NAIROBI, Kenya, March 8 – The National Bank of Kenya(NBK) has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with access to financial support, capacity building, and mentorship to enable them sustainably grow their businesses.
Dubbed, Nia, the initiative will provide a range of financial solutions, including business loans, asset financing, and overdraft facilities, to help women entrepreneurs meet their business needs.
The programme will also offer technical assistance to help the women develop their business plans, improve their financial management skills, and enhance their marketing and branding strategies.
Through the initiative, Women Enterprises will have accelerated access to financing from the Sh5 billion NBK Majikonnect Program supporting Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, with African Guarantee Fund collateral cover for up to 75 per cent.
They will also be able to access the Sh2 billion NBK Elimukonnect Program supporting the education sector and schools.
Speaking during the launch, NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo said the lender is committed to supporting women-led businesses and empowering women entrepreneurs in the country.
” We recognize that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing finance and growing their businesses. Our goal is to offer them the support they need to overcome these obstacles and achieve their full potential,” said Odhiambo.
As part of the Nia Offering, the bank has also launched “You’ve Got business”, a digital property show connecting upcoming female entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders who will offer guidance and advice on how to grow their businesses and overcome any challenges they may face.
“We have worked with our partners to co-create the ‘You’ve Got Business show’ to give a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of Kenyan business moguls who can either fund their businesses or offer mentorship where they cannot invest,” Odhiambo concluded.
The Nia Offering is open to all women entrepreneurs in Kenya, regardless of their sector or industry, and will be available at every stage of development.
