In Kyrgyzstan, more women are starting and expanding small businesses in the regions. To manage operations effectively and enter the market with confidence, they need practical support. UNDP’s Mentorship Programme provides exactly that:  knowledge, advice, coaching and access to additional financing.

One example is the work of mentor Aisha Mambetalieva and her two mentees, Roza Musalieva and Nargiza Erzhanova.

Aisha, head of KyrgyzTourism, has over 20 years of experience in the sector. She understands both local and international market needs and shares this expertise with women entrepreneurs across the country. Since 2019, she has actively supported women-led businesses, helping them avoid common mistakes, improve logistics, develop tourism products, and prepare proper documentation.

“Mentorship is about concrete steps: from idea to business plan, from chaos to structured work,” Aisha explains.

In May 2024, Roza began managing a guesthouse in Kazarman. Together with Aisha, her mentor, she developed a service concept combining accommodation and spa services. Aisha helped her assess strengths and weaknesses, prepare a growth plan, and apply for a grant. With the funding received, Roza purchased new equipment and improved the quality of her services.

“We worked on SWOT analysis, learned to set goals. Aisha showed me how to turn ideas into a practical plan,” says Roza.

Nargiza runs a guesthouse in Karakol. Before joining the programme, she managed everything alone. With her mentor’s support, she improved management, expanded services by adding a yurt and a conference hall, and developed a product for organized tourist groups.

“Now I have a clear plan, defined roles, and a strategy to scale. Aisha guided me step by step in growing my business,” Nargiza notes.

Regular communication through chats and online meetings allows Aisha to stay engaged with her mentees. Both women share ideas and solutions that are already being applied in practice.

UNDP’s Mentorship Programme supports women and youth in sectors with high value-added potential, such as  natural honey, dried fruits, handicrafts and adventure tourism. Participants receive access to training, individual mentoring, grants and networking opportunities. So far, 60 entrepreneurs across Kyrgyzstan have joined the programme, resulting in 15 new businesses and 56 jobs — 45 of them taken up by women and persons with disabilities.

Supporting women’s entrepreneurship remains a priority for UNDP in Kyrgyzstan. These initiatives contribute to the National Development Programme 2030, stimulate regional economies, and create new jobs, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive and sustainable business practices.