For Immediate Release
Press Release
April 12, 2023, Bishkek – Eleven women entrepreneurs from Osh, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts will receive grant funding to support their early childhood development center startups. The 2.8 million soms 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, 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 gave me an opportunity 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 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 own 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.
