Venera Akaeva lives in the remote village of Kara-Kulja in Osh province and has long been passionate about beekeeping. But until recently, she lacked access to business training and professional guidance. That changed when she joined the UNDP Mentorship Programme, implemented under the Aid for Trade project with generous support from the Government of Finland.

“What interested me most was that the programme supports both business and personal growth. It helps you overcome inner barriers — not just business ones,” says Venera. 

Through one-on-one support from her mentor Astra Zheenalieva — an experienced entrepreneur also working in beekeeping — Venera focused on practical solutions: scaling bee colonies, improving product quality, and understanding export requirements. 

“Astra shared real-world experience. I started seeing the market differently and finally began planning for long-term growth.” 

Together, they built a detailed business plan, worked through market analysis and budgeting, and did it all online — allowing Venera to continue running her business while learning. She also completed trainings on e-commerce and export readiness, laying the foundation for future expansion. 

“This programme shifted my mindset. I’m no longer afraid. Now I know exactly where I want to go — and how to get there.” 

 Venera also became an active member of the programme’s peer network, exchanging ideas, building connections, and learning from fellow entrepreneurs. 

As a woman with a disability, Venera emphasizes how crucial it is for rural entrepreneurs like her to access this kind of support: “We need businesses that strengthen the local economy and add value to national products. That’s our investment in the future.” 

Astra Zheenalieva: “Mentorship is not a monologue — it’s a partnership.” 

For Astra, mentorship is not just about teaching — it’s a shared journey of mutual growth and respect. 

“I learn just as much from my mentees as they do from me. It’s about listening, adapting, and building trust.” 

She highlights the importance of empathy, flexibility, and open dialogue when working with entrepreneurs — especially in rural areas where access to information is limited. 

“Age doesn’t matter. What matters is understanding people’s context and helping them move forward.” 

Astra believes that programmes like this are essential for women and youth in remote communities. Many participants not only strengthened their businesses but gained self-belief and took their first steps toward financial independence. 

“This is what sustainable change looks like. One day, these mentees will become mentors themselves — building a lasting circle of support and growth.” 

Her mentoring principles include: 

• listening and valuing each mentee’s input;

• flexibility and mutual respect;

• constructive feedback and persistence;

• lifelong learning;

• transparent and honest dialogue. 

“Women’s and youth entrepreneurship isn’t just a trend — it’s a driver of national progress. When we support women, we strengthen both the economy and society.” 

 The UNDP Mentorship Programme supports women and youth entrepreneurs in high-value sectors such as: 

• natural honey;

• dried fruits;

• handicraftsl 

• adventure tourism. 

So far, more than 60 entrepreneurs across Kyrgyzstan have joined the programme, resulting in: 

• 15 new businesses;

• 56 new jobs — 45 of which are held by women and people with disabilities.

This initiative directly supports the implementation of the National Development Programme until 2030 and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and community-based entrepreneurship across Kyrgyzstan.