ASSEK ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024

Save the date! ASSEK’s Annual Conference is happening on October 30th and 31st, 2024, and it’s set to be a pivotal event for Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape. This conference will bring together our diverse and dynamic membership from across the country, alongside key ecosystem partners and actors, to drive forward our theme of Collaboration4Impact.

ASSEK will also host an Innovation Awards Gala, celebrating organizations that have made significant contributions to the Kenyan Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. This is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of entrepreneurship in Kenya.

Register here:?https://bit.ly/ASSEKAnnualConference_Gala.

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Enhancing Kenya's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem?

The collaboration between the ASSEK and the Ministry of Investments Trade and Industry (MITI), on the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP) funded by The World Bank has significantly enhanced the impact on both the Association and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. On August 5th?and 6th?2024,?ASSEK empowered the KIEP project stakeholders and staff with an essential platform to engage with and comprehend the Monitoring and Evaluation processes. This initiative ensured effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning throughout the project's lifecycle.The Monitoring and Evaluation workshop was followed by the Gender and Social Inclusion Workshop conducted by the WUSC- World University Service of Canada who extensively discussed how ASSEK should integrate a gender perspective into all its initiatives, reinforcing the Association's commitment to systematic change across all its pillars.?

Bridging the HR Knowledge Gap for SMEs and Startups

We have a new HR Manual for MSMEs! This vital resource is set to bridge the HR knowledge gap in MSMEs and startups, driving enhanced business performance and growth. The release was celebrated during the closing session of the "Vijana na Kilimo" capacity-building program on HR mastery in Kisumu, hosted by Brighter Monday Kenya with support from GIZ Agrijobs 4Youth on August 14th, 2024.ASSEK will make this manual available on our website, empowering the ecosystem with the tools to implement robust HR strategies that align with our vision for a thriving entrepreneurial landscape in Kenya.

ASSEK has Partnered with?AfricArena Nairobi Summit

ASSEK has partnered with?AfricArena Nairobi Summit as an Ecosystem Partner taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 3 - 4 September 2024. This two-day summit will feature 20+ of Africa’s top startups who are making inroads in the continent’s Climate Tech and Green Economy sectors showcasing their highly scalable ventures to 100+ investors and 30+ speakers, moderators and panellists who are among the brightest minds in tech, business, finance, venture capital, private equity, media and policy in Africa and the world. To register for the AfricArena Nairobi Summit, click here: https://bit.ly/4exVrra

Innovators Sprint Up Programme Impacts to Young Innovators in EAC

The Innovators Sprint Up Programme continues to positively impact young Innovators, most of them are showing growth and great?transformation in their various enterprises.?"My name is Elvis Kadhama, Co-founder and CEO of Essymart Africa an Agricultural Technology startup that empowers smallholder farmers with access to quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, extension services, and marketing linkages through the use of? Web App. My participation in the ?“Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry” was phenomenal as I and my Co-founders have gained access to knowledge and tools needed to operate Essymart and scale up to growth and investment, and got connected to mentorship, coaching, and peer-to-peer learnings. Through the Dskills@EA, I got guidance on financial and business planning, investor readiness, and sustainability for digital innovation."?Partner with us in empowering the Innovators register here:?https://forms.office.com/r/VU32cwwrqk.

ASSEK New Member

SME Founders Association supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow, scale, and thrive by promoting an enabling environment for them to create decent and sustainable work through enhancing their competence, compliance and ability to access affordable competent talent and capital, providing linkages to resources and networks and championing for fairer policies to promote growth and success of SMEs.

Learn More: https://smefoundersassociation.com/

Design Thinking for ESO Sustainability

Entrepreneurship Support Organizations?are encouraged to attend this Design Thinking Session and learn how to strive for long-term sustainability. The session led by Tendai Pasipamire, Business Development Manager at Enrich in Africa Centre will ensure that all the present ESOs gain foundational tools and practical strategies to drive their organization's self-sustainability. ?Date: August 23rd, 2024. Time-?3:00 PM EAT. Register here

Be?GDPR Certified Data Protection Officer

The PECB Certified Data Protection Officer training course will help you acquire the knowledge and skills to serve as a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to help organizations ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements.?Register here?or write to [email protected] or call/text +254710207061

INTERNATIONAL AND ECOSYSTEM OPPORTUNITIES?

The Agri-BusinessChallenge Fund

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity calls for proposals for the new Agribusiness Challenge Fund, which provides financing for African agricultural entrepreneurs. The Fund aims to support SMEs?and create opportunities for young people, people with disabilities, and refugees and displaced persons on the African continent. Learn more and apply here Deadline 15th Novermber 2024

The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025

Call for Applications for startups with a positive impact on agriculture, food & nutrition, livestock, or climate in Africa. You can apply now for the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025. This one-year programme offers scalable start-ups in the respective fields personalized coaching and training with experts, mentors,?crucial fundraising support, and more.? Apply here by 2 September 2024

What Entrepreneurs Should Know About Angel Investors

Research indicates that many early-stage entrepreneurs face challenges in securing capital to bring their business ideas to life. Angel investors can be a key source of funding at this stage, as they are often open to taking risks on new startups. Learn more about how you can secure funding as an early-stage entrepreneur in this insightful article from Nailab. Read more on how you can get an Agel Investor for your Startup here

The Negotiation Masterclass

Join the Institute for Small Business Initiative (ISBI)?for the Negotiation Masterclass and acquire strategies and practical tools to excel in any negotiation. From business deals to personal relationships, learn how to confidently advocate for your interests while building strong connections.Learn more and Apply here