A British-Dutch multinational consumer goods, Unilever which has subsidiaries across the world has jointly with the Kenya SME Support Centre (SCC) mooted a business integration program dubbed ‘Emerge Accelerator Programme’ as a gateway for people to grow their own businesses.
During the launch yesterday at a Nairobi hotel, Unilever Managing Director Luck Ochieng said the consumer good firm he represents plans to inject Sh200million annually as part of its drive to foster an all-inclusive business environment.
The primary target are enterprises owned by special interest groups among them people living with disability, women and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in order to enhance their competitive edge and make them market-ready.
In total, Unilever plans to inject a total of Sh500million to the program.
“We know social cultural, systemic or economic barriers too often prevent people from realising economic empowerment. Barriers such a s gender or prejudice, gender inequality, lack of access to training and skills and financial exclusion hamper entrepreneurship and business growth. We want to actively make our supply chain more diverse by reaching out to people and groups that are usually under-represented.” Unilever MD noted.
Among other benefits the targeted entrepreneurial segment will benefit from include; skills in business development, capacity building and funding to boost SMEs sector participation in the economy.
“At the same time, we are unlocking innovation agility and opportunity within our suppliers’ businesses and in ours. Ochieng added.
On her part, SCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Linda Onyango said the partnership aims at leveraging the respective strengths and expertise from both partners to deliver relevant insights through trainings on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, e-commerce business mentorship and coaching.
“We are deeply passionate about developing businesses and we recognise the need for being proactive in ensuring present and future success. Through the Emerge Accelerator Programme, we are committed to help businesses build long-term competitiveness and contribute to overall GDP.” Onyango observed.
