About the program

The MSINGI Digital Incubation Program is a structured and impactful virtual program designed to empower early-stage entrepreneurs in Kenya with the knowledge, tools, and guidance required to build resilient, inclusive, and fundable businesses. Anchored by Nakuru Box Innovation Center, a trailblazer in Kenya’s regional innovation space, MSINGI reflects the hub’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent outside the traditional capital-focused ecosystems.

The name “MSINGI” — which means “foundation” in Swahili — captures the essence of the program: laying the groundwork for sustainable entrepreneurship through a deeply practical and mentor-driven approach. Whether entrepreneurs are refining an early idea or building on initial traction, MSINGI provides a clear pathway to structure, validate, and scale their ventures.

Delivered entirely online via a user-friendly digital platform, the program combines interactive content, real-life business-building exercises, and weekly 1-on-1 mentorship sessions. Entrepreneurs move at their own pace while staying connected to a community of peers, mentors, and startup experts, ensuring accountability and consistent progress.

MSINGI is designed to close the critical early-stage gap many Kenyan entrepreneurs face — a gap marked by limited access to hands-on support, business literacy, and mentorship. By the end of the program, participants will not only have a well-developed business model but also the clarity and confidence to pitch their venture to partners, funders, or accelerators during a final showcase event.

With an inclusive focus, the program welcomes entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and regions, especially those operating in Nakuru County and underserved communities across Kenya.

What are the requirements to join as an entrepreneur?

For entrepreneurs, it’s a journey where they work through a structured online program to develop and strengthen their business ideas. They receive weekly support from a dedicated mentor, work through real-life business challenges, and build skills in areas like customer research, financial planning, and business modeling. The program is flexible, allowing entrepreneurs to work from anywere, and ends with an opportunity to present their business at a showcase event.

Who Should Apply

  • Have a clear idea or already running a small business.
  • Struggling with clarity, structure, or how to make money.
  • Committed to solving a real problem in their community.
  • Ready to show up weekly for tasks, mentorship, and peer sessions.
  • May lack formal business training but willing to learn.

Minimum Eligibility

  • Must be the founder or co-founder.
  • Based in Kenya
  • Businesses should be early-stage or under 2 years old.
  • Able to commit 6–8 hours weekly for the duration of the program
  • Must have access to a phone or computer with internet.

Desirable Qualities

  • Shows resilience and resourcefulness.
  • Understands the problem they’re solving.
  • Open to feedback and trying new ideas.

Sign up

Deadline: 2025-09-10

Days
Hours
This program is no longer accepting applications.
Organizer
Town / Region
Kenya- Nakuru County
Sectors accepted for this program

Join as a mentor and help entrepreneurs in Africa achieve success!

We are looking for mentors who are committed to joining our incubation program. If you have a passion for entrepreneurship, have at least 5 years of professional experience and are committed to reviewing and monitoring your entrepreneur’s work before mentoring meetings, we want you to join us! We envision a fair, efficient and meritocratic society where innovation belongs to everyone. Sign up today and help Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs succeed!

What requirements must you have to mentor?

For mentors, it’s a chance to share their experience and support the growth of promising businesses. Mentors guide entrepreneurs through the program using a digital platform, offering feedback, encouragement, and practical advice during weekly check-ins. It’s a rewarding experience that allows mentors to connect with the local startup ecosystem, support inclusive innovation, and help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs in Kenya.

We are seeking experienced, passionate, and committed mentors to support early-stage entrepreneurs in the MSINGI program. Our Ideal mentors have a background in business or sector-specific expertise, strong communication and coaching skills, and a genuine commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship.

Program Timeline

Pre-Program Phases

  • 8 Aug – 5 Sep 2025 → Scouting Phase (Ms&Es)
  • 8 Aug – 5 Sep 2025 → Application Phase (Ms&Es)
  • 8 Aug – 10 Sep 2025 → Shortlisting

Onboarding & Matching

  • 10 Sep 2025 → Onboarding Entrepreneurs (Zoom, 1h 30m)
  • 11 Sep 2025 → Onboarding Mentors (Zoom, 1h 30m)
  • 11 Sep – 30 Sep 2025 → Matching Phase (B4B Incubation Platform, Ms&Es)
  • 1 Oct – 8 Oct 2025 → Matching Phase Analysis (Platform)
  • 8 Oct 2025 → Kick Off Call (Zoom, Entrepreneurs + Mentors)

Core Modules

  • 8 Oct – 28 Oct 2025 → Module 1: Value Proposition
  • 29 Oct – 11 Nov 2025 → Module 2: Competitor Map
  • 12 Nov – 25 Nov 2025 → Module 3: Stakeholder Map
  • 26 Nov – 9 Dec 2025 → Module 4: Business Model & Marketing
  • 10 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026 → Module 5: Pricing & Business Viability
  • 22 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 → Holidays (pause)
  • 7 Jan – 27 Jan 2026 → Module 6: Financial Projections
  • 28 Jan – 10 Feb 2026 → Module 7: Impact Plan
  • 11 Feb – 24 Feb 2026 → Module 8: Growth Plan

Closing Phase

  • 8 Oct – 28 Oct 2025 → Module 1: Value Proposition
  • 29 Oct – 11 Nov 2025 → Module 2: Competitor Map
  • 12 Nov – 25 Nov 2025 → Module 3: Stakeholder Map
  • 26 Nov – 9 Dec 2025 → Module 4: Business Model & Marketing
  • 10 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026 → Module 5: Pricing & Business Viability
  • 22 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 → Holidays (pause)
  • 7 Jan – 27 Jan 2026 → Module 6: Financial Projections
  • 28 Jan – 10 Feb 2026 → Module 7: Impact Plan
  • 11 Feb – 24 Feb 2026 → Module 8: Growth Plan

Program Timeline

Apply to participate in the program
Until September 15, 2025
Tell us more about yourself and your project by submitting your application. Our team will evaluate all applications from entrepreneurs and mentors who apply to the program.
Confirmation of selected profiles
Until 17 October 2025
We will review the completed applications through a selection process and select the participants for this edition of the programme.
Participate in the welcome session
18 and 19 January 2024
You will be invited to participate in an information session to welcome you to the incubation programme. In this session we will cover the programme schedule, your role, the role of mentors, the use of incubation tools to help you work on your business and much more.
Matching
Training of work pairs for entrepreneurs/mentors - 19 January - 31 January
Take part in our matching process! You will have the possibility to meet with the volunteer mentors from our Community that you think will be the best match for you and your project. Once you have met several mentors, both you and they will send us their preferences to let us know who they want to work with and we will make the best teams.
Start the incubation program
February - June 2024

Start the hybrid incubation experience with mentoring sessions, working tools and structured development. You will have 5 months to complete the incubation cycle and develop your validated business plan.

  • You will work weekly with your personal mentor in one-on-one sessions to go through the 8 business modules.
    You will have the incubation team on hand at all times to answer any questions you may have.
  • You will finish the programme developing a business plan and executive summary ready to present to potential investors.
Completion of incubation program
June 2024

Do you have any questions about the program?

Contact Susan Murugi, Incubation Manager of the program to answer all your questions.

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