Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya are set to benefit from a transformative new partnership between the Co-operative Bank of Kenya and the African Management Institute (AMI), aimed at accelerating their business growth and long-term sustainability.
The collaboration will give Co-op Bank’s MSME clients exclusive access to the Aspire Business Growth Programme, an initiative developed by AMI in partnership with Stanford Seed. The programme is specifically tailored to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills, proven tools, and strategic insights to help them scale their businesses and thrive in competitive markets.
“Aspire blends AMI’s hands-on business learning with Stanford Seed’s global expertise, offering a powerful learning journey for growth-stage businesses,” said Fatma Nasujo, AMI’s Chief Operations and People Officer.
Participants will engage in interactive virtual workshops, practical online courses, and peer-learning sessions, joining a dynamic community of entrepreneurs from across Africa. One of the key highlights of the programme is a live guest lecture by a faculty member from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, providing exclusive access to world-class business insights.
Speaking during the launch, James Nduati, Co-operative Bank’s Head of Micro Enterprises, said the partnership reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This initiative will equip MSME owners with the knowledge and skills to grow and sustain their businesses,” Nduati said. “It’s about driving long-term success, creating jobs, and boosting Kenya’s economic growth.”
The Aspire Programme covers key business areas including setting up effective systems for growth, customer segmentation, marketing strategies, financial reporting, cash flow management, and employee recruitment and retention. Businesses will also set measurable goals and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustained growth.
Notably, the top 15-20% of high-performing businesses in each cohort will receive pro bono mentorship from Stanford Seed, giving them a critical edge in scaling their ventures.
Fatma Nasujo added that many MSMEs face challenges accessing quality training that delivers real impact.
“Traditional training often takes entrepreneurs away from their business operations and doesn’t lead to sustainable change. At AMI, we’ve developed a data-driven, practical approach that delivers the right tools at the right time. Through our partnership with Co-op Bank, we’re empowering MSMEs with the support they need to truly thrive.”
Beyond capacity building, the partnership is also expected to strengthen MSME-bank relationships, improving loan repayment, profitability, and financial stability.
With MSMEs forming the backbone of Kenya’s economy, this strategic initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring their resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth.