Eleven women entrepreneurs from Osh, Naryn, and Jalal-Abad oblasts will receive grant funding to support their early childhood development center startups.
The S2.8 M of US-provided support will fund furniture, equipment, and learning materials for kindergartens and education centers.
These startup businesses are supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Aga Khan Foundation.
The program trained 62 entrepreneurs to improve their practical knowledge on launching their businesses, such as how to obtain a license and develop curriculum and management plans.
After the three-month-long training, the participants pitched their ideas to the evaluation council that awarded the 11 best business plans with grants.
“I have always wanted to open a kindergarten but did not know how to do it. Participation in this program allowed me to realize my dream,” says Ainura Savranbaeva, a participant from the Nookat region.
Graduates of the program will continue to receive support after opening their kindergartens and education centers.
“This initiative combines several important areas for improving the quality of life for Kyrgyz citizens. Children will have greater access to education. There will be more employment opportunities for residents. Local businesses and entrepreneurs will have the knowledge and expertise to build their businesses,” remarked Kaya Adams, USAID’s Mission Director in the Kyrgyz Republic.
This activity is part of a USAID-Aga Khan Foundation joint project Local Impact, which builds inclusive economic growth and ensures basic livelihoods by supporting the private sector and locally-led development.
