A program to build a skilled pool of mentors in Battambang and Siem Reap — equipping them to support the growth of women-owned MSMEs and building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem
About the Inclusive Mentorship Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNET) Program
Effective mentorship is one of the most helpful, important forms of support for an entrepreneur. Research shows that mentorship is even more important for women entrepreneurs who often face more barriers in their entrepreneurial journeys. Yet, in Cambodia’s provinces, women entrepreneurs struggle to find locally based, high-quality mentors.
The Inclusive Mentorship Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) program was launched to tackle this gap. The program focuses on building the capacity of mentors, particularly female mentors, through training and hands-on practice. Ultimately, we’re working to build a key component of a strong, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Program Pillars
Professional Mentorship Training
Mentors in the program (all with varying levels of mentoring experience) are receiving specialized, gender-sensitive training from Impact Hub Phnom Penh and our partner the Cambodian Coaching Institute (CCI) to effectively mentor women entrepreneurs.
Hands-on Mentoring Experience
Through the program, mentors gain practical experience with women entrepreneurs we match them with in Siem Reap and Battambang, applying their newly acquired skills to real-world business challenges. And those women-owned businesses get tangible, free support from amazing mentors!
Expanded Professional Networks
The program is fostering connections among mentors, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur support organizations, forging a greater sense of collaboration and ethos of “giving back” within Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Training approach
The training is practical and hands-on, focused on building participants’ skills and confidence in mentoring women-led MSMEs with a style and approach that works for both the mentor and the mentee. Our goal is to enable mentors to craft an impactful, personalized, and inclusive mentoring approach. We also offer access to additional mentoring frameworks and business support tools to support MSMEs at varying stages of growth.
Mentee
Interested in supporting other MSMEs in the future
Find mentorship helpful and supportive
Find mentorship beneficial
Gain confidence self and business
Mentor
92%
Overall satisfaction rate of mentor training
91%
Motivation of mentors to continue providing mentorship
88%
Mentors are confident in their skills and ability to support MSMEs
97%
Mentors understanding of value of mentorship
76.1%
Mentors took proactive steps to navigate power dynamics in their mentoring relationships
Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs Cohort 2
The second cohort of the program officially launched in May 2025 and will run through December 2025. It aims to onboard 20 mentors and 20 mentees from Battambang and Siem Reap while continuing to support alumni from the first cohort to continue their mentorship in supporting other entrepreneurs.
Testimonial
Mentee in Siem Reap
Mentor in Siem Reap
Our Partners
This initiative, funded by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and co-implemented by SPF, Swisscontact, and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, is in strategic partnership with the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments (3Ei) program. The 3Ei program, a five-year initiative (2023 – 2027), is implemented by Khmer Enterprise and Swisscontact and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Khmer Enterprise.
Want to get involved?
Get in touch with the Program Manager, Lyhour: lyhour.heang@impacthub.net | Telegram: (+855) 096 641 5661
