We can't thank you enough for your continuous support and commitment to Somo and the entrepreneurs we work with!
Kisumu Launch
We launched our first cohort in Kisumu in August! 15 trainees joined the program with business ideas ranging from organic peanut butter production to jewelry made from recycled materials. This cohort will graduate in November and we will be making our first investments in Kisumu in January of 2020.
Your support will give us a home in Kisumu, providing trainees and entrepreneurs a supportive space to work and grow their businesses from. If you’re in a position to help us expand our impact, please consider donating!
Want to be a Somo Judge?
Somo tripled the number of trainees we work with in just 3 months! This means we need your help. If you are interested in signing up to volunteer as a judge or an advisor, please do so here.
Entrepreneurial Highlight: Yo-Toto Yoghurt
Lilian of Yototo Yoghurt has expanded! She has opened a shop in Mall Sixty Six Suite D No. 10 — opposite Adlife Plaza, Kilimani.
In addition to this, she has rebranded her healthy fresh juice line to Tunda Juicery, which you can now order online on Uber Eats. She also provides healthy juice shots, teas, refreshers, and smoothies.
Check out their invigorating beverage menu below!
Snapshot Updates
1. David of Lookslike Avido dressed famous Jamaican dancehall star Konshens during the Hype Fest Concert in Ngong Racecourse. You can buy Avido’s Fashion from his online store.
2. Bdigismat has created a record-keeping, accounting, and e-commerce app called myduqah, which will be launching in November. The app is created in Swahili and local languages and comprised of an automated accounting system. Their goal is to reduce the number of micro and small enterprises that die every year and increase these entrepreneurs’ access to credit.
4. Habari Kibra participated in a Media Start-Up Pitching, at the Aga Khan Innovation Centre. They emerged in the top ten finalists out of the 100 applicants.
Digitized Curriculum
We have begun the process of digitizing our training using Google Classroom. We have created short engaging videos to help our entrepreneurs prepare for class and accommodate their different learning styles. We are in the process of digitizing all of our assignments and creating games and quizzes for our trainees to review material.
Boost Biz na Somo
We piloted our first basic training course, Boost Biz na Somo! This program was created to support local small-scale basic enterprises. Our first one was with women from Korogocho Market, where one of our hubs is located. The trainees are taught practical business skills like record keeping, profits and losses, customer relations, and pitching. Do you think the beneficiaries of your NGO could benefit from more business skills?
Our entrepreneurs shared their stories and showcased their products at the Alchemist. Artist, actor, TV and radio host, Anto Neosoul, and upcoming artists Ken Mbaro, and The Black Prophets gave riveting live performances that had everyone dancing.
Check out Anto Neosoul’s Instagram page for the interviews he posted on Somo,Nutrition Palace and Yo-Toto. Thank you all for showing up, shopping, smiling, and supporting Somo Day!
We will be having our next Somo event on December 7th at the Alchemist. Come check out the businesses we work with and buy great holiday gifts for friends and family!
