In Sierra Leone, the journey of women entrepreneurs is often met with challenges that require resilience, innovation, and support. Among those who have risen to these challenges is Jenneh Foday, the dynamic founder of Bo Vegetable Enterprise. Established in 2019, Bo Vegetable Enterprise began as a small-scale venture with a vision to empower women through sustainable agriculture. Today, thanks to the support from the UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme, Jenneh’s business is flourishing, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
Jenneh Foday is one of 18 women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) selected for the UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme, an initiative designed to support early-stage innovative and impactful entrepreneurs with investment, technical assistance, and mentorship. This programme has been a transformative force for Jenneh, providing her with the resources, training, and support needed to elevate her enterprise to new heights.
The support from the UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme is structured into four tranches, and Jenneh has successfully received two of these. The first tranche enabled her to acquire essential equipment and tools for processing and cooling, which have significantly enhanced the efficiency of her operations. The second tranche provided the much-needed inputs and raw materials, including seeds, which are critical to sustaining and expanding her vegetable production.
In addition to the financial support, Jenneh has benefited immensely from a series of targeted trainings and boot camps facilitated by Aurora Foundation. These trainings have been instrumental in shaping her business acumen and strategic approach. The sessions included training on goal setting and the development of growth plans, advisory support and follow-up on tranche disbursements, financial literacy training, and customized sessions on understanding her business model (BMC) and pitching. Moreover, a specialized marketing boot camp equipped her with the skills to effectively promote her business.
Through the Growth Accelerator Programme, Jenneh Foday has gained not only the technical tools but also the confidence and knowledge to present her business to potential donors. Her efforts have already borne fruit; she has successfully secured a new grant from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the production of a cold room, a crucial addition that will further strengthen her business.
Jenneh Foday’s story is a testament to the impact that targeted support and training can have on women entrepreneurs. As she continues to grow Bo Vegetable Enterprise, her success serves as an inspiration to other women in Sierra Leone and beyond.
