High Potential Startups empowered by eWomen SL during the EU-UNDP funded Formalization
Win & Save
Supported by the EU and UNDP-funded project, Win & Save Microfinance quickly rose to success by winning two pitch competitions and securing seed capital, enabling it to offer low interest friendly loan and attract over 100 women to its free savings scheme that encourages business registration and growth. The initiative aims to become a leading financial intermediary promoting financial inclusion for marginalized groups.
Wastify
For over three years, WastiFy operated informally without a name or legal status. Through support from the EU and UNDP-funded project, the business was guided to formalize and register with the Office of the Registrar General in Makeni City. Now officially recognized, WastiFy is attracting young women inspired by the innovative idea of creating stylish furniture from waste tyres. Its unique products are steadily attracting customers.
SheCodes
SheCodes emerged from the EU and UNDP-funded project, aligning with eWomen’s vision to establish Sierra Leone’s first women-led software development company. Through project-driven networking, eWomen partnered with an Italian software firm now training SheCodes members. The team is actively involved as interns in developing the business support hub app—part of the project’s fourth component.
PharMakeni
Two compassionate medical doctors based in Italy – a husband and wife – are committed to supporting Sierra Leone by establishing the country’s first laboratory for the local production of essential drugs such as paracetamol, amoxicillin, and amlodipine. Seeking guidance, they were referred to eWomen, which is now providing full consultancy support. The doctors have generously purchased all the necessary equipment and furniture to set up a modern lab for training technicians and initiating small-scale production. In a remarkable gesture of trust, they handed over full ownership of the lab and future pharmaceutical industry plans to eWomen. A team formed by eWomen, also beneficiaries of the EU-UNDP funded project, will manage and operate the lab, laying the foundation for a long-term, locally driven pharmaceutical enterprise.
BikeLadies
BikeLadies was founded two years ago by Mariama Timbo, a determined young woman who became the first female commercial motorbike rider in Makeni City after winning two motorbikes in a competition organized by eWomen. Once a school dropout struggling to survive, Mariama transformed her life through this opportunity. Joining the EU-UNDP funded project gave BikeLadies greater visibility, attracting coverage from an international journalist in the UK. With pitch training from eWomen, Mariama also won the UNFPA Innovation Challenge. Today, with continued guidance from eWomen, she is planning to expand BikeLadies by introducing tricycles to support farmers and waste collection services.
iDesigns
About two years ago, Emmanuel Tholley, a young man living with epilepsy, approached eWomen in search of meaningful support. Though skilled in tailoring, he found little purpose in traditional sewing. Through intensive one-on-one mentorship with eWomen, Emmanuel was inspired to transform plastic waste into fashion. With passion, research, and consistent guidance, he founded iDesigns and launched the SaLone Must Grow bag collection—stylish bags made entirely from recycled plastic.
With support from his sister, Isatu Tholley, iDesigns went on to win three consecutive innovation competitions, including the prestigious UNFPA Innovation Challenge. Today, Emmanuel runs a well-established tailoring shop from home and, with a piece of land gifted by his mother, dreams of building his own fashion boutique in Makeni—a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and impact.
“Their expertise and their innovation-driven approach allowed us to formalize and sustain our startup.”
KADIATU HABIATU SESAY
Fast Bite Innovations (FBI)
Alicious Kangoma is a natural-born cook who turned his passion for cooking into a business. Although he had a registered sole proprietorship, his operations were limited to his home and client visits. His long-held dream was to formalize and grow his business sustainably. When he learned about the EU-UNDP funded project, he seized the opportunity, actively participating in all bootcamps and trainings.
With support from eWomen, he rebranded and formally registered his business as Fast Bite Innovations (FBI) -a vibrant fast food and delivery service. eWomen not only hired him to cater for all project events but also provided seed capital to boost his growth. To further support his journey, eWomen rented a business space and offered it to him as a temporary workspace until he becomes self-sufficient enough to secure his own. Today, Alicious is on a promising path toward building a brand.
AgroInnovations (AI)
Denis Yaraba Kargbo was born in a remote village near Makeni to poor parents and began farming at a young age. Determined to build a better life, he moved to Makeni with dreams of attending university. To survive, he learned tailoring and earned small income until he passed his university entrance exams and gained admission to Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology to study Agriculture—a field that reflects his roots. With support from eWomen, Denis received a scholarship and affectionately refers to the CEO and CIO of eWomen as “Mummy” and “Daddy.” When the EU-UNDP project launched, Denis eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore agri-entrepreneurship. He established AgroInnovations, a venture focused on using technology to improve agricultural productivity. His interests include greenhouses, organic manure from kitchen waste, and other sustainable farming innovations. Denis is steadily growing into a promising agricultural entrepreneur.
Let’s work together on your Next Big Idea
At eWomen, we’re here to turn your vision into reality. Whether you’re a startup, early-stage innovator, or SME, we provide the tools, mentorship, and digital solutions you need to grow, formalize, and thrive.