Busu Naturals Emerges Winner of She’s Next Kenya Grant Competition
Busu Naturals, a small and medium enterprise (SME) dedicated to producing local emollients for sensitive African skin, has been announced as the winner of the She’s Next Kenya Grant Competition. This initiative aims to foster an inclusive and equitable environment where women business owners can thrive, offering support through funding, training, and mentorship.
Busu Naturals secured the top prize of KES 2.5 million, while Timao Group and Code with Kids were awarded KES 2 million and KES 1 million for second and third places, respectively.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural She’s Next Kenya grant competition. We are proud to recognize these SMEs who have exhibited remarkable innovation, resilience, and vision, which will serve them well as they seek to positively contribute to the Kenyan economy. We are excited about walking this journey with them to see them hit new heights using the skills and strategies the She’s Next program will equip them with,” said Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager.
The competition saw over 2,300 SMEs from across the country apply, each presenting innovative solutions in their respective sectors.
Emma Omany, CEO of Busu Naturals, expressed her gratitude and optimism about the win, stating, “This win means a lot to us because it gives us confidence and affirms that we are on the right track. It is a testament to the fact that small steps matter and that everything we have done thus far is aiding our mission. The support we will get through this grant and training will help us grow our capacity and expand our market reach. It shall also go a long way in generating impact for us since we are focused on creating more opportunities for the women and youth in our value chain.”
Additionally, Crafts with Meaning and Cladfy each received KES 500,000 in recognition of their participation in the competition.
SME Profiles
Busu Naturals– This company addresses the need for locally manufactured emollients tailored to sensitive African skin. By incorporating local botanicals and traditional beauty practices from various Kenyan ethnicities, Busu Naturals provides high-quality, safe, and consistent skincare products.
Cladfy – This enterprise tackles the credit gap in sub-Saharan Africa’s informal sector by enabling micro-lenders to offer working capital loans to micro-businesses, including smallholder farmers, fish vendors, and motorcycle riders.
Code with Kids – This organization empowers children from low-income backgrounds by providing affordable and accessible STEM education, ensuring that socio-economic barriers do not hinder their ability to learn, innovate, and succeed.
Crafts with Meaning – An award-winning social enterprise that partners with artisans in Kenya and Uganda to create home decor goods, lifestyle accessories, bags, and corporate merchandise inspired by African heritage.
Timao Group – This group addresses plastic pollution and the need for affordable housing in Kenya by converting plastic waste into durable, cost-effective building materials for modular homes.
The She’s Next Kenya Grant Competition continues to pave the way for women-owned businesses to flourish, contributing to the growth and development of the Kenyan economy.
