Smart Regional Consultants (SRC) collaborates closely with suppliers of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems, particularly through initiatives like the LIFT-NK program. These partnerships ensure that SRC’s projects, especially those targeting smallholder farmers in marginalized regions, have access to high-quality and affordable resources. For example, through LIFT-NK’s linkages with input suppliers like Sidai, SRC helps farmers secure the materials they need for sustainable agriculture, fostering reliable and sustainable supply chains.
SRC facilitates valuable networking events and trade fairs to connect entrepreneurs with investors and market opportunities. A key example of this is the Northern Kenya Impact Investment Conference (NKIIC), where SRC helped link local businesses with potential investors. This initiative enabled local entrepreneurs to gain exposure to new markets and attract funding for growth. Additionally, through partnerships with the Graca Machel Trust, SRC has empowered over 500 women entrepreneurs across several countries by providing them with investor readiness training and access to financial opportunities, helping them secure funding to scale their businesses. Similarly, through the Road to Markets program, SRC links women entrepreneurs to market opportunities, enabling them to diversify their businesses and navigate the complexities of reaching new customers in both local and international markets.Through strategic partnerships with global logistics providers like DHL, SRC helps SMEs access international markets by connecting them with export opportunities.
SRC partners with technology companies to integrate digital solutions and enhance the efficiency of rural businesses. For instance, the Her Venture App project has empowered over 6000 women entrepreneurs in Kenya by providing them with mobile-based learning tools to improve their business skills in marketing, finance, and operations. This collaboration with tech companies enables SRC to bridge the digital divide, helping entrepreneurs gain the technological skills needed to compete in the modern market. In addition, digital learning initiatives like the Road to Leadership program support women by building their leadership skills and strategic thinking, which are critical for managing businesses and taking on leadership roles in their sectors.
SRC partners with technology companies to integrate digital solutions and enhance the efficiency of rural businesses. For instance, the Her Venture App project has empowered over 6000 women entrepreneurs in Kenya by providing them with mobile-based learning tools to improve their business skills in marketing, finance, and operations. This collaboration with tech companies enables SRC to bridge the digital divide, helping entrepreneurs gain the technological skills needed to compete in the modern market. In addition, digital learning initiatives like the Road to Leadership program support women by building their leadership skills and strategic thinking, which are critical for managing businesses and taking on leadership roles in their sectors.
SRC’s partnerships with financial institutions, such as the KCB Foundation, play a critical role in enabling entrepreneurs, particularly youth-led businesses, to access financing. For example, through the KCB Foundation program, SRC has helped 1,705 youth-led SMEs gain access to financial resources, allowing them to grow their businesses and improve their financial stability. These financial partnerships are key in ensuring that entrepreneurs can invest in their operations and expand their reach. Furthermore, the Road to Markets program connects women entrepreneurs with financial institutions, enabling them to access the funding they need to scale their businesses and meet the financial demands of growth.
SRC regularly organizes and participates in trade fairs such as the Tana River Trade Fair, where entrepreneurs from different sectors can showcase their products and connect with potential customers, suppliers, and investors. Tana River, united over 2,600 farmers, SMEs, and stakeholders.These events serve as key B2B platforms, creating direct linkages between businesses and opening doors for new partnerships and market access. Through programs like Young Africa Works 2jiajiri, SRC also connects youth-led SMEs to such financiers, helping them build strong business networks and establish themselves in local and international markets. Additionally, events like the Northern Kenya Impact Investment Conference (NKIIC) which has created 2878 Regional Networking and Partnerships also provide opportunities for SRC to facilitate networking and B2B collaborations, allowing entrepreneurs to engage with a wider range of stakeholders, including investors and industry partners