As the world celebrated International MSME Day on June 27th, Visa, a global leader in digital payments, made a significant stride towards empowering women entrepreneurs with the announcement of the top five finalists for the inaugural She’s Next Kenya program. This initiative, part of Visa’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable world, aims to uplift women-owned small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship opportunities.
After a rigorous selection process that sifted through over 2,300 applicants, five exceptional women-led businesses have emerged as finalists, poised to compete for the grand prize of up to KES 2.5 million. The finalists include Busu Naturals, Cladfy, Code with Kids, Crafts with Meaning, and Timao Group, each representing a unique sector from sustainability to STEM education.
Meet the Finalists:
Busu Naturals stands out with its focus on locally manufactured skincare products tailored for sensitive African skin, incorporating traditional beauty practices from various Kenyan ethnicities.
Cladfy addresses the credit gap in sub-Saharan Africa’s informal sector by facilitating micro-lenders to provide working capital loans to micro-businesses like smallholder farmers and motorcycle riders.
Code with Kids empowers children from low-income backgrounds with accessible STEM education, ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder their potential to learn and innovate.
Crafts with Meaning is an award-winning social enterprise collaborating with artisans in Kenya and Uganda to produce home decor goods and lifestyle accessories inspired by African heritage.
Timao Group tackles plastic pollution and affordable housing in Kenya by transforming plastic waste into durable building materials for modular homes.
“These finalists have demonstrated exceptional business acumen, innovation, and resilience,” remarked Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager. “They represent a diverse range of industries and are set to significantly contribute to the Kenyan economy and beyond.”
In addition to the top five, fifteen more SMEs will benefit from a comprehensive capacity building and mentorship program in collaboration with Kayana Create, a community dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs.
Patricia Okelo, Co-founder of Kayana Create, emphasized the program’s impact: “She’s Next Kenya continues to champion the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and creating economic opportunities. We congratulate the finalists and look forward to their presentations.”
The finalists now prepare for the culmination of their journey, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the KES 2.5 million grant winner on July 10th, 2024. The competition not only highlights their individual achievements but also celebrates their collective determination to drive meaningful change through entrepreneurship.
Visa’s She’s Next Kenya program serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring women entrepreneurs, paving the way for a future where their visions can thrive and make a lasting impact on society. As we await the results, let us continue to support and celebrate the resilience and creativity of women in business around the world.
