Implema Supports Accelerator Program in Kenya
Hello there, Charlott Brask, Implema has started a collaboration with Hand in Hand on the Next Step project – how did this come about?
Yes, that’s right – and it’s really exciting that the collaboration is now underway. For us, it’s also an important strategic step and a natural part of our sustainability work. It aligns perfectly with our commitment to both sustainability and social responsibility, which extends far beyond Implema’s own boundaries.
What is Next Step?
Next Step is a digitally-focused accelerator program in Kenya. The program focuses on supporting women and young entrepreneurs in developing their micro-businesses, so they can hire more people and contribute to community development. This is achieved through training in marketing and finance, as well as support in scaling operations and improving access to capital. A key component is also providing them with increased knowledge of digital business solutions and platforms.
The importance of more successful small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya is therefore crucial. By creating employment opportunities and livelihoods for the country’s growing population, the project actively contributes to fighting poverty. In this context, Next Step has proven particularly successful.
How did we decide to support this particular project?
We made the decision to partner with Hand in Hand and support Next Step after extensive internal evaluation of various organizations and initiatives. We ultimately chose Hand in Hand. They have many different projects. We chose to support Next Step specifically because it strongly aligns with what we work with and are passionate about – entrepreneurship and digitalization. For Implema, this is therefore a particularly important project to support. It’s an initiative that’s close to our hearts for several reasons.
How does the collaboration work more specifically?
So far, it involves financial donations. Last Christmas, for example, instead of sending Christmas cards and gifts to customers and employees, we donated the equivalent amount to Next Step.
We will follow the project closely and then see how the collaboration develops going forward.
What kind of organization is Hand in Hand? Isn’t that the one former industry magnate Percy Barnevik was involved with?
Yes, it’s true that Percy Barnevik has been very involved and engaged in the organization. However, Hand in Hand was started by teachers Olle and Gunnel Blomqvist in the early 1990s when they were fighting to eliminate child labor in India. The focus became creating jobs for parents through education and training so that children could attend school.
Today, Hand in Hand runs comprehensive development programs in entrepreneurship training, fighting child labor, health, innovation, democracy, and environment. The organization implements these programs primarily in India, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan. It mainly targets women and young people living on less than $3.20 per day. Through education and continuous support, they develop into sustainable entrepreneurs. Hand in Hand works purposefully to create a world where every person uses their power and ability to escape poverty – and where future generations grow up with the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future.
Hand in Hand carefully monitors their efforts. So far, they have achieved 4.3 million business start-ups, 6.3 million jobs created, and 24 million people supported. Absolutely fantastic!
Finally, what’s next?
We will provide regular updates about the project’s progress, specific initiatives and results, and how our involvement evolves.
