Our Work
Capacity Development as the "Core", Not as an "Add-On"
We build sustainable local markets by linking rural entrepreneurs directly to verified trainers, financial services, and commercial buyers. Our approach is community driven, practical, and designed to keep businesses growing long after a project ends.
Our Thematic Focus
Our work spans 8 interconnected areas that together promote sustainable enterprise development for youth and women.
Youth Employment
We create sustainable job opportunities for rural young people through agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and market driven skills training.
Value Chain Facilitation
We strengthen agricultural value chains like cereals, dairy, fisheries, livestock, cassava, and soy to improve market connections and boost local incomes.
Youth Inclusion
We ensure young people, particularly young women, actively participate in economic opportunities and local leadership decisions.
Rural Youth and Women Enterprise Development
We equip rural entrepreneurs with practical business skills through practical training, mentorship, coaching, and incubation programs.
Climate Solutions and Green Jobs
We promote eco friendly farming, renewable energy, and environmental management to build sustainable businesses and green jobs for youth.
Demand-Driven Professional Capacity Development
We deliver affordable professional services at the local level based on real market demand and client needs.
Mentorship and Coaching
We provide continuous support to young entrepreneurs through structured mentorship programs and practical business coaching.
Innovative Financing
We connect entrepreneurs to finance through technical assistance grants, crowdfunding, and direct linkages to financial institutions.
Key Projects
Selected initiatives that showcase our practical approach to capacity development in action.
JOY Project: Boosting Rural Youth Employment Through Integrated Agribusiness Hubs
A 4 year initiative establishing agribusiness hubs and training programs across Kilifi, Kakamega, and Nakuru counties. The project equips young people with technical, managerial, and business skills for self employment and job placement. Delivered in partnership with IFAD, Visa Foundation, ILO, and Procasur.
Learn moreJOY Project: Boosting Rural Youth Employment Through Integrated Agribusiness Hubs
A 4 year initiative establishing agribusiness hubs and training programs across Kilifi, Kakamega, and Nakuru counties. The project equips young people with technical, managerial, and business skills for self employment and job placement. Delivered in partnership with IFAD, Visa Foundation, ILO, and Procasur.
Learn more
VIJABIZ: Youth Economic Empowerment Through Agribusiness
An IFAD funded initiative that built business skills, created market connections, and added value for 173 rural youth groups across Kilifi and Nakuru counties. Focusing on cereals, dairy, and fisheries, the project reached over 1,550 direct participants, with 72 youth businesses receiving grants to grow.
Learn moreVIJABIZ: Youth Economic Empowerment Through Agribusiness
An IFAD funded initiative that built business skills, created market connections, and added value for 173 rural youth groups across Kilifi and Nakuru counties. Focusing on cereals, dairy, and fisheries, the project reached over 1,550 direct participants, with 72 youth businesses receiving grants to grow.
Learn more
Y2YF: Youth to Youth Fund for Entrepreneurship Promotion
USTADI was competitively selected by ILO to implement the Youth to Youth Fund in Kenya. Out of 486 proposals received nationwide, 34 youth led organizations received grant support, creating 1,171 jobs and reaching over 10,000 indirect beneficiaries across 11 counties.
Learn moreY2YF: Youth to Youth Fund for Entrepreneurship Promotion
USTADI was competitively selected by ILO to implement the Youth to Youth Fund in Kenya. Out of 486 proposals received nationwide, 34 youth led organizations received grant support, creating 1,171 jobs and reaching over 10,000 indirect beneficiaries across 11 counties.
Learn moreOur Approach
Our model revolves around 3 complementary pillars that place capacity development at the core, not as an add on.
Market Facilitation Services
In person market matchmaking events, trade fairs, and connections that link youth and women entrepreneurs to buyers, suppliers, and commercial opportunities at the national and local level.
Technical Assistance Grants and Investments
Direct financial support, procurement and grant management, and creative funding tools like crowdfunding to help rural enterprises scale sustainably.
Learning and Sharing Platform
Knowledge generation through documented best practices, quality assurance, policy advocacy, and affordably priced professional services at the local level.
Partner With Us to Scale Sustainable Programs
We build strategic alliances with county governments, international donors, and private enterprise to expand proven development models across Kenya. Review our thematic focus areas or connect with our executive team to align priorities and scale impact.