Posts

Know Your Customer: Simple Ways to Understand & Serve Your Market

Image
  Why This Matters Many small businesses in Kenya close because they don’t fully understand their customers. Whether you sell secondhand clothes in Githurai or do mobile money services in Lodwar, you need to listen to what your customers want. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Know Your Customer Ask Questions: What do your customers like/dislike? Observe: What time do they shop? What items sell fast? Create a customer profile. Tailor your offers based on what you learn. Example: If you realize your customers are mostly working mothers, you might adjust your hours to open earlier or offer M-Pesa pay for convenience. Download Free Template: Customer Profile Worksheet

Create a Monthly Budget That Works (+ Free Monthly Budget Planner)

Image
  Why You Need a Budget Budgeting helps you stay in control of your money. It’s not about limiting your spending, but about giving purpose to your money. For a mama mboga in Mombasa or a dressmaker in Kisii, budgeting means you know how much to reinvest and how much to save. Step-by-Step Guide: Monthly Budgeting List all your expected income for the month. List all fixed and variable expenses. Separate personal from business expenses. Track your actual spending and compare. Example: Category Budgeted (KES) Actual (KES) Notes Inventory 5,000 4,800 Bought flour in bulk Rent 2,500 2,500 - Transport 1,000 1,200 Fares went up   Download Free Template: SheEO Monthly Budget Sheet  

Simple Record-Keeping for Busy Women Entrepreneurs (+ Free Daily Sales Log)

Image
Why Record-Keeping is a Game Changer Many women we train at SheEO tell us, "I make money, but I don't know where it goes." That’s why keeping records is so important. Whether you sell smokies by the roadside or run a tailoring shop in Kitengela, your numbers matter. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Keep Daily Sales Records Start with one notebook or our downloadable template. Each day, write down: What you sold Quantity Price Total income Expenses Calculate your profit daily and weekly. Example: Date Item Quantity Price per item Total Sales Expenses Profit 5th April Mandazi 50 KES 10 KES 500 KES 200 KES 300     Download Free Template: Daily Sales Log Sheet 

How to Set Business Goals You Can Actually Achieve (+ Free Goal Setting Template)

Image
  Why Goals Matter for Micro-Entrepreneurs For a woman running a small salon in Kiambu or a grocery kiosk in Kibra, it may feel like there’s no time to "set goals." But knowing where you're going in business is as important as opening your shop each morning. At SheEO, we believe that clarity builds confidence, and confidence powers success. Let's set up some goals, shall we? Step-by-Step Guide: Setting SMART Goals Start with your WHY:   Why are you in business?  To support your children? Build a house? Answering this question guides your goals. Write down 1-3 business goals for the next 6 months. v   Goal 1:_______________ v   Goal 2:_______________ v   Goal 3:______________     3.       3 .   Use the SMART method: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-bound   Example:  Instead of saying, "I want more customers," say, "I want to increase daily customers fro...

From the Heart of Kibera

Image
                                    * Google Photo: Kibera slum Kibera, the largest urban slum in Kenya and one of the most densely populated informal settlements in Africa, is home to an indomitable spirit. Amid the challenges of inadequate housing, limited access to basic services, and daily economic struggles, the people of Kibera radiate resilience. It is here, in the heart of this vibrant yet underserved community, that a new chapter of hope and transformation is about to unfold. Recently, the SheEO Foundation received a heartfelt appeal from a reverend who runs a church in Kibera. He reached out to us with a vision—to empower 30 women from his congregation to thrive as entrepreneurs. This is not just an ordinary request; it is a profound call to action, a testament to the reverend's unwavering belief in the potential of the women in his community.  Kibera is a place of paradox—a space of...

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Kuria Land

Image
  Picture: Pauline in the daycare/computer lab building In the quiet village of Kegonga in Migori County, a story of resilience, hope, and empowerment is unfolding. Pauline, a dedicated teacher, has transformed her community in ways she never imagined when she started a modest daycare. However simple, her vision was profound: provide a safe place for mothers to leave their children so they could work and provide for their families. That humble daycare started in mud classrooms has grown into a school serving over 200 children.  With the support of a Swedish organization, Pauline's mud structures were replaced with a small stone building. This structure now houses not only classrooms but also a computer lab—a beacon of digital empowerment for the youth in the village. Yet, Pauline's vision doesn't stop with education. Together with Harriet and other community leaders, she dreams of empowering the women in Kuria to break the cycles of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods...

Bridging Africa's Digital and Financial Divide: The SheEO x Kakushin Initiative

Image
Africa's potential is immense, but systemic barriers continue to hold millions back from accessing opportunities that foster economic empowerment. One of the greatest challenges facing marginalized communities is the dual gap—a digital divide that excludes them from technology-enabled opportunities and a financial gap that keeps credit access and capacity-building programs out of reach.  The Importance of Digitizing Capacity-Building Programs.  Traditional capacity-building programs have limitations: geographical constraints, inconsistent delivery, and an inability to scale effectively. By digitizing these programs, we unlock the following benefits:  1. Accessibility: Digital platforms eliminate geographical barriers, allowing participants in even the most remote areas to access world-class training.  2. Scalability: Technology enables programs to reach more people without compromising quality. 3. Personalization: Data-driven insights allow programs to be tailore...