The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the JIA Business Association, is launching a mentoring programme for women entrepreneurs and youth. The programme is part of the UNDP project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia”, funded by the government of Finland, and aimed at supporting the development of value chains of natural honey, adventure tourism, dried fruits and berries, felt and leather products, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan reported on 6 June.
“The mentoring programme is one of the important areas of the Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic supports initiatives aimed at developing entrepreneurship among women, in particular helping to build the capacity of micro and small enterprises. It is great that this mentoring programme is also aimed at strengthening value chains in key sectors prioritized for the development of Kyrgyzstan,” said Ainura Usenbekova, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The mentoring initiative will focus on developing and implementing a mentoring programme for women entrepreneurs and will include capacity-building activities to develop business, enter export markets, as well as individual mentoring to build networks, share experiences and find solutions to practical problems. In addition, mentees will have access to grant support for the introduction of green and innovative technologies in production, which will also be provided by UNDP.
“The development of women’s entrepreneurship is one of the most effective ways to overcome poverty and promote sustainable socio-economic development of communities. UNDP strives to support inclusive economies by building the capacity of entrepreneurs, complementing its initiatives with small grants programmes. At the same time, priority attention is paid to the sustainability and growth of micro and small businesses benefitting women,” emphasized Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
It is expected that the mentoring programme will contribute to an increase in sales and income, creation of new jobs, export access for value chain participants, as well as the development of new products.
