Business support for mothers: Almaty's first incubator for nascent enterprises by women
In the heart of Almaty, a new branch of the 'Isker Ana' business incubator is set to open its doors next year, offering a specialized support program for multi-child mothers looking to develop and grow their own businesses. This unique initiative aims to provide training, mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities tailored specifically to women balancing family responsibilities and entrepreneurship.
The 'Isker Ana' incubator addresses the unique challenges faced by multi-child mothers, such as limited time, childcare duties, and the need for flexible work arrangements. The program offers workshops on business skills, financial literacy, marketing, and digital tools, alongside personalized coaching to help participants turn their ideas into viable enterprises.
One such participant is Zhana Jumabekova, a multi-child mother who has already taken the first steps towards entrepreneurship. Last year, she bought a sewing machine and started sewing, and with the support of 'Isker Ana', she has now been awarded a grant to start a full-fledged sewing business.
The first batch of 'Isker Ana' in Almaty was held at the social centre based on "Bakytty Otbasy" in Medau district. During the training, potential investors were introduced to the participants, and they were taught the basics of entrepreneurship, building a customer base, and achieving profitability. Five individuals were awarded a grant of two million tenge each to start their own business, and many more have refused targeted social assistance and started working for themselves after starting their own business.
The success of the program is evident in the lives of its graduates. Many have seen improvements in their family income and financial security, gained critical business knowledge and confidence, and developed a supportive network among multi-child mothers. The flexible training and business models have also helped women juggle parenting with entrepreneurship, improving their overall quality of life.
Aidos Nurlybayev, deputy akim of Medau district, has expressed support for the program, stating that they will help and support any mothers who come to them after completing 'Business Bastau' and receiving certificates. This commitment to continued support is essential for the long-term success of the participants and their businesses.
Among the multi-child mothers who have started businesses are those with children with disabilities, demonstrating the inclusivity of the 'Isker Ana' program. The participants have already sold products worth 10 million tenge, and with the upcoming opening of the new branch, the impact of this program is set to grow even further.
By empowering multi-child mothers in Almaty, 'Isker Ana' is not only helping individuals achieve sustainable livelihoods but also contributing to the local economy. The success of this program serves as a model for other cities and countries, demonstrating the potential for similar initiatives to make a significant difference in the lives of multi-child mothers worldwide.
- The new 'Isker Ana' branch in Almaty focuses on finance, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle, offering specialized support for multi-child mothers, including workshops on business skills, financial literacy, marketing, and digital tools.
- In the home-and-garden sector, Zhana Jumabekova, a participant in the program, has already started a small-business sewing business with a grant from 'Isker Ana'.
- Beyond Almaty, the success of the 'Isker Ana' program in empowering multi-child mothers has implications for careers, education-and-self-development, and online-education, with the potential for similar initiatives to make a significant difference worldwide.
- With the upcoming opening of the new branch, the impact of the 'Isker Ana' program is set to extend into the small-business sector, benefiting both the local economy and the quality of life for its participants.
- The 'Isker Ana' incubator provides not only resources and networking opportunities but also a supportive community for multi-child mothers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual aid in their respective business ventures.
