WHAT YOU CAN DO

Engagement between Africa and the rest of the world often consists of donations sent to an NGO, but charity is not the only way to engage. The entrepreneurs on this site are business people. They are not looking for aid. They need clients, mentoring, networking, partnerships, investments, and sometimes just a word of encouragement and a pat on the back.

The success of any entrepreneurial venture is always deeply dependent on the business climate and political situation, but no matter what ultimately happens in Kenya, these young entrepreneurs need to know the world is standing with them.

The following are just a few ideas of ways to engage with them.

Send an email or letter of support. If you've been impressed with some of the entrepreneurs on this site or moved by their stories, let them know that they are appreciated and are not alone.

Offer to mentor. Many of the people featured in the website are just starting their careers and would welcome mentorship, whether occasional or on a regular basis. If you have experience in one of their areas, offer to become a mentor. With email, Skype, instant messaging and other technology, communicating with Africa has never been easier or cheaper.

Help them network. Do you know someone who is in a similar business as one of the entrepreneurs? Perhaps a friend who could be in the market for their services or support their efforts? Help make the introduction. Do you know of funding sources that could be of help? Email the information or forward a weblink. Are you part of a listserve, blogspot or networking group? Pass along the name of this site or an individual's information. Or write an entry suggesting members of your group engage.

Send them business. Look through the businesses on this site and see if there are ways you could become a client or send them business. Do you need a new website? Why not get it done by one of the web designers? Translators, travel agents, graphic designers - people with all kinds of skills are on this website. With the internet, geographical distances are easy to overcome, and with wire transfers and services like Western Union, payment is easy.

Provide Equipment. Do you have access to wholesale prices on new equipment? Do you or your company have equipment that is no longer needed but could be useful for one of their businesses? They don't need ancient or battered computers, but there are specialty items that they need, like photocopy machines, labeling equipment or specialized agricultural machines. Please contact bill@africarising.org if you have equipment to donate.

Make a grant for start-up capital. Every small business needs a fairy godmother, especially in the start-up phase. Even a small grant can make a business flourish and enable the entrepreneur to create jobs. Help start a business and you may be contributing to improving the lives of dozens more.

Support business consulting by Technoserve.  Make a tax-deductible donation to Technoserve and you will help the top 20 finalists in the Kenyan competition get business consulting services.  Go to http://technoserve.org/take_action/supportourwork.aspx and put "Support Kenyan Entrepreneurs" in the comments section.

Invest or become a partner. New businesses are always risky ventures, but the need for goods and services in Africa is so great that businesses often show remarkable profits. In fact, Africa offers the highest rate of return on direct investment in the world. Some of these businesses will fail or turn very small profits, but choose well and you may find one with real potential.

Make it a group project. Get your office, church group, classroom, or neighborhood to get involved. Have your group run a car wash and use the proceeds to give a grant of start up capital. Follow the entrepreneur as he or she begins a business and then offer support and expertise as needed. If you are a teacher, have your class follow one of the entrepreneurs as a living case study. And if you are a student, suggest it to your teacher!

Be creative and engage! Share your experience on the Kenya Stories blog.