Somali Women Economic Empowerment

Strategic sector 02 of 10

Entrepreneurship & Women-Led SMEs

Supporting women to start, formalize, manage and grow enterprises that are commercially viable, employ others, and can withstand market pressure.

A Somali woman stands behind the counter of the small shop she owns, with stocked shelves behind her.

What this sector is for

An enterprise that survives its second year is the point at which employment for other women becomes possible. Getting a business to that point takes more than a start-up grant.

SWEEF works with women at every stage: from a first trading activity, through formalisation and systems, to an SME that can take on growth finance and hire.

Where this sits on the empowerment pathway

  • Enterprise
  • Income

SWEEF delivers the stages together rather than in isolation. See the full model

Key intervention areas

What SWEEF does in this sector

These are the areas the Foundation is mandated and structured to work in. They describe intended activity, not delivered results.

  • Business start-up, growth and formalization
  • Development of women-led SMEs
  • Business development services and enterprise coaching
  • Entrepreneurship training and business planning
  • Business and financial management capability
  • Digital, green and innovative entrepreneurship

Partner in this sector

Supporting women to start, formalize, manage and grow enterprises that are commercially viable and employ others.

SWEEF is seeking technical partners, buyers, financiers and government counterparts with a stake in this sector.

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