Ignite Program

Youth Enterprise Acceleration

Ignite is EmpServe’s business incubation and acceleration arm, designed specifically for young entrepreneurs who want to transform passion into enterprises. Many youth in Kenya and beyond have brilliant ideas — from agritech solutions to creative services — but lack the capital, coaching, and networks to scale. Ignite bridges this gap by offering structured, hands-on support that takes a startup from concept to market success.

This program focuses on more than just business plans; it emphasizes design thinking, customer validation, green business models, and funding readiness. .

What Makes Ignite Diffferent

Ignite is about real-world enterprise. Youth work on problems in their own communities like food systems, waste management, or digital services  and create ventures that are locally relevant while scalable. 

KEY APPROACHES UNDER THE PROGRAM

  • Business ideation labs and startup bootcamps — turning rough ideas into validated prototypes.
  • Personalized coaching on business model design, prototyping, and customer engagement.
  • Acceleration tracks with seed funding opportunities, investor pitch preparation, and linkages to financing.
  • Integrating green and circular economy principles, ensuring startups are sustainable and future-proof.
  • Peer-to-peer learning circles — young entrepreneurs learn as much from each other as from mentors.

Impact Snapshot

20

startups incubated through Ignite in agriculture, digital services, renewable energy & creative industries.

40%

of Ignite alumni employ at least 2 other young people in their ventures.
 

Projects Under This Program

Empower Garage

EmpowerGarage supports youth and women-led MSMEs to grow sustainably through tailored business incubation, peer learning, and expert mentorship. Entrepreneurs access hands-on training and networking spaces that turn small enterprises into scalable ventures.

Through a blend of interactive in-class workshops and networking sessions, participants learn practical skills in financial management, digital marketing, customer retention, and business resilience. The program also connects MSMEs to peer learning groups, mentorship, and coaching that provide real-world guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and sector professionals.

Help us Build the Future

We believe in the power of youth to transform their communities and our shared future. 

Support our work to equip young people with the skills, opportunities, and networks they need to lead lasting change.

Donate