Empowering Kazakh Citizens: Women Entrepreneurship Development Center
Women Entrepreneurship Development Center Supports Female-Owned SMEs in Kazakhstan
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Center, based in Almaty and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is offering tailored support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned by women in Kazakhstan. According to the ADB’s press service, women make up around 43% of all SMEs in the country.
The center, which opened in October 2021, provides personalized training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs. It operates within branches of Atameken, Kazakhstan’s National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and has expanded to include 20 centers across all regions of Kazakhstan. Since its inception, the center has provided training and networking opportunities to approximately 7,000 women in Kazakhstan and aims to reach over 15,000 women entrepreneurs across the country by 2025.
One success story from the center is that of Kamila, a 37-year-old Almaty resident. After putting her career as a psychologist on hold to prioritize raising her children, Kamila decided to start an upcycling business. However, in the early stages, she struggled to turn a profit and sought support from the Women Entrepreneurship Development Center. Through personalized mentorship and training, Kamila was able to improve her business knowledge, develop sound financial models, and implement effective marketing strategies. This support helped her grow her client base and improve her bottom line.
Impressed with the impact of the ADB-funded centers, the Kazakh government has committed to financing future operations from its national budget, with approximately $6 million approved for the next three years. ADB Country Director for Kazakhstan Nariman Mannapbekov emphasized the importance of investing in women’s entrepreneurship and expanding women’s access to quality, higher-paying jobs to help close the gender pay gap.
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Center is not only empowering women entrepreneurs like Kamila but also contributing to the overall economic growth and development of Kazakhstan. With tailored support programs and a focus on addressing the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, the center is paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient business environment in the country.
