Entrepreneurship in action: ASEA & WHOlives help launch 12 new small businesses in Kenya
In our powerful partnership with WHOlives, the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation is helping entrepreneurs in Kenya turn big dreams into sustainable businesses. Through training, mentorship, and reinvested microloans, this initiative is already changing lives—and creating a lasting ripple effect across the community.
A barrier to growth: High interest and no access
At the heart of sustainable change is the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. That belief is driving the latest partnership between the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation and WHOlives, where hope is being turned into real opportunity for entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
After speaking with local leaders in a Kenyan village, it became clear that one of the greatest barriers to progress was a lack of access to basic business training and affordable startup capital. Traditional banks offer loans with sky-high interest rates—up to 24%—and require 100% collateral, making entrepreneurship nearly impossible for most families.
A sustainable solution through partnership
To change that, WHOlives and the Advancing Life Foundation partnered with a local savings and loan to fund a new mentorship-based microloan program. Participants completed a one-week training course in foundational business principles and submitted business plans to qualify. Once accepted, they were matched with successful local mentors who will guide them for a full year—or until their loan is repaid.
Meet the first wave of entrepreneurs
The impact? Immediate.
In January, six new businesses launched:
- Humphrey started a motorcycle taxi service.
- Lilian opened a small grocery shop with financial services.
- Sophia launched a local hair salon.
- Florence built a water-selling kiosk.
- Jacktone began producing honey with new beehives.
- Abisack opened a neighborhood grocery store.
In February, six more followed:
- Sabina started a poultry business.
- Titus expanded into beekeeping.
- Fridah opened a kiosk selling groceries and clothing.
- Collins launched a home goods and financial services shop.
- Richard began building housing for local tech school students.
- Jacqueline opened a sewing shop.
Building a cycle of success
Each of these businesses was made possible by a loan that is low-interest and repayable over two years—a rare opportunity in the local economy. Best of all, every repayment is returned to the savings and loan and reinvested into the next round of entrepreneurs, creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth.
The first loan repayments began in February, and the momentum is only growing.
This is what empowerment looks like: Local leadership, targeted support, and a long-term vision for sustainable community transformation.
How you can help
Donate today to the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation and help fund future entrepreneurs. Your contribution fuels training, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities for people who just need a chance to shine.
*This is not a guarantee of any particular income. Individual results will vary. Please refer to our income disclosure statement at aseaglobal.com/opportunity/ This material is intended for a US audience only.