MEDA Maendeleo-Sawa (M-Sawa) project was a seven-year project funded/implemented by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) (supporters, partners and investors) with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) aimed at supporting the Equitable Growth of Kenyan Businesses. The project sought to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and increase job creation by improving the business, environmental and gender performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small entrepreneurs (SEs) in select counties along the Northern and LAPSSET Corridors in the Briquette making value in Kenya. MEDA entered into a contractual agreement with AMSCO Development Solutions Limited to reach a total of 12 SMEs (30% of which should be Women owned/led) over a 3-month period. The BDS was delivered by a team of 5 Consultants who are experienced in business analysis, training, mentorship and coaching. The BDS focused on: business and supply chain management, business planning, financial management, sales and marketing, human resources and information technology integrating environmental sustainability, governance and gender.
Client
AMSCO Development Solutions Ltd.
Location
Nairobi and Migori Counties
Actual services provided in the Maendeleo-Sawa project
- Carried out gap and needs analysis of the selected SMEs using gap identifications tools, prioritized the identified gaps (4 – 5 technical areas) with highest impact and return in investment (ROI).
- Developed a detailed work plan outlining the activities to be carried out in the order in which the solutions shall be executed for each of the SMEs
- Addressed challenges faced by SMEs such as financial literacy and operational management capacity including organizational structures, access to finance for both working capital and procurement of machinery through the Intermediary’s BDS programme, mentoring and coaching interventions – Provided mentorship and coaching.
- Customized, designed, and developed appropriate curriculum/content and learning materials to address the identified needs and incorporate ESG and Gender Mainstreaming.
- Carried out individual training for the SMEs and their staff.
- Provided linkages to financial institutions, including introductions and the development of pitch decks, and financing applications and matching with suitable financiers offering green loans.
- Assisted the businesses to become profitable, competitive and sustainable
- Demonstrated results