The first cohort of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), under the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), on March 2, 2024, participated in a benchmarking tour to Space and Style Ltd in Juja. This initiative, a pivotal component of the JGP, underscores the commitment to nurturing MSMEs growth and fostering industry knowledge exchange. JGP, initiated in 2022, is a program implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and is led by Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) and brings together six organizations, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya National Chambers of Commerce (KNCCI), GROOTS, 4G Capital, and Powered by People (PBP). The program seeks to address the funding gap for young women and young men-owned/led MSMEs by pairing up financial support with technical assistance, and a hands-on coordination strategy between various players in the entrepreneurial eco-system.   

Space & Style Ltd is a renowned market leader offering a range of high-quality building solutions ranging from general building materials, water management solutions, tile roofing, and specialist solutions. Ms. Winnie Ngumi, the Managing Director of Space and Style Limited, provided valuable insights into the company's evolution since its inception in 2002, detailing the strategic pillars that have propelled its success. These pillars encompass manufacturing, construction, trading, strategic partnerships, and export, all underpinned by an unwavering commitment to quality. She also delved into the company's dedication to excellence, highlighting initiatives such as Fundi’s training program aimed at equipping artisans across the country with essential technical skills, including financial management and quality assurance. These efforts not only enhance product installation standards but also cultivate a network of passionate brand ambassadors. Ms. Ngumi further encouraged entrepreneurs to categorise competitors into those who facilitate growth and those who divert focus and to employ strategic approaches such as understanding market dynamics, leveraging competitive advantages, and articulating unique value propositions.

Ms. Ngumi encouraged the budding entrepreneurs to embrace and join the Business Member Association related to the various sectors they operate under. “Associations such as KEPSA, play a pivotal role in championing entrepreneurial matters that can be collectively addressed, as opposed to handling issues individually outside of these associations,” she said. She encouraged the participants to actively participate in entrepreneurial activities such as inbound and outbound trade missions, business forums, expos, and trade fairs. Engaging in these events, she highlighted, provides opportunities for networking, acquiring knowledge, and accessing new markets both locally and regionally. Ms. Ngumi also underscored the significance of these forums in Space & Style Ltd's scaling journey.

15 participants, comprising business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, gleaned invaluable lessons on strategic growth planning, emphasising the importance of assessing business trajectories before venturing into new markets or diversifying product offerings. The tour served as a catalyst for capacity-building among MSMEs, fostering mentorship opportunities, and showcasing best practices employed by Space & Style throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Participating MSMEs were challenged to implement these insights into their business operations to scale and thrive in today's competitive landscape.

The entrepreneurs were taken on a factory tour thereafter and had a chance to interact with the various factory processes, products, and projects that Space & Style Ltd is involved in.

Andrew Egala, the founder of Green without Borders, an agro-processing company in Kakamega, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by KEPSA to gain insights from industry leaders and learn about strategies adopted by other businesses to enhance his own. He also urged KEPSA to expand these opportunities to the counties for broader participation and impact.

Betty Juma, who runs a retail shop named Mama Ryan in Nairobi, described the benchmarking tour as a great learning experience. 'What I've learned in this session,' she said, 'is that every successful business had its beginnings, no matter where they are now. It's all about how you start and stick with it. Moving forward, I'll definitely keep that in mind. Learning from this has helped me see how important it is to keep pushing ahead in my business,' Betty added.

Key takeaways from the mentorship session included insights into the evolving challenges of business growth, the dynamic nature of team dynamics, and strategies for navigating competitive landscapes.