Village Enterprise Fund - Our Entrepreneurs

Our Entrepreneurs

We’re pleased to introduce you to a few of the people whose participation in our program resulted in a new business, a new standard of living, and hope for the future. Click on each link to watch a short video.

See how a 1988 Chevrolet Caprice gains new life as a set of farming tools (2 minutes, 14 seconds.)
Meet the grocer who can now afford to feed his family (2 minutes, 25 seconds.)
Catch a glimpse of a barber who shaved his way to success (57 seconds.)

Click on any photo to view a larger image.

	Five women founded the Abilayep Women Agricultural Farmers Association (AWAFA) to improve their farming technique and market their produce. After a successful start-up phase, they received an empowerment grant to augment their product line with egg production. The group expanded to 25 members and spun off six additional small businesses. Profits go into a revolving savings and credit fund from which members borrow to expand individual enterprises.
	The Rosterman Farm Group used their VEF grant to design and build vegetable dehydration technology to increase the shelf life of their produce. Their packaged goods have been tested and approved by the Kenyan government. They were given a high quality rating by the local university. Rosterman plans to expand their Kakamega operations, brand their product, and establish distribution to reach Nairobi markets.
	The Samaria Baskets Group developed a fireless cooker into which a pre-heated cooking pot is placed. This insulated basket retains heat and allows the dish to cook to completion. The savings in cooking fuel are substantial. The cooker also keeps food warm for several hours to accommodate late-arriving family members. Their business is very profitable, and the market potential is quite large.
	The Iron Smith Group buys used auto springs, heats the metal, and fashions the pieces into knives and farm tools. The ten business owners share in the work of making tools and participate in village auctions to sell their wares. With the profits, they have increased their food consumption, improved their wardrobes, and paid for school fees and uniforms for their children. Two owners saved enough to build houses.
	The Liaro Business Group turned a dangerous river crossing into a business opportunity. On receiving business training and the first installment of their VEF grant, the group made a down payment on a boat with provisions to pay the balance with earnings. They hired a boat driver to ferry goods and people across the Isuikhu. After boat payments and wages, they have enough profit to clothe, feed, and educate their children.
	The Umagani Group had their hearts set on growing grapes, a highly profitable but water-intensive crop. With the able assistance of their village business mentor and the acquisition of a KickStart water irrigation pump, the group realized their dream. They use profits to expand the land under cultivation and diversify their crops.