Center of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (CEED), School of Business, Kenyatta University

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1 FACT SHEET ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING AND MENTORING PROGRAM Motivation: At the same time, the foundation is committed to create opportunities for social and economic participation and to promote positive social change. With its program on basic services and social entrepreneurship, Siemens Stiftung develops water and energy kiosks that are managed by community members on an entrepreneurial basis. These kiosk managers need to receive viable training on business management, customer service and social skills. However, we also train local micro entrepreneurs and ambitious young people from the neighborhood. This strengthens the social impact of the training program and integrates the project initiatives more firmly in the village community. Objectives: Promote personal initiative and an entrepreneurial mindset Enable aspiring youth and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to build up and run their businesses successfully Generate positive social and economic impact within their communities. Partners: Center of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (CEED), School of Business, Kenyatta University Kenyatta University is one of the leading educational institutions in Kenya and is known for its special emphasis on entrepreneurship. The Centre for Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development (CEED) is devoted to helping young people discover and use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to become selfreliant. The Youth Banner The Youth Banner (TYB) is a not for profit organization focusing on youth development and empowerment through entrepreneurship. The vision of The Youth Banner is developed and empowered youth. The Youth Banner through its programs and in partnership with like minded organizations will: give Youth the best possible opportunity to play an increasingly visible, sustainable and effective role in achieving long term benefits for themselves through business development Support long term growth in entrepreneurship with more opportunities and more effective targeted support for young men and women

2 This is achieved through both, Youth BEEP Clubs (Youth Banner Economic Empowerment Program) and the Youth Banner Mentors Network. Locations: The program has taken place at 7 locations in Nairobi, Nyanza and Central region. Nairobi: Kangemi informal settlement Nyanza: Kisumu, Honge, Mbita, Sori Central region: Githembe, Ngoliba Target groups: Kiosk managers and operators Micro, small and medium entrepreneurs Aspiring youth Program details: Practice oriented trainings leading to a university certificate During four to six week training courses, participants receive basic instruction in business management, customer service, accounting, and financial management. The development of personal competencies such as communication skills or conflict resolution forms an equally important part of the program. Mentoring and coaching program A subsequent six month mentoring and coaching program supports participants on the road to becoming successful micro entrepreneurs. The young entrepreneurs meet up regularly in small, socalled BEEP clubs to exchange experiences and receive advice on creating their business plans. In some cases, help is provided in arranging micro credits. Experienced local business people are also on hand to pass on their know how to their mentees, helping them to establish crucial contacts. About BEEP Clubs The Youth Banner Economic Empowerment Program The Youth Banner Experience takes place over a period of six months. It is while in the BEEP Clubs that the youth are trained in entrepreneurship, leadership and group dynamics. Each BEEP Club has members. During these six months, young entrepreneurs come together to form the BEEP Clubs and are taken through the following activities that form the Experience: 1. Training in Business Development This is done by the Youth Banner business trainers who follow a 24 session entrepreneurship curriculum developed by Kenyatta University for young entrepreneurs. 2. Peer to Peer Support Throughout this Experience, the young entrepreneurs are able to assist each other by finding solutions for their businesses as well as sharing ideas.

3 3. Coaching The Enterprise Club members are able to receive information and assistance for their businesses from both the Youth Banner Coordinators and business students involved in the Youth Banner program. 4. Mentoring This component involves matching BEEP club members to renowned business professionals and or successful business owners with vast business experience to mentor them. This component is powerful in that the mentees are guided by experts with hands on experience and vast knowledge in both business and the environment they are in. Great emphasis is placed on the selection criteria to ensure that the mentors chosen are the best suited. 5. Community Service Members of these clubs are tasked with giving back to their community by organizing career/entrepreneurship days for schools in their communities as well as assisting young women to form Amka Tujiinue groups. Amka Tujiinue groups are income generating groups for young women entrepreneurs. Each of the members is nominated by a BEEP member to join. The objectives of the Amka Tujiinue Groups are: To increase capacity in young women by boosting their confidence to participate and make decisions on social, political and economic matters in their communities To create an enabling environment through the setup of simple mechanisms which allow young women to access funding. To enhance the socio economic condition of women through different income generating activities 6. Linkages to Markets and Finances The Youth Banner and its partners assist in providing access to markets and finances to the entrepreneurs. 7. Exposure to new networks and opportunities This is achieved through linking the BEEP members to business and social networks that may further their businesses endeavors. The businesses, our trainees do, are very divers and cover, among others, tailoring, Boda Boda riding, jobs in the fishing industry, poultry keeping, agri businesses, entertainment jobs, hotel and gastronomy as well as electronics and computer services. After successfully completing the whole program, the participants receive a certificate which is signed by Kenyatta University's School of Business. Special rewards are given to: Best Entrepreneur, Best Business Plan, Best Leader, Best BEEP club, Best Woman Entrepreneur.

4 What has been achieved so far? The combination of trainings, long term coaching and mentoring, plus access to start up capital, has proven to be a successful one. In January 2013, when the necessary human resources and organizational infrastructure had been set up, the program kicked off with around 30 participants. Shortly afterwards, another 130 trainees joined them. In the meantime, coaching and mentoring groups sorted by sectors were established as well as specialized groups for graduates of the local Polytechnic Academies, focusing on specific industries such as transport or fishing, or groups exclusively for women. On November 18, 2013, 120 graduates who had successfully completed their training and mentoring program were honored at a ceremony held in the ICIPE Lecture in Mbita. On September 26, 2014, and October 1, 2014, another 144 graduates will receive their certificates and run their own businesses. Number of micro entrepreneurs participating the trainings at the moment (Sept. 2014): Mbita: 59 Honge: 39 Sori: 23 Kangemi: 44 Githembe: 50 Ngoliba und Maguguni: 61 Soko Kogweno, Kudho: 67 Total of 343 trainees Comments of participants: Philister Okeyo, owner of a shop selling school books and household goods The business know how and skills I was able to acquire during the six month program are priceless. Not only have I learned a lot about accounting and finance, I am now able to write a business plan. But the most important thing of all is: I now know how to run my business intelligently. I have learned how to assess my customers correctly, and have a good idea of what they need and will probably buy in the future. This enables me to perfectly align my range of goods with the requirements of my customers." Jeremiah Otieno, fish offal dealer "This training program has changed my life. I used to earn around 25 euros a month on average. I now have a monthly income of about 250 euros, and can even afford a motorcycle. I'm really proud of what I've achieved!" Michael Otieno Oguto, soap manufacturer "What I've learned about accounting helps me to keep a constant check on my finances and enables me to save money at the same time. I'm delighted that my business now enables me to support my family and pay my children's school fees."

5 Charles Amwayi, supplier of fishing equipment "Having a sensible business plan is the most important thing of all. Accounting is crucial to a successful business. After all, you need to know how much you can spend on your purchases. With my range of goods I am able to support the fishermen in their work. I am happy that I can do my part for the people in my community. I also want to pass my knowledge on to other people so that they can benefit from it as well."