWAM Foundation. The Women in SMEs Workshop Summit brought together a diverse group, including more than 20 young mothers who are managing the roles of parenthood and are aspiring to be business owners. The event had a dynamic line-up of speakers and exhibitors, all focused on empowering women to succeed in business                                                                                         

Outside the venue, an array of exhibits showcased the ingenuity and creativity of women entrepreneurs. The displays included everything from homemade peanut butter and sweet potato crisps to handmade Ankara bags and other unique products which highlighted the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the women in attendance.

The summit kicked off with a thought-provoking session on “Mindset Education” by Henry Maina. He emphasized the critical need for cultivating a healthy mindset when starting or running a business. Maina urged the attendees to build mental resilience, a key factor in overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success in both business and life.

Caroline Wambui, the CEO of CWAM Foundation, followed with an impactful talk on social entrepreneurship. 

She encouraged the participants to ensure their businesses contribute to the greater good of society and operate in harmony with the environment. “Your business should not just be about making money,” she said, “but also about making a positive impact.”

With many young mothers present, George Osaso from the Youth Ministry provided valuable insights into various government facilities available to support youth entrepreneurs. He explained the different funding and credit options available and how to access them, offering a practical guide to navigating government support systems.

Purity Murage from the Women Fund Kasarani continued with a compelling speech on economic empowerment. She highlighted the importance of financial independence and outlined ways women could access the Women Fund to boost their businesses or start new ones. Murage’s message was clear: women must strive to create economic opportunities for themselves.

The summit also featured a representative from KCB Bank who discussed banking, savings, and the various credit facilities available to business owners. He detailed how entrepreneurs could leverage these financial tools to grow their businesses.

A representative from Odyssia Learning emphasized the importance of continuous learning and mindset empowerment, while a speaker from Vera Beauty College focused on the business side of the beauty industry, encouraging young women to monetize their skills and talents.

The day concluded with several powerful testimonials from women who have built successful businesses following social entrepreneurship training. One notable story came from an entrepreneur behind a sweet potato crisps brand. She shared her journey, including what prompted her to start the business, the gap she identified in the market, and the health benefits of her product.