While earning an MBA at Harvard in 2008, Karibu Nyaggah led a student trip to his home country of Kenya. It was a chance to show his fellow classmates the innovative spirit of Kenya as well as the challenges that still exist in Africa. During the trip he met Courtney Mills, a fellow Christian and Harvard grad student who was researching sustainable solutions to poverty. She envisioned creating an accelerator program for startup entrepreneurs in Kenya. Together they dreamed how the accelerator could advance God’s Kingdom in a practical way while alleviating poverty.
The following year Harvard funded Courtney Mills and Matt Stolhandske to research the viability of launching an early stage accelerator program in Nairobi. They saw the need to train entrepreneurs how to grow successful businesses but also how to navigate corrupt and unethical marketplaces and how to integrate their faith with their business.
They called this idea Sinapis after the Latin name for the mustard seed that Jesus spoke about, which starts out small yet grows to be great and support the life around it (Mark 4:31-32).
"Sinapis has hugely contributed to our business's growth, sustainability, and success. They have helped link us to potential investors/funding opportunities, publicized our business to the market, and provided ongoing strategic advice."
"This is one program every business owner should consider enrolling in. The benefits are immeasurable. I'm a beneficiary. Thank you, Sinapis!"
"Sinapis gave me a full kit to use to start my business."
"At Sinapis I gained the skills I needed in order to manage my business. I also learned how to raise funds from investors."
"Sinapis was instrumental in improving my general business management, time allocation, and building strong networking connections."
"The Sinapis Entrepreneur Academy unit economics class helped me determine my unit and how much it costs for me to produce one."
"When we started our Sinapis classes, we were asked to pick one business. I chose a new venture I was getting into - speaking. I would never have imagined that just over a year later I would be speaking on the biggest stage - TED. May this be a testimony that Kingdom business has a benefit here and in Heaven."
"Sinapis gave me conviction to know that you can still do business the right way - The Kingdom Business Way. You do not have to bribe or pay your way into a contract. Hard work, faith, and prayer works wonders. I am truly grateful for this."
"I loved the Kingdom Business aspect and approach in the program. I am more enlightened than I was when I joined the program. It is very worthwhile."