ASSEK Newsletter Edition 61

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear ASSEK Community,

Happy September!

The recent wave of business closures, particularly in the past two weeks, has served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by our entrepreneurial community. At ASSEK, this trend not only highlights the critical areas that require our immediate attention but also reaffirms our commitment to steering the broader ecosystem toward sustainable growth. As thought leaders in this space, we are acutely aware of the need to foster resilience and adaptability in today’s volatile business environment.

Our mission remains unwavering: to empower our members - Entrepreneur Support Organizations?to support the next generation of innovators to drive?impactful economic growth across the region. In this edition, we explore the transformative initiatives that are redefining the future of entrepreneurship as well as providing a collaborative platform for the larger ecosystem to connect with the work of ASSEK i.e. ASSEK Annual Conference and Innovation Gala Awards taking place in October 2024.?This approach not only sets a positive and energetic tone but also underscores the significance of the Association's work in driving meaningful change within the entrepreneurial landscape.

With gratitude,

Mercy Kimalat, ASSEK CEO

ASSEK Annual Conference 2024

Get ready for the event of the year! ASSEK’s Annual Conference?set for October 30th and 31st, 2024, is one of the greatest transformative Events for Kenya’s entrepreneurial scene. This vibrant gathering will unite our diverse and dynamic members from all corners of the country, along with key ecosystem partners and thought leaders, to drive our theme of Collaboration4Impact forward.

But that’s not all—ASSEK will also host an Innovation Awards Gala, where we’ll honor organizations making waves in the Kenyan entrepreneurial ecosystem. This isn't just another event; it’s your chance to be part of shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Kenya. Don't miss out!

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

ASSEK Annual Conference & Gala Awards: Call for Workshop Proposals

Ahead of the ASSEK Annual Conference and the Gala Awards 2024, ASSEK is keen to ensure that the conference reflects the pressing needs and opportunities within the ASSEK community. We are seeking proposals for workshop sessions aligning with this year's theme - Collaboration4Impact: Economic Empowerment to Address Unemployment and Promote Sustainable Innovation.?Please submit your proposals through: https://forms.office.com/r/JVU7A8mdWW by 6th September at 2:00 pm. For more information, read the concept note: bit.ly/ASSEKConference24_ConceptNoteFor questions or clarifications, email [email protected].

World Suicide Prevention Day Webinar 2024

We invite you to a special online webinar on World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, themed "Changing the Narrative on Suicide." This session, scheduled?for?11th?September from?4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, is dedicated to educating Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) on mental health, focusing on the well-being of ecosystem enablers.?Join us in this vital conversation and be part of a movement. Register here :bit.ly/WorldSPD_Webinar

Strengthening Capacities of ESOs for Impact Entrepreneurship

ASSEK has launched a Regional Capacity-Building program for ESO Leaders and Managers using the UN Empretec model and is inviting Entrepreneur support Organizations?to register and?participate. The Entrepreneurship Training Workshops will help ESOs adopt effective entrepreneurial behaviors and build key competencies for sustainable business models.? The six-day workshops will take place starting with Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa and ending with, Nairobi combined with Nyeri. Women are encouraged to apply!?

1. Kisumu:?/bit.ly/CB_Program_Kisumu

2. Eldoret:?bit.ly/CB_Program_Eldoret

3. Nakuru:?bit.ly/CB_Program_Nakuru

4. Mombasa:?bit.ly/CB_Program_Coast

5. Nairobi and Nyeri:bit.ly/CB_Program_Nairobi_Nyeri

The Regional Cooperation Framework Webinar

We are planning to have a Regional Cooperation Framework Webinar, scheduled to take place virtually on 10th September 2024. This webinar is a pivotal event designed to strengthen collaboration among hub organizations across the seven East African Community (EAC) countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.We believe that by coming together, we can create a stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystem that not only supports the growth of ESOs, entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs but also contributes to the broader economic development of the East African region. If you would want to join us in forming this Regional Framework, join us here: https://bit.ly/RegionaFW_Webinar, from 4:30 pm-5:30 Pm EAT - (3:30 pm-4:30 pm CAT).

Industry Mentorship Series: Intellectual Property & Protection for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs.

We invite you to our next Industry Mentorship Series for Early-Stage Innovators on Intellectual Property. You will learn how to protect your ideas, inventions, and creations from being copied or stolen by others. Additionally, you will discover how to avoid legal pitfalls by ensuring you do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.

This virtual session will be led by Brenda Vilita, Partner at CFL Advocates on 13th September 2024, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM EAT (3:00 PM to 4:00 PM CAT).

Register here to attend: https://bit.ly/IntellectualP

Close the Gap Kenya Launched the 2nd Impact Report?

Close the Gap Kenya?proudly marked a significant milestone with the launch of its 2nd Impact Report, showcasing the success of its investment program in empowering Kenyan startups in Mombasa with sustainable seed capital. Mercy Kimalat, CEO,? ASSEK, played a key role in fortifying the capacity of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in the Coastal Region—an essential element for both their growth and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.“We are deeply grateful to ASSEK for collaborating with us and enhancing our capacity, as highlighted in the report. Special thanks to Mercy Kimalat and the ASSEK team for their unwavering support,” Laurent Kuligha, Venture Builder and Impact Investments Lead at Close the Gap, Kenya. You can Access the Impact Report Here

Nutrition Impact @ Scale Incubation Programme 2024

All the Agrifood sector in Nakuru or Nyandarua are encouraged to apply for the Nutrition Impact@Sacle Incubation Programme 2024 and stand a chance to get a 2000-dollar grant, cutting-edge training, mentorship, and resources to help them thrive in today’s market and contribute to better nutrition for their?communities!?Deadline: 7th September 2024.?Apply here

The CleanTech Innovation Competition

The deadline for the Cleantech Innovation Competition 2024 has been extended! The competition is primarily targeted at students in tertiary institutions across the country, offering them a platform to showcase their innovative cleantech ideas and technologies. The competition will address key challenges that hinder cleantech?technologies.? Application Deadline: September 6, 2024. Register here

BAYE Africa CLG, in partnership with GIZ-Kenya, is looking for experienced Product Development and Market Consultants to join their SME Loop Program under the Agri-Jobs 4 Youth initiative. They need experts who can help Agri-based MSMEs scale their businesses, refine products, and break into new markets. Apply by sending your concept note to: [email protected] and copy [email protected]?Learn more about the Opportunity here

The Agri-Business Challenge Fund

Impact Hub Nairobi is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Innovations and Startups Virtual Showcase! This is your chance to pitch your established startup to a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. You will get an opportunity to spotlight your success, connect with Influencers, and get expert Feedback!?Apply: https://forms.gle/L7ZUotpoERZCwoAv6

The Kenya Cottage Expo2024

The?Expo is a premier event designed to uplift and empower small businesses that operate from home. Our mission is to provide a platform where entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers and partners, and gain valuable insights into building sustainable businesses.? Get your Exhibitor Ticket: https://bit.ly/KCE2024?

The WEE Centre is hosting the 4th Africa International E-Waste Conference on October 16th, 2024 in Person and Online. Don't miss this opportunity to explore sustainable e-waste management. Register now to learn about policies and regulations shaping our industry's future. This year, the theme is?"E-Waste Policies, Governance and Regulations: Enabling a Sustainable E-Waste Ecosystem"?Learn more and Register here

Be Part of the?Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2024, an international startup & tech conference bringing together 1200 attendees from East Africa, Europe & beyond to unlock opportunities on the global startup scene & celebrate Africa’s tech ecosystem.?Learn more and get your Ticket here.