Influence of non-governmental organisation in promoting the growth of women entrepreneurial ventures in Nakuru county

Abstract

Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in the socio-economic development in Kenya. They complement the government‟ efforts in providing sustainable development and funding activities in different sectors including entrepreneurship. This study sought to analyze the factors that influence the growth of women entrepreneurial ventures in Nakuru county Kenya. The specific objectives for the study were: to examine how financial support through NGOs influences the growth of women entrepreneurial ventures in Nakuru County; to investigate how digital technology influences the growth of women entrepreneurial ventures in Nakuru County; to assess how networking and mentoring through NGOs influence the growth of women entrepreneurial ventures in Nakuru County and final to examine how training and development through NGOs influence the growth of women entrepreneurial ventures in Nakuru County. The target population was made up of 50 women ventures operating in various industries in Nakuru County. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages, and mean. The results of the analysis were presented using tables and pie charts. Research findings show that the majority of the women in business in the area of study have received support from NGOs specifically financial support and training and development whereas digital technology and networking, among the factors studied, recorded a low percentage of support received from the NGOs to the women in business. The study recommended that financial institutions should have flexible lending policies and provide financial advice to women in business before the actual funding. NGOs have been encouraged to market their services, especially in rural areas to ensure people benefit from the programs they offer to entrepreneurs. Women have been encouraged to adapt to new technology and finally, to network with other women in business.