EXPRESSION OF INTEREST- DIGITISE MENTORSHIP – CALL FOR LISTING (REF No. HIHEA/010-2024/PRG)

1. Context

DIGITISE PROJECT is being implemented by Hand in Hand EA in Nairobi and peri urban areas (Machakos and Kiambu counties).The project is a small business accelerator that has an ambitious goal of tripling sales of beneficiary enterprises within 12 months. One of our pathways for success is mentorship and coaching by successful medium level business owners who are willing to share their journey to success and networks.

We believe that the integration of mentorship and coaching sessions to complement training to micro -enterprises has significant potential to the overall goal of boosting profitability, growth and resilience.

Specifically, we believe that sector-specific mentorship sessions to our micro enterprises will support and inspire beneficiaries to improve technical skills, improve their networks and connect enabling suppliers. To this end, we are seeking medium scale business owners spread across the sectors below;

1. Agriculture (livestock and crop farming businesses)

2. Food (Hotels , bakeries, kibanda, outside catering etc)

3. Manufacturing (medium scale industries - Carpentry, welding, agri products etc

4. Artisanal Crafts (weaving, bead work, leather etc

5. Service (salons, barber shops, tailors, beauty)

6. Retail (Shops, mama mboga, mali mali etc )

2. Introduction to Hand in Hand Eastern Africa

Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA) is a registered NGO in Kenya and Tanzania and is part of the Hand in Hand global network. The organization started operations in Kenya in October 2010 and is currently operating with 25 Field offices serving 33 out of 47 Counties in Kenya. HiH EA has so far trained over 350,000

3. A suitable mentor is one who

1. Owns a medium scale enterprises and has been running it for at least 3 years located in Nairobi, Kiambu or Machakos county

2. Runs a hybrid business; selling to walk –in and has a digital clientele. Must be selling through at least one digital platform.

3. Able to host 10-30 small business owners in their premises for trainings/ coaching and exposure.

4. A fair rate per day/ session; one that a small business can pay on their own where applicable.

5. Willing to share their enterprises journey both the highs and lows to enable others learn and exploit their potential

6. Knowledge of digital applications relevant to marketing and business operations within their sector.

7. Strong communication, mentoring, and presentation skills to effectively engage with MSMEs and deliver impactful mentorship sessions.

8. Compliance with E-Tims regulations

9. Experience in mentoring; either pro- bono or paid will be an added advantage.

4. Role of Mentors

1) Engage with MSMEs to understand their unique challenges, requirements, and readiness for modern day business practices within their own enterprises.

2) Provide tailored mentorship sessions to MSMEs, focusing on efficient business operations relevant to their sector.

3) Offer personalized recommendations and guidance on pricing, marketing, branding and sourcing including contacts based on the MSMEs' needs and sectoral dynamics.

4) Facilitate interactive sessions and peer learning opportunities where MSMEs can share experiences, exchange insights, and learn from each other's successes and setbacks.

5. Deliverables

i. Sector-Specific Mentorship Sessions: Conduct mentorship sessions tailored to the needs of MSMEs in each sector, addressing challenges and opportunities.

ii. Individualized Recommendations: Provide personalized guidance and recommendations to MSMEs on selecting and implementing business practices aligned with their sectoral requirements.

iii. Knowledge Sharing Platform: Facilitate knowledge sharing forums and peer learning sessions for MSMEs to exchange experiences and insights within their sectors.

6. Anti-Corruption

Hand in Hand Eastern Africa strives to fight corrupt practices within its operations and the same is expected of its vendors, contractors, and service providers. HiH EA staff are therefore prohibited from accepting any gift/s, consideration or benefit/s of any kind which may constitute illegal or corrupt practices, either directly or indirectly, as an inducement or reward for the award of a contract.

7. Ethical consideration and Safeguarding

HiH EA as an organization undertakes to create a safe environment for all those we serve, and to prevent any form of exploitation or abuse. We are committed to acting in the best interest of our member’ and any willing vendor, contractor or service provider is required to commit and comply with our position on safeguarding as stipulated in the organizations code of behaviors’.

8. Submission of Expression proposals

We invite mentors with relevant expertise and experience to submit their details via the following attached link https://forms.gle/1EsahA8qA7XkJPte9 The deadline for expression of interest submission is close of day Wednesday 10th July 2024. If you have any questions, please engage us via email at procurement@handinhandea.org.

We look forward to partnering with qualified mentors to empower MSMEs and drive growth within the respective sectors covered by Project DIGITISE.

For more information about Hand in Hand Eastern Africa, please visit: https://handinhand-ea.org/

HIH EA does NOT condone any form of corrupt practices.

Pease report complaints via toll free number 0800721347