Cambodia Investment Review
Following the successful pilot of the Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) in 2024, the second cohort of the initiative officially launched in May 2025. Co-designed and co-implemented by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments initiative (3Ei) of Swisscontact Cambodia, and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, IMNEt second cohort builds on the momentum of the first cohort to further empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen inclusive mentorship across Cambodia’s provinces.
The pilot phase, conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 in Battambang and Siem Reap, trained 24 mentors—12 in each province—and matched them with 24 mentees. Women represented 70% of mentors, and 80% of female mentees gained access to structured mentorship. The program had a clear impact: 92% of mentees reported personal growth, while 97% of mentors noted a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape, improved topic expertise, and expanded networks. These results highlighted the program’s effectiveness and identified opportunities for enhancement.
Unequal Distribution of Resources Between Phnom Penh and The Provinces
“IMNEt is boldly addressing the unequal distribution of resources between Phnom Penh and the provinces, where micro and rural women entrepreneurs often face limited access to support programs, markets, and networks. By delivering the program entirely in Khmer and applying a gender lens, we aim to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem—one where no one is left behind and everyone can contribute to Cambodia’s dynamic economic growth. IMNEt is not just another mentorship training; we are working to build a culture of giving back, where a chain of support is created and sustained within the ecosystem,” said Etsuko Ito, Program Officer of Social Innovation Program, Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
The second cohort aims to onboard 20 mentors and 20 mentees from Battambang and Siem Reap while continuing to support alumni from the first cohort to continue their mentorship in supporting other entrepreneurs. Several improvements have been incorporated based on feedback and lessons learned. Mentees will now receive an onboarding session that equips them with practical tools for goal setting, progress tracking, and leveraging mentorship to benefit their businesses. The new mentorship funnel encourages mentees to express interest early in the process, allowing mentors to select mentees for one-on-one support based on alignment and compatibility. Before formal pairings, group mentoring sessions will provide a space for initial interaction and relationship building, helping to ensure a strong mentor-mentee fit.
“Inclusive mentorship is key to unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs across Cambodia. Through the 3Ei initiative, Swisscontact is proud to work with committed partners to strengthen local capacities and promote a more gender-inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem—one that truly leaves no one behind.”, said Daniel Setiawan Nugraha, Country Director, Swisscontact Cambodia
Additional In-Person Sessions and a Dedicated Coaching Skills Module
The mentor training program has been strategically enhanced. It now includes additional in-person sessions and a dedicated coaching skills module, both recognized by mentors as essential for delivering effective guidance. A gender sensitivity component has also been incorporated to equip mentors with the awareness and tools needed to support diverse mentees and foster the empowerment of women in entrepreneurship.
“At Impact Hub Phnom Penh, we have seen that real change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem happens when mentorship is shared—when local leaders do not just run businesses but also give back as role models and connectors. IMNEt is not just a program to us; it is a growing movement that is opening doors, especially for women, and helping build a culture of support that truly starts within the community.” Said Sovattha Neou, CEO of Impact Hub Phnom Penh
IMNEt’s second cohort commenced with mentor recruitment and onboarding in May 2025. A series of workshops covering coaching skills, mentoring fundamentals, and mentor-mentee matchmaking are scheduled throughout the year in Siem Reap and Battambang. The first Coaching and Core Mentoring Skills training was held in Battambang from June 9–10 and in Siem Reap from June 12–13. These sessions introduced the foundational concepts of coaching, consulting, and mentoring, while building mentors’ capacity in asking powerful questions, giving constructive feedback, and adopting a mentee-centered approach. Participants also explored strategies for developing trust-based mentoring relationships and strengthening a growth-oriented mentor mindset.
Culture Of Long-Term Mentorship and Promote A Spirit Of Giving
The second round of trainings is scheduled for July 8–9 in Battambang and July 11–12 in Siem Reap. These workshops will focus on mentee training and initial matchmaking. Participants will gain a clear understanding of mentoring roles, relationship stages, and practical tools for effective engagement. Additionally, they will take part in the initial mentor-mentee matchmaking process. The July sessions will also deliver Part 2 of the Coaching Skills Training, deepening core competencies like active listening and introducing concepts such as “saboteurs” and “best self” to enhance self-awareness. The training will conclude with the development of designed agreements to support structured, trust-based mentor-mentee partnerships moving forward.
The program will conclude with a closing event in December 2025. To further promote sustained engagement, IMNEt will host a Mentor Award to recognize outstanding contributions from the first cohort. This initiative aims to reinforce a culture of long-term mentorship and promote a spirit of giving back to entrepreneurial ecosystems.
As second cohort unfolds, IMNEt reaffirms its commitment to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs, equipping local mentors, and nurturing a growing network of changemakers dedicated to inclusive economic participation.
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.
