BIRE Call for Application Program Guidelines
Introduction
The Building Inclusive and Resilient Enterprises (BIRE) Programme is an initiative implemented by Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA) with support from the Embassy of Sweden and Hand in Hand Sweden. The programme aims to stimulate the growth of women-, youth-, and PLWD-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) across Kenya, enabling them to build profitable, resilient, and sustainable businesses that can create long-term employment and income opportunities.
The programme is expected to support 700 enterprises nationwide, strengthening their business practices, enhancing market access, improving climate resilience, and expanding opportunities for financial inclusion. Through targeted capacity development and structured advisory support, BIRE seeks to unlock the potential of small enterprises and cooperatives across Kenya's diverse value chains—including agriculture, manufacturing, services, trade, blue economy, and emerging green sectors like circular economy.
The BIRE programme through targeted business development support, market access interventions, and improved enterprise competitiveness, is projected to create over 4,000 direct jobs and an additional 8,000 indirect jobs, positively impacting more than 12,000 individuals through income generation and employment.
Regional Hubs
The BIRE Programme will be coordinated through three Regional Hubs based in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, but will be open to eligible applicants from all forty-seven (47) counties.
| Regional Hub | Target Counties |
|---|---|
| Nairobi Hub | Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Laikipia, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu |
| Kisumu Hub | Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Nyamira, Kisii, Narok |
| Mombasa Hub | Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera |
Timeline
- Application Window: 15th December 2025 to 15th January 2026
- Evaluation: January - February 2026
- Results Notification: March 2026
1. Application Process
- All applications must be submitted online through the Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA) Application Portal. The application window will remain open from 15th December 2025 to 15th January 2026 at 11:59 PM (23:59) EAT. No physical forms will be issued or accepted.
- Applicants must complete the online application form by responding to all mandatory questions and providing accurate information required for assessment.
- Personal information submitted in the application must be truthful and verifiable.
- Upon successful submission, an automated confirmation will be sent to the applicant via email.
- Once submitted, applications cannot be edited, altered, or resubmitted. Review all information carefully before final submission.
2. Eligibility
Eligible Entrepreneurs
- Open to women, men, youth (18–35 years), and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) leading or owning Micro and Small Enterprises.
- Women-, youth-, and PLWD-led enterprises are strongly encouraged.
- All applicants must demonstrate responsible, ethical, and environmentally sound business practices.
Nationality and Location
- The applicant must be a Kenyan citizen.
- The enterprise must be located and operating within any of Kenya's 47 counties.
Eligible Sectors
Open to enterprises across diverse sectors including: agriculture, livestock, fisheries, manufacturing, retail, blue economy, circular economy, renewable energy, digital services, creative industries, and services.
Foundation Track Eligibility
- ✓ Enterprise registered & operating in Kenya
- ✓ Recognized as a legal entity
- ✓ Basic financial records for at least 1 year
- ✓ Operational for at least 1-2 years
- ✓ Revenue: KES 500,000 - KES 3,000,000/year
- ✓ Currently employs 1-4 employees
Acceleration Track Eligibility
- ✓ Enterprise registered & operating in Kenya
- ✓ Recognized as a legal entity
- ✓ Operational for at least 2 years
- ✓ 1 year management books of accounts
- ✓ Revenue: Above KES 3,000,000/year
- ✓ Employs 5-20 employees
4. Scoring Criteria
To proceed to the next stage of review, an application must score a minimum of 60 marks out of 100.
Foundation Track Criteria
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Commercial Viability | 30 |
| Business Model Clarity | 10 |
| Market Potential | 30 |
| Social & Environmental Impact | 30 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Acceleration Track Criteria
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Revenue & Traction | 20 |
| Impact Potential | 20 |
| Scalability | 20 |
| Social & Environmental Impact | 20 |
| Business Model Strength | 20 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
5. Technical Support
Successful applicants will receive:
Enterprise Development & Business Advisory
Business management training, financial literacy, and value chain advisory.
Mentorship & Coaching
One-on-one coaching, sector-specific mentorship, and peer learning.
Market Access & Linkages
Buyer-seller linkages, trade fair access, and digital marketing support.
Investment Readiness
Financial modelling, pitch deck development, and investor linkages.
Digitalization & Technology
Digital tools training, e-commerce platforms, and climate-smart technologies.
Climate Resilience & ESG
Climate risk assessments, sustainability advisory, and circular economy practices.
6. Financial Support
Matching Grant Facility
Cost-sharing grant where BIRE matches enterprise investment at an agreed ratio.
Repayable Grant
Performance-linked grant with flexible repayment terms aligned to enterprise cashflows.
External Financing Support
Linkages to banks, MFIs, SACCOs, impact investors, and climate funds.
Loan Guarantee Facilitation
Risk-sharing support to help enterprises access loans for expansion.
⚠️ Important: All enterprises must undergo a structured technical assistance period (first 3 months) before accessing financial support.
Important Notes
No Fees Required
Applicants are NOT required to pay any fee to apply. Anyone requesting payment is engaging in fraud.
One Application Only
Only one application per Applicant is permitted. Multiple submissions will result in disqualification.
No Deadline Extensions
Ensure submissions are made well before the deadline. Technical issues do not entitle applicants to extensions.
Need Help?
Contact us through any of the following channels:
Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA)
P.O. Box 8562-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
HiH EA Headquarters, Lower Hill Duplex Apartments, 2nd Floor