The USAID Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower Women-Owned Small and Growing Businesses (WO-SGBs) in Kenya. With a focus on providing resources, mentorship, and financial support, WEIP aims to help women entrepreneurs in Kiambu, Nakuru, and Nairobi scale their businesses and drive economic growth.

WEIP is looking for innovative and visionary women entrepreneurs running small and growing businesses in the following sectors:

• Agribusiness and agro-processing
• Textiles and apparel
• Healthcare
• Water and sanitation

Management and Ownership:

• Women must own 51% or more of the business.
• Businesses must be women-led, controlled, and managed.

1. Micro Enterprises:

• Formal registration (trading license required).
• Operational for 1-2 years.
• Employ fewer than 10 people (minimum 1 permanent employee).
• Annual turnover: Below Ksh 1 million.
• Tax Compliance Certificate and a physical address required.

Investment in:

• Manufacturing: Not exceeding Ksh 10 million.
• Service/Farming: Not exceeding Ksh 5 million.

2. Small Enterprises:

• Formal registration with required permits.
• Operational for 3+ years.
• Employ 10-49 people (retain at least 30% of employees).
• Annual turnover: Ksh 1 million to Ksh 5 million.
• Tax Compliance Certificate and permanent business premise required.

Investment in:

• Manufacturing: Ksh 10 million–50 million.
• Service/Farming: Ksh 5 million–20 million.

3. Medium Enterprises:

• Formally registered with an incorporation certificate.
• 3 years of audited financial accounts.
• Operational for 3-5 years with clear operational structures.
• Employ 50-99 people.
• Annual turnover: Above Ksh 5 million.
• Tax Compliance Certificate and permanent premises required.

Investment in:

• Manufacturing: Exceeds Ksh 50 million.
• Service/Farming: Exceeds Ksh 20 million.

Participants gain access to:

• Capacity Building: Tailored training in financial management, business development, and strategic planning.
• Business Advisory: Expert guidance to address sector-specific challenges and foster growth.
• Mentorship: Personalized coaching from experienced mentors to navigate business scaling.
• Co-Investment Grants: Access to a pool of $1.25 million in co-investment grants to scale their businesses.

• Completion of the WEIP program is mandatory for participants.
• Active participation in all workshops, mentoring sessions, and scheduled activities is required.
• Participants must commit to attending all in-person and virtual meetings.
• Full compliance with applicable business regulations and legal requirements is necessary throughout the program.

Be part of a program that’s driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and empowering women entrepreneurs in Kenya. Take the next step in transforming your business by applying to the WEIP program!

For more information, visit the WEIP website and apply before the deadline!