NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3, 2024 – SNDBX International, a SME solutions hub, has announced the 4th edition of The Big Baraza Annual Conference.
This year’s theme, “Game Changers,” will spotlight how businesses can innovate and adapt to succeed by leveraging the right connections, opportunities, and strategies.
Scheduled for October 17-18, 2024, the two-day conference is expected to bring together over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners nationwide.
SNDBX International’s CEO, Joram Mwinamo, emphasized the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to business.
“The theme for this year’s Big Baraza is ‘Game Changers.’ In today’s challenging entrepreneurial landscape, businesses need to rethink the way they create value. The conference will focus on the power of innovation and how companies can embrace a mindset of continuous learning, adjustment, and advancement,” said Mwinamo.
About SNDBX International
SNDBX International is a collaborative hub designed to support SMEs with tailored, high-impact business solutions. It connects entrepreneurs with a network of vetted experts, providing comprehensive advisory services in strategy, finance, marketing, legal compliance, and more. By creating an ecosystem where innovation meets collaboration, SNDBX helps businesses thrive in an ever-changing market.
With Kenya’s SMEs playing a key role in the economy—employing over 15 million people and contributing 30% to the national value-added—SNDBX aims to address the specific challenges they face. These include limited access to financing, market opportunities, and growth opportunities. The hub offers a platform where entrepreneurs can find solutions to scale their businesses, promote innovation, and access both local and international markets.
The Big Baraza SME Conference: Empowering Change
The Big Baraza SME Conference is an annual highlight for small and medium-sized enterprises. It serves as a platform where business owners can engage with policymakers, industry leaders, corporations, and regulators to discuss critical issues such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its opportunities, policies, and their impact on SME growth, legal and copyright concerns for SMEs and how SMEs can drive greater economic growth.
“Our partners include government bodies such as the Ministry of ICT, Youth & Innovation, and regulatory authorities like KEBS, CMA, and KRA,” added Mwinamo. “Industry stakeholders such as the SME Founders Association, MSEA, ASSEK, and KEPSA will also participate, ensuring comprehensive discussions that touch on the entire SME ecosystem.”
Unlocking SME Potential
Through thought-provoking sessions, practical workshops, and expert-led discussions, this year’s Big Baraza Conference will empower SMEs to become proactive game changers. It will offer strategies tailored to the unique needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to help them formalize operations, innovate, access financing, and expand market reach.
Mwinamo continued, “SMEs are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, yet they face significant hurdles. By providing them with practical tools and access to expert knowledge, SNDBX and The Big Baraza are committed to unlocking their full potential, securing the jobs, wealth, and community impact they generate.”
A Proven Hub for SME Growth
Since its inception, SNDBX International has experienced remarkable growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of its model for empowering SMEs. The hub has built a robust network, with a collective database of over 5,000 SME clients. Within this ecosystem, SNDBX has facilitated more than 500 successful referrals and fostered over 300 cross-sector collaborations, driving innovation and business growth across various industries.
The impact on employment has been significant, with the creation of more than 100 new full-time jobs and an impressive 122.5% growth in part-time employment since 2021. Financially, SNDBX has also seen a 104% increase in collective revenue between 2021 and 2022.
In addition to its success within Kenya, SNDBX has expanded into international markets, including South Africa, Ethiopia, and Berlin, with a recent launch in Atlanta, Georgia, in July 2024, marking a key milestone in its global outreach.
Looking Ahead
With a growing demand for the SNDBX model from over 30 global locations, SNDBX continues to cement its role as a key driver for SME success. The 4th edition of The Big Baraza Conference will offer entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to engage with experts, government bodies, and industry leaders while providing actionable solutions to drive their businesses forward.
