A mentorship program to support women's entrepreneurship has opened for applications in Kyrgyzstan.

The call for applications has opened in Kyrgyzstan for the fifth, anniversary season of the mentoring program "Women in Business," implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in partnership with FINCA Bank. The initiative aims to develop women's entrepreneurship and strengthen the role of women leaders in the country's economy.

Participation in the program is free. For seven months, female entrepreneurs will work in pairs with experienced mentors to develop and strengthen their business projects.

The fifth season of the program is exclusive. It will involve beneficiaries of FINCA Bank—women who own or manage businesses and cooperate with the bank through a credit line. Additionally, female entrepreneurs with at least two years of experience in small and medium-sized business can apply.

Experienced entrepreneurs willing to share their knowledge and expertise on a voluntary basis will serve as mentors. Applications are open for both mentors and mentees. Applications will be accepted until March 2, 2026.

The program includes online and offline training sessions, cross-mentoring meetings, business breakfasts, tours of large manufacturing enterprises, and monitoring visits. Participants will be able to develop managerial and financial skills and expand their business networks.

The mentoring program has been implemented in Kyrgyzstan since 2019 as part of non-financial services under the EBRD's "Women in Business" credit line, supported by the Financial Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs and the Government of Switzerland.

During the implementation of the program, its participants have created more than 320 new jobs. At the end of the last season, 60% of female entrepreneurs entered new markets, 66% increased their profits, 86% enhanced brand recognition, and all participants noted personal growth.

Source: economist.kg