The Power of Mentoring in Entrepreneurship
The Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series Event 2 brought together 110 participants: women and youth entrepreneurs from under-represented sectors in manufacturing and engineering, green and circular economy, agriculture and agribusiness, technology, financial services, infrastructure development, blue economy, and WASH (Water, hygiene, and sanitation).
This included 14 of the selected Biashara Pawa role models in Nakuru county. Entrepreneurs from Nakuru County, county government leadership, business associations, ecosystem partners, community-based organisations, academia, and other stakeholders were also part of the convening.
The event created a vibrant platform for learning, exchanging, and collaboration around the role of mentoring in strengthening the entrepreneurial journey.
Mentoring as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and ecosystem strengthening
The event opened with welcoming remarks that positioned mentoring as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and ecosystem strengthening.
A central highlight of the event was the panel dialogue on The Power of Mentoring in Entrepreneurship, moderated by Susan Njoroge (Managing Director - Responsible Business Consulting (RBC) and featuring diverse perspectives from across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including:
• Abigail Luvisia, Founder of Abby’s Holistic Wellness Hub
• Jackson Mwaniki, Certified Public Accountant of Kenya and International Labour Organization (ILO) certified trainer
• Susan Njuguna, Regional Coordinator at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
• George Wayne, Founder and Managing Director of Nakuru Box Innovation Center
Through dynamic discussions and audience engagement, panelists unpacked how mentorship supports business validation, access to markets, finance readiness, networks, and long-term growth-particularly for women and youth entrepreneurs navigating under-represented sectors.
The conversation emphasised the importance of inclusive mentoring models, trust-based relationships, and stronger collaboration between ecosystem actors to create meaningful support systems at the county level.
With the close of the panel, Elga Adoyo Riaga, County Executive Committee Member, Youth, Gender, Culture, Sports and Social Services, gave her remarks which highlighted the county’s existing programs and opportunities from capability building to financing accessible to women and youth entrepreneurship in the county, reinforcing the county’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs.
Sector-specific breakout learning labs
Following the panel, participants transitioned into sector-specific breakout learning labs, facilitated by Biashara Pawa role models. These sessions encouraged peer-to-peer exchange and practical learning across key entrepreneurial themes such as scaling sustainably, financial literacy, marketing and branding, networking, and customer engagement, and others. Participants collaboratively generated actionable insights and practical solutions aimed at accelerating entrepreneurship journeys within their sectors.
Experience sharing
The event concluded with a plenary reflection session where participants shared key takeaways, insights from the learning labs, and opportunities for continued collaboration. A strong sense of community and shared purpose emerged throughout the day, reinforcing the idea that no single actor can transform an ecosystem alone.
Overall, the dialogue underscored the transformative role of mentoring in empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening local ecosystems, and advancing inclusive economic growth in Nakuru County.
By bringing together diverse voices from local government, academia, private sector, and enterprise support organisations, the event demonstrated how collaborative spaces like Biashara Pawa can catalyze meaningful connections, inspire new opportunities, and support the growth of resilient women- and youth-led enterprises.
