At least 200 youthful entrepreneurs taking part in the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP) were today taken through a specialised business training on the sidelines of the first day of the inaugural two-days Eldoret Business Summit 2024 being held at Rupa Mall, Eldoret.
Besides being facilitated to attend the two days’ trainings, the JGP participants have also provided with exhibition booths to showcase their products under the theme “Unlocking Business Opportunities in Kenya’s New City”.
The summit which was officially opened by Uasin Gishu governor His Excellency Jonathan Bii brings key stakeholders among them businesses traiblazers, investors, industry leaders and policymakers.
The summit has been organised by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter
In keeping with the theme of this summit, KNCCI organised a series of trainings through the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), a program implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation which aims to bridge the funding gap for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.
At least 200 participants received training under the JGP Program which combines financial support with technical assistance and a coordinated approach among various players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Led by Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) and bringing together six organizations, Kenya National Chambers of Commerce (KNCCI), GROOTS, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), 4G Capital, and Powered by People (PBP), JGP’s collaborative effort demonstrates a new approach to addressing challenges facing MSMEs in Kenya by utilizing non-traditional channels to drive sustainable growth businesses owned and managed by young women and men entrepreneurs aged 18-35 across the country.
“Today, you have received great training from the Jiinue Growth Program. It is very rare for you to find someone to train you and to give you money. Eldoret is the home of champions and we want business champions in business as well. As Uasin Gishu County Government we are committed to support the young people through innovation hubs, agribusiness and incubation centers which will also serve as centers of excellence.” Governor Bii said.
Among other leaders who graced Jiinue Growth Training were; Jiinue Growth Program Project Manager Esther Kimani (KNCCI), KNCCI North Rift Regional Director Stanley Baskwony, KNCCI Uasin Gishu County Chapter Willy Kenei, Kirinyaga KNCCI Chairperson Pauline Wangeci and Uasin Gishu County Government CECM for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Cooperatives and Enterprise development Martha Cheruto among others.
This initiative aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation while contributing to economic development.
Eldoret is expected to undergo a significant transformation following its elevation to city status as a regional business hub.
