During our 2022 alumni survey, a significant proportion of our graduates reported an interest in gaining business skills to assist them in starting their own full-time business or a side hustle business in addition to their primary sources of income. We started a small business management training program earlier this year to train our graduates how to plan, establish, comply with local authorities, and run a profitable business.
The training was divided into two phases: The introduction phase and the main training phase. 34 alumni attended the introduction phase before going through an assessment to determine those who proceeded to the next phase. The outcome was as follows:
- 34 alumni trained in the introduction phase (Introduction to Small Business and Taxation)
- 20 proceeded to phase two (10 weeks of training)
- 10 completed both trainings and graduated with a certificate and a toolkit to start or grow their business.
The 10-week training took place at our Elimu Hub campus and was facilitated by Be The Leader (BTL), an employability and job preparedness training organization founded by a Kenyan youth named Cavin Apondo, who has also partnered with American Corner Moi to provide training on employability, career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other topics to the youth.
The Small Business Management training program provided the alumni with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, strategies, and practices. They learned about the importance of financial management, business ideas, and market research. The program also taught them how to create a comprehensive business plan, identify opportunities for innovation, and evaluate the feasibility of their business ideas. Financial management concepts were also covered, including revenue, costs, profit, and cash flow. They were introduced to different funding options and legal structures for startups, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, and incorporation. Risk management was also covered, identifying potential threats and addressing them. The training program had a significant impact on the trainees, enhancing their knowledge and skills, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and enabling them to develop and refine business ideas. The program also fostered confidence and motivation in the trainees, empowering them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
The graduation ceremony marked the end of the training program. They received a toolkit essential for their respective businesses and certificates, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their businesses.
