The failure of many entrepreneurs and SMEs is not always a result of limited ideas or inadequate financing. In many cases, businesses struggle because they lack sustained access to quality business development support.

This raises an important question:

Who develops the people who support entrepreneurs?

With the expansion of entrepreneurship ecosystems, there is an escalating need for skilled consultants, trainers, coaches, and Business Development Service (BDS) experts who can facilitate real, quantifiable business growth.

However, several challenges continue to affect the quality and effectiveness of support systems across the sector:

Inconsistent standards among trainers and consultants
The disconnect between academic theory and real-world execution
Disjointed strategies for supporting enterprise growth
A rising necessity for professional-grade Business Development Services (BDS)

Defining a Strategic Way Forward

Solving these issues requires a unified framework to cultivate professionals with industry relevance, ethical standards, and practical mastery. In response, the Strathmore Research and Consultancy Centre Ltd (SRCC) recently hosted a Focus Group Discussion at Strathmore University. This gathering of stakeholders, trainers, and practitioners aimed to co-design the Strathmore Fellow Consultant Credential Model. This competency-based initiative is a collaborative effort between SRCC, the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) at Strathmore Business School, and the Institute of Certified SIYB Trainers (ICST). It seeks to provide professionals with the ethical foundation and hands-on experience necessary for effective coaching, consulting, and training.

The session, led by Linet Mukami, SRCC’s Head of Commercial Services, emphasized that the strength of SMEs is directly tied to the calibre of the professionals and systems that assist them.

A Commitment to Sustainable Enterprise Growth

Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, Christine Owande, Managing Director of SRCC, noted:

“At SRCC, we believe sustainable enterprise development goes beyond simply delivering training. Achieving lasting impact depends on systems that provide experts with the competencies and ethical grounding to deliver tangible value to businesses.”

Ready to Strengthen Your Enterprise Development Skills?

As SRCC continues advancing conversations around professional capability and enterprise development, one practical pathway currently available is the upcoming ILO Start & Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training of Trainers Programme.

The programme equips trainers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and Business Development Service professionals with practical tools and frameworks for enterprise support and sustainable business growth.

📅 Date: 10th –21st August 2026
📍 Venue: Strathmore University
💰 Investment: KES 120,000