FEATURED: BK Foundation, Inkomoko award top five women-led agribusinesses in ‘BK Urumuri’ initiative

The 8th edition of the BK Urumuri Initiative recognised five innovative women-led agribusinesses for their remarkable contributions to environmental and climate change solutions, as well as job creation. Organised by BK Foundation, the philanthropic arm of BK Group, in partnership with Inkomoko, an advisory firm and impact investor, the initiative continues to empower Rwandan entrepreneurs. This year's all-women edition introduced a unique approach with visits to each finalist’s business site. During these visits, the delegation observed operations, equipment, and processes firsthand, providing awardees the opportunity to showcase their work and receive advice to further improve their enterprises. This special edition celebrated the role of women in advancing eco-friendly innovations, a theme aligned with global calls for gender inclusivity in addressing climate change. The programme worked with 25 women-led businesses, offering tailored business acceleration, interest-free loans, and access to a network of 60,000 SMEs across East Africa. ALSO READ: 25 eco-friendly businesses selected for 7th edition of BK Urumuri initiative Meet the winners After a rigorous six-month Business Acceleration Program, five outstanding women-led businesses emerged victorious: Skai Foods Ltd: Located in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District. Bountiful Farmers Ltd: Based in Gicumbi District. N5 Business Group Ltd: Operating from Nyarutarama, Gasabo District. Hope and Future for Women Development: Situated in Musanze District. Eastern Alpha Co Ltd: From Kayonza District. Each winner received interest-free loans ranging from Rwf4 million to Rwf7 million from Bank of Kigali through the BK Foundation to expand their operations and amplify their environmental impact. This initiative, which has been supporting Rwandan entrepreneurs for years, was originally inspired by the need to promote eco-friendly businesses and sustainable solutions. This year’s eligibility criteria required businesses to operate in Rwanda for at least one year, generate annual revenues below Rwf 100 million, demonstrate financial profitability or a solid plan to achieve it within a year, and adopt strong environmental and social sustainability practices. Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation, highlighted that women often face unique barriers in entrepreneurship, yet their potential to innovate is unmatched. Thus, this edition aimed to shine a light on their resilience and creativity while promoting environmental sustainability. She noted: “We wanted to focus specifically on women in SMEs. This is because most startups struggle to secure loans, and the financial industry often perceives them as risky. Through this programme, we aim to provide these women with an opportunity to grow their businesses and achieve steady progress.” “We will conduct monitoring to identify any challenges that may arise. If there is a need for additional training, we’ll connect them with the relevant experts to ensure there are no obstacles in repaying their loans, which are expected to be paid within three years,” she added. Karangwayire also hinted that by next year, the programme will aim for more participation from women. “This is crucial because supporting a woman has a ripple effect, benefiting the entire community chain, starting from the family level.” Winners’ perspectives Skai Foods Ltd: Based in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District, Skai Foods received Rwf5,000,000 to expand production of its Skaï Red Hot Chili Sauce. With this support, founder Soraya Vuningoma plans to double production capacity from 250 kilogrammes to 500 kilogrammes, creating 14 new jobs and supporting more chili farmers in Bugesera District. “The training taught me to work in a well-organised manner, which has improved planning and productivity,” said Vuningoma. She also encouraged Rwandan youth to fully utilise available opportunities. Bountiful Farmers Ltd: Operating in Gicumbi District, this agritech company, led by Christella Uwase, was awarded Rwf7,000,000 to enhance its production of potato multiplied seeds. Currently producing 90 tonnes per season with 47 workers, Uwase aims to further increase capacity and hire additional staff. “Having a goal without action is just a dream,” said Uwase, emphasising the importance of leveraging such opportunities for business growth. N5 Business Group Ltd: Located in Nyarutarama, Gasabo District, N5 Business Group secured Rwf4,000,000 to purchase machinery that will boost production of porridge flour from 15 tons to 25 tonnes per month. Founder Yvette Umutoniwabo, whose company employs 35 women, focuses on addressing nutritional gaps in vulnerable groups. “The new machine resolves our major challenge, enabling increased efficiency and output,” she explained. Hope and Future for Women Development: Based in Musanze District, the venture led by Alphonsina Twizerimana received Rwf4,500,000 to adopt hydroponic farming techniques, tripling production of strawberries and tomatoes from 250 kilogrammes to 750 kilogrammes per month. Twizerimana highlighted the high commercial and health value of her crops, saying, “This support will help increase my earnings and bring advanced farming methods to fruition.” Eastern Alpha Co. Ltd: Situated in Kayonza District, Eastern Alpha Co. specialises in hygiene and sanitation tools. Founder Alphonsina Uwamariya received Rwf4,500,000 to scale up production from 300 SATO units per month to 5,000 annually. “Our goal is to promote safe hygiene practices for all Rwandans,” Uwamariya noted, crediting the programme for enhancing her marketing skills and operational capacity. ALSO READ: Ibere rya Bigogwe founder among contestants of 2023 BK Urumuri initiative Emmanuel Mugabo, Managing Director of Inkomoko Rwanda, highlighted the programme’s success, noting, “The initiative equips entrepreneurs with the skills to grow their businesses, track performance and create jobs across the country.” However, many of them face financial challenges, particularly due to a lack of financial planning and management skills. He explained that most struggle to allocate funds effectively and to understand whether the business is profitable or not. “We train them in the areas of bookkeeping, inventory management, cash flow management, taxation, investment readiness, and sales and marketing among other essential business skills,” Mugabo noted. He further emphasised that the support doesn’t end with the training programme. They receive ongoing advice and monitoring from assigned business advisors to ensure they implement the skills learned and continue to grow their businesses. “When you visit them on the ground, you see them applying the skills they learned from the programme,” he added. Over the past eight years, BK Urumuri Initiative has trained over 240 entrepreneurs and businesses. “These entrepreneurs become part of the entrepreneurs that can continue to borrow funds from Inkomoko to grow their businesses even after this particular programme has ended,” he added.

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FEATURED: BK Foundation, Inkomoko award top five women-led agribusinesses in ‘BK Urumuri’ initiative