Cambodia Investment Review

Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Cambodia

Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Cambodia

Cambodia Investment Review

Swisscontact, through the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments initiative(3Ei) in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, launched the Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Program, an initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs and foster gender inclusivity within Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem on 11th September in Battambang and 13th September in Siem Reap.

The IMNEt Program stems from the findings of the Gender Lens Investing (GLI) Landscape Study conducted in 2023, which aimed to identify challenges and opportunities for advancing GLI in Cambodia. One of the key recommendations from the study was the development of a network and mentorship platform, emphasizing the need for more female mentors who can guide and empower aspiring women entrepreneurs. Therefore, the program focuses on building the capacity of mentors, particularly female mentors, to enhance their service offerings for entrepreneurs.

Unique Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs

“Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) is a key initiative that emerged from our collaborative Gender Lens Investing report conducted last year. This program is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Cambodia’s provinces. IMNEt will not only strengthen the capacity of both mentors and mentees, but also advocate for cultivating a culture of giving back, thereby supporting the development of an inclusive entrepreneurial community as a whole,” said Ayaka Matsuno, Director of Social Innovation Group, Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

Read More: Ministry of Commerce & Private Sector Outline 5 Key Strategies to Empower Cambodia’s Women SME Owners & Entrepreneurs in 2024

The IMNEt Program will initially focus on Siem Reap and Battambang, with plans for future expansion. The program’s designed to build the capabilities and capacities of mentors, with a particular emphasis on enhancing their ability to provide effective and inclusive support for women entrepreneurs outside Phnom Penh city.

Launch event on 11th September 2024 in Battambang.

“Through IMNEt, we empower women entrepreneurs in Cambodia by cultivating a network of skilled female mentors who understand the unique challenges women face in business. This platform aims to foster not just individual growth but a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dr. Daniel Nugraha, Country Director, Swisscontact Cambodia.

Starting in September, the program will offer a series of coaching and mentoring training sessions. The coaching training will equip mentors with the skills to adopt a coaching mindset, enhance their listening abilities, and use questioning techniques to foster deeper engagement with mentees. Mentors will also learn how to balance the roles of being a mentor and performing mentoring tasks, ensuring they are fully present and supportive in their interactions. The subsequent mentoring training, scheduled for October and November, will delve into the nuances of the mentor-mentee relationship, helping participants define their roles, understand the mentee’s perspective, and articulate a personal mentor’s manifesto.

Understanding Privilege, Power Dynamics, and Diversity

The program will also include gender sensitivity training, with sessions focused on understanding privilege, power dynamics, and diversity in mentoring women entrepreneurs. Additionally, mentors will receive tailored support based on the venture stage of their mentees, ensuring that the guidance provided is relevant and impactful.

Mentoring is an art that requires expertise, empathy, and a strong understanding of the entrepreneurs’ needs. Through the IMNEt Program, we aim to build the capacity and the confidence of a new generation of mentors, who are mostly entrepreneurs themselves and wish to share their experiences with fellow SMEs. To build this curriculum, we have been leveraging insights gathered through our 9 years of experience mentoring entrepreneurs in Cambodia. We also rely on input from the CCI (Cambodia Coaching Institute), who provide insights on how to become more empathetic mentors,” said Melanie Mossard, CEO of Impact Hub Phnom Penh

Etsuko Ito, Program Officer Social Innovation Team, Asia and Middle East Program The Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

A key feature of the program is the matchmaking process where mentors will be paired with mentees based on criteria such as support areas, mentoring style, and industry relevance. This approach ensures that the mentoring relationships formed are well-matched and poised for success. As the program progresses, mentors will have opportunities for continued learning and support through monthly catch ups and peer support sessions from December 2024 to January 2025. These gatherings will allow mentors to network, share challenges, and learn from guest speakers or panelists, fostering a strong sense of community and ongoing development.

By empowering female mentors and promoting a culture of inclusivity and support, Swisscontact and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation aim to amplify the economic impact for women entrepreneurs in Cambodia. The Mentor Training Program is not just about skill-building; it is about creating a sustainable, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where women can thrive and lead the way for future generations.

The Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Program, co-designed and co-implemented by Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments project (3Ei) of Swisscontact Cambodia and Impact Hub Phnom Penh.

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