Google and USAID eTrade Alliance Partner to Boost Kenyan SMBs via Hustle Academy Program

Google and the USAID eTrade Alliance have forged a collaborative effort to expand the Hustle Academy Program’s outreach in Kenya. With the objective of empowering 2,500 Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) through critical resources and digital tools, this partnership aims to fuel growth over an 18-month period. This will raise the total number of trained SMBs in Kenya to 3,700.

Recognizing the vital role SMBs play in Africa’s economy, Google’s Hustle Academy, initiated in 2022, addresses the dearth of resources and expert guidance often hindering their growth prospects. The program offers Sub-Saharan African SMBs the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to harness digital technology and secure funding.

Central to the program’s effectiveness is its 5-day bootcamp, imparting hands-on training and actionable insights. The curriculum spans essential facets including business strategy, enhanced sales, digital marketing, financial planning, and effective pitching techniques. This partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance seamlessly integrates e-commerce capabilities, enhancing the comprehensive learning journey. It equips SMBs with tools to craft growth strategies, devise impactful digital marketing plans, access funding opportunities, excel in investor pitches, and optimize online sales.

During the 2022 Jamhuri Day celebrations, President William S. Ruto lauded the Hustle Academy as a testament to Google’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge pursuit. As the program enters its second year, Google’s partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance is poised to magnify its impact by graduating an additional 2,500 Kenyan SMBs, cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the nation.