The Inua Biashara Program was launched on 21st March 2024 at Zetech University Technology Park Mang’u Campus, an upcoming business reality TV program that marks a significant initiative designed to allow entrepreneurs in Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises to pitch their businesses and get financial support while addressing the challenges they face and providing them with a platform for growth and development.
The Inua Biashara Program is a project formed by a consortium of Zetech University, Safaricom PLC, KCB Bank, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Homeboyz PLC, Umbrella TV, Dynamics Marketing Solutions Co. Ltd., and Yali Kenya.
Small and Micro enterprises popularly known as SMEs are the engines of growth, vital to most economies. “Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the African economy, accounting for the majority of businesses and providing employment opportunities to millions of people. However, MSMEs in Africa face several challenges that limit their growth and development. These challenges include; inadequate infrastructure, lack of technology and innovation, weak regulatory frameworks, limited access to markets, and limited access to finance.” Zetech University Vice Chancellor and Chair to the consortium, Prof. Njenga Munene noted.
Prof. Njenga further reiterated that Inua Biashara program is a platform that does not just empower the individual business, but a program that will level the playing field, empowering SMEs, and that Zetech University will be at the forefront to offer the necessary financial literacy.
Entrepreneurs in small businesses and start-ups, through this program, will get the opportunity to pitch their business, while sourcing finances, market linkages providing access to a wider market, business networks, government services, investors, and sourcing raw materials.
The Inua Biashara partners and stakeholders will help in sponsoring the program. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry will coordinate the consortium and assist in inviting entrepreneurs and financiers through the Mastercard Jiinue Fund, Safaricom will market program and take part in vetting the entrepreneurs, KCB Bank and Yali Kenya plays a part in offering financial support and advice to entrepreneurs through the Jiajiri Program, Dynamics Marketing Ltd. will onboard sponsors and bring in investors to support entrepreneurs.
MSMEs, SMEs, and Startups can register their business for the Inua Biashara Program on the Inua Biashara Platform, on the Inua Biashara website. “After registering on the application form and submitting, the vetting committee then sits and combs through all the applications; 20 to 30 of the best applications are then picked to come and pitch in person to the panel; afterward, 16 applicants go live on the TV show and express their business needs to the panel, who will then respond with the offer they see fit to the Inua Bashara Program.” Mr Dan Miano, from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained.
He further noted that the program is set to be aired on TV countrywide on Sundays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Umbrella TV, Homeboyz TV, NTV, YouTube TV, and other interested stations. The program is set to officially kick on TV on the 28th of April 2024.