Google has announced a strategic partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance to expand the reach of its Hustle Academy Program in Kenya. The aim of this collaboration is to provide Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) with access to critical resources and digital tools, fostering their growth over a period of 18 months.
Originally launched in 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy Program was designed to equip SMBs across Sub-Saharan Africa with the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to harness digital technology and secure funding for their businesses. This new partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance focuses on training 2,500 additional SMBs in Kenya, bringing the total number of SMBs trained in the country to an impressive 3,700.
At the core of the Hustle Academy Program lies a highly effective 5-day bootcamp, providing hands-on training and actionable advice.
The comprehensive curriculum covers vital areas such as business strategy, sales enhancement, digital marketing, financial planning, and successful pitching techniques. The integration of capabilities in e-commerce, through the collaboration with the USAID eTrade Alliance, ensures a cohesive and practical learning journey for the SMBs, enabling them to develop growth plans, formulate effective digital marketing strategies, access funding opportunities, pitch successfully to investors, and harness the power of online selling.
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Endorsement from Kenyan President
The program has garnered praise from Kenya’s President, His Excellency William S. Ruto. During the Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2022, he commended Google’s Hustle Academy, stating, “the Hustle Academy showcases Google’s understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and the desire for knowledge among aspiring hustlers in our society. “I commend Google for their visionary approach and unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting Kenyan entrepreneurs. The Hustle Academy exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships, creating a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship and propels Kenya towards a brighter future for all.” He said.
Success and Positive Impact
The Hustle Academy Program has already achieved impressive results since its launch in 2022. Over 5,000 SMBs graduated from the program, with a striking 74% of them reporting significant business growth post-bootcamp. Agnes Gathaiya, the Country Director for Google in East Africa, expressed her confidence in the partnership with the USAID e-Trade Alliance, emphasizing the special emphasis on harnessing e-commerce to catalyze a robust digital economy across Kenya.
Michael Poor, the USAID eTrade Alliance Sr. Manager for Africa Programs, also voiced his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “The USAID eTrade Alliance is proud to launch the Google Hustle Academy eCommerce program in Kenya. With a core mandate to promote economic growth for MSMEs through digital commerce and trade, this partnership with Google’s Hustle Academy supports the Alliance’s commitment to deliver on its goals.”
Expanding Impact in the Second Year
As the program enters its second year, the partnership is set to amplify its positive impact further. With an additional 2,500 Kenyan small businesses set to graduate over the next 18 months, the Hustle Academy Program is playing a vital role in fostering a robust and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya.
Google’s collaboration with the USAID eTrade Alliance to expand the Hustle Academy Program in Kenya represents a significant step towards empowering SMBs in the region. By providing crucial resources, digital tools, and specialized training, this partnership is fostering a conducive environment for the growth and success of Kenyan entrepreneurs.
As the program continues to make a positive impact on the business landscape, it exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for aspiring hustlers and businesses in Kenya.