EPOCH African Foundation

Based on our mission and vision, as well as its focus on entrepreneurship and business development, here are some areas we focus on: Women-Led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Provide support and resources to women entrepreneurs who are starting or running their own small and medium-sized businesses. This can include training in business planning, access to microloans, and mentorship programs.

Agricultural Entrepreneurship: We Support women in rural areas to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship. This can involve training in sustainable farming practices, access to agricultural inputs, and market linkages for their products. Tech and Digital Entrepreneurship: We Foster women's participation in the tech and digital sectors by offering training in software development, digital marketing, e-commerce, and other technology-related skills. Encourage the establishment of tech startups led by women.

Artisan and Craftsmanship: We Promote traditional crafts and artisanal businesses run by women. Provide training in product development, marketing, and e-commerce to help women sell their handmade products locally and internationally.

Microfinance and Financial Inclusion: We Collaborate with financial institutions to facilitate access to financial services for women entrepreneurs, including microloans, savings accounts, and financial literacy training.

Social Entrepreneurship: We Encourage women to create social enterprises that address pressing social and environmental issues in their communities. Provide training in social entrepreneurship principles and impact measurement.

Export and International Trade: We Assist women entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses beyond local markets. Offer training in export procedures, international market research, and trade negotiations.

Cooperative and Collective Enterprises: We Support the formation of women-led cooperatives or collectives in various sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, or food production. These structures can help women pool resources and strengthen their bargaining power.

Business Incubators and Accelerators: we Establish or partner with business incubators and accelerators that focus on women-led startups. These programs can provide intensive mentoring, access to investors, and resources to scale their businesses.

Supply Chain Integration: We Promote the integration of women-owned businesses into supply chains of larger corporations. Advocate for corporate social responsibility initiatives that support women-owned suppliers.

Franchise Opportunities: We Explore franchise opportunities that empower women to run their own businesses within established franchise models.

Market Access and Branding: We Assist women entrepreneurs in branding their products and accessing wider markets, including e-commerce platforms and international trade fairs.

Green and Sustainable Businesses: We Encourage the development of eco-friendly and sustainable businesses among women entrepreneurs. This aligns with the focus on both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

Access to Technology and Innovation: We Ensure that women have access to the latest technology and innovation resources to stay competitive in their chosen business sectors.

Policy Advocacy: We Advocate for policies that support women-owned businesses, including gender-sensitive procurement policies and incentives for companies that promote gender diversity in their supply chains.

With focus on these areas of entrepreneurship and business development, we contribute to economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and gender equality, in line with our mission and vision.