CoWA supports entrepreneurs and enterprises to start, grow, and thrive through tailored Enterprise Development Services. Our interventions focus on building sustainable businesses, enhancing competitiveness, and creating opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
Our Key Interventions
1. Business Incubation for Start-ups
We nurture promising start-ups by providing tailored incubation support that combines workspace access, mentorship, business coaching, and peer learning. Our incubation model equips entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to validate ideas, refine business models, and launch enterprises that are both sustainable and impactful.
2. Business Scale-up for Existing Enterprises
CoWA supports growing enterprises to expand strategically and sustainably. Through capacity building, process strengthening, and access to new markets, we help businesses optimize operations, diversify products and services, and increase competitiveness at both local and regional levels.
3. Business Development Services & Mentorship
Entrepreneurs often face barriers that limit growth. We offer hands-on business development services, including diagnostic assessments, tailored advisory support, and strategy development. By pairing entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, we enable them to overcome operational challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve long-term resilience.
4. Seed Capital Management
Access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers to enterprise growth. CoWA facilitates access to seed capital while equipping entrepreneurs with financial management skills to ensure responsible and sustainable use of funds. Our structured approach reduces risks, maximizes impact, and enhances entrepreneurs’ ability to scale.
5. Business Plan Development
We guide entrepreneurs in designing investor-ready business plans that serve as both strategic roadmaps and fundraising tools. With a focus on financial projections, market positioning, and growth strategies, our support ensures that businesses are well-prepared to secure financing and manage resources effectively.
6. Market Development & Linkages
Market access is a critical driver of enterprise success. CoWA strengthens value chains by linking small businesses to buyers, suppliers, and service providers. We also create opportunities for enterprises to showcase products, explore new markets, and negotiate fair terms that boost profitability and sustainability.
7.Young Entrepreneur Services
CoWA empowers young people to transform ideas into viable enterprises that generate jobs and strengthen community resilience. Recognizing that Kenya’s informal sector absorbs the majority of jobseekers yet remains underdeveloped, the program equips youth with the skills, tools, and mentorship needed to grow sustainable micro and small businesses.
The initiative links education and training to labor market opportunities, while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. Participants are supported to generate and model business ideas, access finance and technical skills, and benefit from structured mentorship and commercialization pathways.
Since 2000, CoWA has trained over 30,000 youth and supported more than 5,000 entrepreneurs across five counties, working with partners such as AVSI Foundation, Call Africa, Tushinde, St. Kizito, DEK, and ANDY.
