Kyrgyz entrepreneurs expand their businesses and start exporting

On June 28, the participants of the Mentoring Program, implemented by the JIA business association with the support of UNDP and funding from the Finnish government, graduated. The program was part of the Trade Facilitation Project and aimed to develop entrepreneurial skills, including export skills, among start-ups and existing entrepreneurs, especially women and young people. Over the course of 17 months, 60 entrepreneurs from different regions of the country received access to individual mentoring, educational events, and grant support.

The training covered key areas such as business planning, marketing, e-commerce, taxation, and team management.

Key results of the program:

• Participants' incomes increased by an average of 25%;
• 15 new businesses and 56 jobs were created, 45 of which were for women and people with disabilities;
• One participant entered export markets through online sales;
• 33 entrepreneurs expanded their businesses using the knowledge and grants they received;
• 32 mentors from the business community and NGOs were trained and became mentors.

The program covered priority sectors with high value-added potential: natural honey, dried fruits, nuts, handicrafts made of felt and leather, and adventure tourism.