National Bank of Kenya in partnership with The Leadership Group and Ashitiva LLP, has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering SMEs. Dubbed “National Business Forum,” the member-based initiative aims to support business leaders to sustainably grow their organizations through capacity building, access to a network of experienced business leaders and access to financial resources required to transform their respective businesses.
Through this strategic partnership, NBK will give access to financing and financial advisory services, Ashitiva LLP will extend access to business and legal advisory services while The Leadership Group will provide training and development for the SMEs to address the hurdles that inhibit businesses from operating optimally and transitioning to higher levels sustainably.
Speaking during the launch, NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in Kenya. The National Business Forum is thus a significant step towards achieving this goal and driving economic growth and development in Kenya.
“The National Business Forum represents a significant milestone in our mission to empower Kenyan entrepreneurs. We understand the unique challenges they face in securing financing and expanding their businesses. Our goal is to offer the support required to overcome these obstacles, enabling them to realize their full potential,” Mr Odhiambo stated.
The forum has embraced a Leadership and Business Acumen Development Model that aims to equip the SMEs with essential resources to become resilient. These include mentorship, capacity building, leadership and growth for entrepreneurs, all designed to foster sustainable growth and enable them to scale their businesses tenfold within the next five years.
“We’ve collaborated with our partners to co-create the National Business Forum, a dynamic platform tailored for ambitious entrepreneurs. This forum aligns with NBK’s strategy to create employment opportunities for the youth. We are highly optimistic about attracting like-minded development partners who share our vision of supporting businesses through capacity building, funding, and strategic deal structuring. Together, we can catalyze entrepreneurial success and foster economic growth,” Mr Odhiambo concluded.
The National Business Forum is set to kickstart its mission by collaborating with 100 businesses across various sectors, including renewable energy, water, education, agribusiness, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and women in business.
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