Visa Launches $2.5 Million Grant Competition for Women Business Owners in Kenya

Introduction to She’s Next in Kenya

Visa, a leading digital payments firm, has introduced its She’s Next global advocacy program to Kenya. This initiative is part of Visa’s broader mission to foster an inclusive and equitable environment where women business owners can thrive. She’s Next aims to support women-owned small businesses through financial grants, comprehensive training, and mentorship opportunities.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs from diverse industries and sectors are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive a grant of up to KES 2.5 million. Beyond monetary support, top applicants will benefit from training and capacity-building sessions provided by Visa and its partners.

Visa’s Commitment to Economic Growth

Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s launch in Kenya, stating, “We are excited to bring She’s Next to Kenya and provide a platform for female entrepreneurs to thrive. We believe in the power of women to drive economic growth and societal progress, and this is an opportunity to provide the resources, tools, and support women need to grow their businesses.”

Partnership with Kayana Create

Kayana Create, a key partner in the She’s Next Kenya initiative, will play a significant role in enhancing the capacity of female entrepreneurs. Patricia Okelo, Co-founder of Kayana Create, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “As the capacity-building partners of She’s Next Kenya, Kayana Create is delighted to be partnering with Visa to unlock the potential of female entrepreneurs. The initiative is in line with our strategy to support and empower talented women entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level and create new opportunities by building a vibrant community of women business owners with a focus on collaboration and capacity building.”

Global Impact of She’s Next

Since its inception in 2020, Visa has invested over $3 million in more than 250 grants and coaching sessions for women entrepreneurs globally. The She’s Next program has made a significant impact in countries including the US, Canada, India, Ireland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco. This expansion to Kenya marks a crucial step in Visa’s ongoing commitment to supporting women in business worldwide.

Application Process

To apply, women entrepreneurs must submit a short application form via the She’s Next Kenya | Visa website, providing details about their business. Applications are open until June 12th, with winners to be announced in July. This straightforward process ensures that a wide range of applicants can participate, reflecting Visa’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity.