E4Impact Accelerator Celebrates Graduation, Inauguration of New Facility
E4Impact Entrepreneurship Centre has commemorated a significant milestone in its journey of building and supporting impact-driven startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), today at the E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center in Karen, Nairobi.
The occasion was graced by the Principal Secretary of the newly established State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development under the Ministry of Cooperative and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME).
The occasion featured the graduation of current cohorts from accelerator and incubator programs, the introduction of new cohorts, and the official opening of cutt ing-edge training and auxiliary facilities.
These new facilities are poised to host more entrepreneurs, equip them with advanced resources, and foster innovation within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Notable att endees at the event included H.E. Roberto Natali, Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary of the State Department of MSME Development, Mr. Giovanni Grandi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Prof. Mario Molteni, CEO of the E4Impact Foundation, and a host of other delegates.
“We have started to work toward scaling up business growth and growing economy. We are committed to supporting you in your journey. In our economy we have 20 million workforce and the formal sector only accomodates close 3.1 million. 2.5 million are in the private sector, while 17 million majority are in the informal sector. It is our duty as the government to ensure we encourage entrepreneurship in this sector. Having access to a sustainable market and other barriers like accessing opportunities. The state department for Cooperatives and MSMEs is working to ensure that the population in the informal sector gets the opportunities, creating entry points to the private sector.
Im happy working closely with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. For young people, we will have a granting system like 50,000 to support their projects. A group of 20 young people with an accelerating project can get like 1 million grants.
This will ensure that we empower women and the youth in this space. Navigating all barriers, standardization.” Said SusanAuma Mang’eni, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development.
The E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center celebrated the graduation of 39 innovative enterprises, who have gone through a 12 month’s program, each poised to create job opportunities and drive meaningful change. Among these, 29 enterprises completed the Accelerator program, which is dedicated to scaling high-potential ventures, while 10 graduated from the Incubator program, designed to nurture early-stage startups with strong growth potential.
This milestone represents a significant advance in empowering entrepreneurs to contribute to economic development and social impact. During the program, these enterprises gained access to an extensive array of resources, including specialized training and mentorship in areas such as business strategy, financial accounting, entrepreneurial marketing, investor readiness, and impact measurement.
Additionally, they benefited from valuable networking opportunities at both local and international levels, allowing them to connect with potential investors and significantly enhance their market visibility.
This holistic support not only equipped the enterprises with critical skills but also positioned them for sustainable growth and success in competitive markets. E4Impact is dedicated to leveraging entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation across Africa. By providing comprehensive support to startups and SMEs, E4Impact fosters sustainable development and economic empowerment throughout the continent.
The organization customizes its programs and resources to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that bridges gaps, stimulates innovation, and strengthens economies. About E4Impact Foundation: E4Impact is a trailblazer in promoting sustainable entrepreneurial solutions in Kenya. Through its robust programs, it aims to catalyze growth, drive innovation, and foster international partnerships that champion economic progress and sustainable impact.
The Foundation has 8 Centres in Africa; with a presence in 22 countries. E4Impact Entrepreneurship Centre, Kenya (E4Impact Kenya) is one of the centres.
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