Women Entrepreneurship Support Programme
Project Summary
WESP – Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program is a project implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with Hamroh to support women's entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The aim of the program is to develop women's entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for women in Uzbekistan.
The main directions of the project
Business acceleration:
Trainings for women entrepreneurs on business planning, financial literacy, marketing and obtaining loans.
Practical support for more than 1,500 women entrepreneurs in 13 regions of the country.
Mentoring program:
Consultations and support of women entrepreneurs by experienced specialists in leadership, financial planning and business development.
Expected results:
Output 1: The performance and growth WSMEs are significantly improved through targeted supported and gender-sensitive capacity-building programs
Output 2: The business potential of WSMEs is strengthened through Mentorship of women entrepreneurs, leading to enhanced business strategies, increased revenue, and successful scaling of operations
Output 3: Research, policy advocacy, and an ecosystem for women entrepreneurs are strengthened, addressing systemic barriers and promoting gender equality in business
Project’s ultimate goal is to empower women-led businesses through improved business practices, increased financing opportunities, and a gender-responsive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To achieve this, the project will develop and implement tailored business acceleration programs that equip women entrepreneurs with essential skills, including financial literacy, business strategy, and loan application and loan servicing procedures. A gender-sensitive capacity-building curriculum and a structured mentoring framework will address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, helping them build resilience and expand market access.
Another core component of the project is a robust mentorship program that connects women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors for strategic business growth, leadership development, and financial planning. By fostering peer networks and supportive relationships, the program will strengthen women's confidence and capacity for business leadership, leading to a higher number of women successfully scaling their enterprises and assuming leadership roles in Uzbekistan’s economy.