Business for Better Society (BBS) has been selected as one of the ten recipients of the esteemed Catalyst Scale-Up grant, awarded by The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA). This grant will significantly support our ongoing efforts in collaboration with Activate Action to empower microbusinesses in Homabay, Kenya.
With a rich history spanning over 260 years, The RSA has been at the forefront of driving positive social impact around the globe. Its founding charter aimed to embolden enterprise, refine art, enlarge science, and extend commerce, while also addressing critical issues like poverty alleviation and full employment. Notable Fellows such as Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Nelson Mandela, and others have been part of this illustrious community. Today, The RSA boasts fellows elected from 80 countries worldwide, all working together to make the world a better place.
The Catalyst Scale-Up Grant is a testament to The RSA’s commitment to supporting projects that have already demonstrated their positive influence on society. Scaling, as defined by The RSA, involves reaching new beneficiaries, deepening the impact on existing beneficiaries, or exploring ways to enhance financial sustainability.
At the core of this grant is the BBS and Activate Action Microbusiness Incubator, situated in Homabay, Kenya. The primary focus of this incubator is to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary business knowledge, a startup grant, and continuous coaching to successfully launch and grow their ventures. We are proud to share that since its inception, the incubator has catalyzed the birth of 50 new businesses in Homabay. These businesses range from tailoring and alterations to fresh produce stands and snack vendors.
As these women-run businesses flourish, they not only contribute to the local economy but also uplift the lives of their families and communities. With newfound financial independence, these resilient entrepreneurs can now afford healthcare, school fees, and household expenses, empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
Thanks to the generous support of The RSA’s Catalyst Scale-Up Grant, we are excited to announce that over 90 additional women will now have the opportunity to join the Microbusiness Incubator. The grant will help us expand our reach and deepen the impact we create, fostering more success stories and transforming lives in Homabay.
The official launch of The RSA-supported cohorts is scheduled to take place in the autumn of 2023. We look forward to collaborating closely with The RSA’s Catalyst Team to ensure the success and sustainability of our initiatives. Together with Activate Action, we are committed to driving lasting change and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The RSA for recognizing the potential in our work and for supporting our vision of a thriving and inclusive society. We also thank our supporters, partners, and the entire community for their unwavering dedication to this cause.
Follow our FaceBook page, by clicking here, to stay tuned for more updates on the progress and impact of our projects as we embark on this exciting new phase of growth and transformation.
Together, we can continue to make a difference, one empowered entrepreneur at a time.
