From Chaos to a Recognizable Brand

Nursultan, a beekeeper from the regions, used to sell raw honey with no packaging, no branding, and no business strategy. When he joined the Mentorship Programme, his goal was clear: gain practical knowledge and learn how a business actually works.

Working alongside mentor Elvira Akunova, he redesigned his entire business model —
✅ Created a brand identity
✅ Set up reporting systems
✅ Learned to negotiate and sign partnership agreements
✅ Built a roadmap for future export plans

“It used to be chaos — now there’s structure,” says Nursultan. “Mentorship helped me bring 70% more clarity and organization to my business.”

He also took part in specialized training on food safety and quality management. With a newly formed strategy in place, Nursultan didn’t just package his honey — he built a sustainable business model from the ground up.

For Elvira, joining the Mentorship Programme was more than sharing expertise — it was a chance to build entrepreneurs’ self-confidence and resilience. She emphasizes that true mentorship requires empathy, adaptability, and the ability to see the big picture.

“Mentorship isn’t about templates. It’s about working with people, understanding their needs and context. Through this kind of support, we’re building real economic resilience in the regions,” she explains.

Now, Nursultan actively engages with other entrepreneurs. He’s part of a growing local network where business owners exchange ideas, support each other, and develop collective strategies. He also mentors newcomers, fostering a culture of collaboration over competition.

“When we work as a chain, we reduce the risk of failure. Mutual support is what keeps everyone moving forward,” he says.

Personal Growth, Business Expansion

Dilbara Muratova entered the programme with the ambition to expand her business and develop new products. Together with Elvira, she built a clear business plan, identified growth targets, and sharpened her communication skills.

“I wanted to learn how to negotiate and connect with new partners — Elvira helped me apply those skills in real-life settings,” says Dilbara.

Beyond business, the programme also focused on personal development. Through targeted trainings and regular mentoring sessions, Dilbara gained knowledge, built valuable connections, and made informed decisions about her business’s future direction.

“The most important thing I learned was not to be afraid to start. With my mentor, I learned how to learn, how to ask for advice, and how to move forward,” she adds.

The journey of Elvira, Nursultan, and Dilbara is just one of many success stories emerging from the Mentorship Programme. Between 2024 and 2025, the programme supported 62 mentor-mentee pairs, primarily women and youth engaged in:

✅ Beekeeping

✅ Tourism

✅ Processing of dried fruits and nuts

✅ Leather and felt crafts

The results go far beyond income generation. The programme helped entrepreneurs build solid business partnerships, strengthen their leadership skills, and become more actively engaged in the economic development of their communities.

UNDP’s continued investment in entrepreneurship development remains a key pillar of its work in the Kyrgyz Republic. These initiatives contribute to the implementation of the National Development Programme until 2030, stimulate regional economies, and create much-needed jobs.

The Mentorship Programme also directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable business practices, driven by people who are now equipped to lead. 

When support is strategic, mentorship becomes a force for transformation — not just in business, but in entire communities.