Launch & Grow

This project addresses the challenge of improving entrepreneurial skills in business management for Kenyan women. This MxA initiative is carried out in collaboration with Babson College, the leading institution in education delivered from an entrepreneurial perspective. Since 1919, Babson has provided students with essential entrepreneurial skills combined with liberal arts knowledge necessary to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurial Thought and Action®—a methodology created by Babson itself—is a training program that helps participants not only develop the skills and mindset needed to launch a new business but also to make changes within an established company, lead a team, or create social impact. Babson emphasizes learning through practice so that concepts and theories can be quickly applied.

The training program’s design was based on a report on the business ecosystem for women in Kenya, specifically developed for this project by the Wangari Maathai Institute at the University of Nairobi. The program is aimed at both established businesswomen and young entrepreneurs, welcoming approximately 14 participants each year. The first phase consists of an intensive one-week training at Babson College.

Following their experience at Babson, participants from each edition become part of a network of Kenyan businesswomen, which currently includes 101 members from different sectors of the country’s economy. In September 2024, the first “Launch and Grow” meeting was held, officially launching the Kenyan Women Entrepreneurs Network. “Mujeres Angaza África,” meaning “Women Illuminate Africa” in Swahili, is the powerful name chosen by these entrepreneurs for their network.

The objectives of this network are as follows:

– Establish connections and build impactful business relationships among participants from different program editions.
– Provide mutual advice and contacts to help participants make informed business decisions and improve their visibility.
– Serve as a platform where the Foundation, Babson College, and other stakeholders can share information of interest to African businesswomen.
– Act as a link for new Kenyan entrepreneurs to receive guidance from established businesswomen with similar business interests, as well as mentorship from students at the University of Nairobi’s Business School.

Partners and Collaborators:

– Babson College
– Green Belt Movement Kenya
– Santander Universidades