Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country are set to benefit from a new partnership between Absa Bank Kenya and the Google Hustle Academy, which will provide training and financial support over the next 12 months.
The initiative, unveiled in a joint statement, aims to equip entrepreneurs with digital expertise, financial literacy, growth strategies, and formalisation skills to help them scale sustainably. The programme targets 3,000 SMEs, with more than 600 businesses already participating in three cohort training sessions rolled out so far.
The training combines practical workshops, mentorship sessions, and peer‑to‑peer learning opportunities, ensuring participants leave with actionable insights to strengthen their operations. Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’souza said the collaboration reflects the bank’s commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
“We are thrilled to partner with Google to bring the Hustle Academy to more Kenyan entrepreneurs. By combining Google’s digital expertise with our financial solutions, we are confident that we can help SMEs formalise and grow their businesses,” D’souza said.
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The Google Hustle Academy is a free, one‑day virtual boot camp designed to help entrepreneurs scale their reach by training them in the latest AI‑centered tools and techniques while connecting them directly to Google products. Participants follow a structured curriculum on AI adoption and digital skills training, enabling them to enhance and expand their business operations.
Under the partnership, Absa Bank Kenya will provide financial expertise, tailored SME banking solutions, mentorship, and access to credit facilities, cash flow management tools, and market linkages. This integrated support is expected to help entrepreneurs not only digitise their businesses but also strengthen their financial resilience.
Google Hustle Academy representative Kristy Grant said the initiative complements Google’s mission to make digital skills and tools accessible to everyone, ensuring small businesses can leverage technology to reach new customers.
“Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI‑centered tools and techniques. By doing so, we are creating a long‑term pathway for growth that connects learners directly to world‑class Google products,” Grant explained.
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The partnership comes at a time when SMEs are increasingly recognised as the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and innovation. By combining Absa’s financial solutions with Google’s digital expertise, the programme is expected to accelerate the formalisation and growth of enterprises that have long struggled with limited access to training, mentorship, and financing.
Entrepreneurs who have already participated in the Hustle Academy sessions say the programme has provided them with practical skills to navigate challenges, adopt digital tools, and position their businesses for growth in a competitive market.
By Masaki Enock
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