Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund provides grants and interest free loans to businesses that wish to implement innovative, commercially viable, high impact projects in Africa.
The AECF supports businesses working in:

• Agriculture
• Financial services
• Renewable energy, and
• Technologies for adapting to climate change.

AECF also supports media initiatives and information services that relate to the above sectors.

Read more http://www.yipekenya.org/AECF.htm

Youth Enterprise Development Fund – Call for Expressions of Interest to Develop Strategic Plan

The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) is a project of Vision 2030 and provides loans and other enterprise development solution services to Kenyans aged 18 to 35 years.

Over the last five years, the Youth Fund has financed over 130,000 youth enterprises and supported thousands others through its business development services and through the jobs abroad programme.

Read more http://www.yipekenya.org/YEDF.htm

Invitation to Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Seed Capital Investment Ltd  has been established to offer support to young people, businesses and to entrepreneurs in Kenya. It's focus in Kenya is to offer an avenue where those who are in business or aspire to be in business can access information; advice and support that can assist them succeed. 

All projects and programs are facilitated by company directors who are entrepreneurs and managing their own businesses bringing in a wealth of practical experience in business startup and management.

As part of its objectives in supporting entrepreneurs in starting up and fine tuning their businesses, Seed Capital have organized a workshop to address the issue of acquiring funds and starting small and medium enterprises in Kenya under its Youth In Business Program. 

The workshop is on 5th and 6th May, 2010 at the company offices off Ngong road, behind Coptic Hospital.

After the workshop, participants will document their ideas and present them live to a panel of prominent investors for possible funding after which they will receive ongoing business guidance and mentorship until they have formed successful companies which will create employment to other youth.

For further information, please contact:

Rhoda Mwihaki,
Coordinator,
Youth in Business Program,
Seed Capital Investment Ltd.
1 Kindaruma Lane, off Ngong Road,
P.O. Box 4720, 00200
Nairobi Kenya
Tel 020 807 1309, 0710 492836, 0731 535018

www.seedcapitalinvestment.com

Profile: HALCHA Youth & Community Development organization

HALCHA Youth and Community Development organization is based in Garbatulla, a small town in northern Kenya where the populace are faced with poor living standards, low literacy levels, unemployment, unpredictable weather patterns that adversely impact on food security.

The group was started as a self-help group in 2006 and officially upgraded to a community based organisation in March 2007. The objectives at formation were:

• To improve the socio-economic status of the youth and wider community
• Capacity building and mentorship development.
• The promotion of environmental and wildlife conservation, and
• HIV/AIDS Advocacy.

The organization is not only committed to improving the living standards of the local community but also actively promotes the status of women in decision making by building confidence and raising self esteem so they can fully participate in their own affairs and make informed decisions.

Amongst it's development activities, HALCHA trains members in dressmaking and tailoring to promote self employment. The organization also emphasizes the preservation of local artisan culture.

HALCHA, which has 40 affiliate youth group members throughout the Garbatulla District has partnered with the Kenya Women’s Finance Trust Maua unit to reach more than 200 women, out of which 60 member beneficiaries have received loans. Another project in partnership with Kenya's Ministry of Youth Affairs has benefited more than 2,000 youth with capacity building and mentorship development, enabling 34 youth groups in the district to receive funding.

These milestones have been achieved in spite of the challenges the organization faces. These include financial constraints as well as the lack of working tools such as sewing machines for the tailoring project. Transport and logistic problems also affect the organization based in a remote rural area.

However HALCHA has the manpower and willingness to promote development and continues undaunted in it’s bid to help in the alleviate of poverty amongst the youth and wider population of Garbatulla District.

HALCHA Youth And Community Development (CBO)

Garbatulla District

Email: sirajroka@yahoo.com

P.O BOX 1 – 60300 Garbatulla

Telephone : 254 020 8015687 /0724700862

Source: Report by Ade Roga Hassan, Peacebuilding Mentor, Garbatulla District.