OUR FOCUS AREA
ACE SME Foundation Inc. (ASF), in collaboration with its affiliate, ACE Global Accelerators Kenya Limited, has identified six key focus areas to assist African SMEs and Non-Profits. Our work with entrepreneurs encompasses training, coaching, mentoring, and seed funding, all aimed at ensuring the success of their businesses.
ICT FREELANCER TRAINING
Designed for ambitious youth aged 18-35, this comprehensive initiative offers hands-on training in essential ICT skills—from web development to digital marketing. Learn from industry experts, gain real-world experience through project-based learning, and connect with potential employers. Our program not only equips you with in-demand digital skills but also opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the digital economy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot into the ICT sector, our blend of expert instruction, practical experience, and career support is the bridge to your successful future in technology.
YOUTH & WOMEN VOCATIONAL TRAINING
ACE is dedicated to fostering skills development across a spectrum of vocational disciplines, paving the way for both employment prospects and entrepreneurial ventures. Our roster of experienced trainers and coaches spans a wide array of sectors, offering specialized programs in Event Planning, Catering, Early Childhood Education, Financial Management, Investments and Insurance, Health and Wellness, Customer Service, Hospitality Management, Foreign Language Proficiency, and tailored training for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) aiming for corporate careers. This comprehensive approach ensures participants gain practical, marketable skills that meet today's job market and business needs, empowering them to thrive in their chosen paths.
AGRICULTURE and AGRO INDUSTRIES
ACE is committed to empowering the next generation of agro-entrepreneurs through targeted financial support for agro-businesses and agro-industries. Our funding program is designed to ignite growth in the agricultural sector by providing essential capital to innovative projects that promise not only profitability but also sustainability and positive community impact. By investing in modern farming techniques, value addition, and sustainable practices, we aim to transform the agricultural landscape, enhance food security, and contribute to economic growth. Our support extends beyond mere funding; we're building a community of visionary agro-entrepreneurs ready to lead the charge towards a greener, more prosperous future.
TEXTILE & APPAREL PRODUCTION
ACE champions the growth of SMEs within the Textile and Apparel sector by enabling them to acquire the necessary equipment to enhance their production capabilities and improve product quality. This initiative not only boosts their operational capacity but also fosters job creation, particularly for the youth and women. Furthermore, ACE assists these enterprises in marketing their products, ensuring visibility in both local and international markets. Additionally, we guide our cohort members to leverage the USA/Africa - AGOA Free Trade Agreement, facilitating tariff-free exports from Kenya to the USA, thereby opening up expansive opportunities for their businesses to thrive on a global scale.
GREEN MANUFACTURING
ACE offers specialized consulting and advisory services to SMEs aiming to elevate their production levels and enhance their value-added offerings to achieve large-scale manufacturing success. In partnership with the Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI), we provide expert guidance and support, paving the way for SMEs to expand their operations effectively. Notable examples of enterprises that have flourished with ACE's assistance include a food condiments and sauces producer, an alkaline water company, and an innovative green cooking stove developer, each demonstrating the breadth of our impact across different sectors.
OFF-GRID RENEWABLE ENERGY
ACE is committed to empowering SMEs in Kenya's remote locations by integrating Off-Grid Renewable Energy, including Solar and Biomass Energy solutions into their operations. This initiative is focused on equipping businesses with the technology needed to access sustainable energy sources. The solutions provided are designed to support a range of services including off-grid power, running water, internet connectivity, community hot water kiosks, and agribusiness equipment. By adopting these renewable energy solutions, our SMEs can deliver essential services to communities that previously lacked reliable access to electricity and water, contributing to sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of those in underserved areas.