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Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) 

The Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) strengthens the support ecosystem for women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Battambang and Siem Reap. The program identifies and trains mentors to provide sustainable, gender-sensitive guidance, equipping them to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Through targeted mentorship, IMNEt empowers mentors to offer practical support, fostering the growth and success of women-led businesses in these regions. 

Background

The Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) program was born out of a pressing need to empower women entrepreneurs, advance gender inclusivity, and elevate the role of women in economic participation. Recognizing the barriers women often face in the entrepreneurial landscape, the program aims to provide targeted support and mentorship to help them overcome these challenges. The program formally concluded in 2025.  

The program focused on building the capacity of mentors, particularly female mentors, to enhance their service offerings for entrepreneurs. By fostering a culture of mentorship and advocacy, the program aimed to support women in scaling their businesses into the formal economy and encouraged a "Giving Back" ethos within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Objectives

Develop a Skilled and Gender-Sensitive Mentor Network: Establish and train a network of mentors in Battambang and Siem Reap, focusing on equipping them to support women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a gender-sensitive approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.  

Enhance the Capacity of Female Mentors: Strengthen the skills and capabilities of female mentors to deliver high-quality, sustainable mentorship that aids women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and integrating into the formal economy.  

Promote a Culture of Mentorship and Advocacy: Foster a mentorship culture that emphasizes advocacy, encourages a "Giving Back" ethos, and supports the growth and success of women-led businesses within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

Advance Gender Inclusivity in Entrepreneurship: Contribute to gender inclusivity by providing targeted mentorship that helps women entrepreneurs overcome barriers, thrive in their business endeavors, and increase their economic participation.  

Vision

To create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where gender-sensitive mentorship empowers women entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, scale their businesses, and lead the way in economic growth and innovation.

IMNEt in the Making

2023
Gender Lens Investing Landscape Study in Cambodia successfully conducted
The Gender Lens Investing (GLI) Landscape Study in Cambodia was successfully conducted by Swisscontact in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF). This study aimed to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with GLI, pinpoint key actors, identify any existing gaps in the financial landscape, and shed light on both the advantages of systematically incorporating gender considerations as well as the challenges in incorporating GLI into investment practices in Cambodia and offer recommendations to foster the development of a robust GLI ecosystem, actively contributing to Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2024
IMNEt program launched first cohort
The Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) was launched based on findings from the Gender Lens Investing (GLI) Landscape Study. Funded by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and co-implemented by SPF, Swisscontact, and Impact Hub Phnom Penh through a partnership with the 3Ei program, IMNEt trained 25 mentors (13 in Siem Reap, 12 in Battambang) through in-person sessions on basic mentoring principles, followed by six online sessions covering core skills and gender inclusivity. Through a structured matchmaking process, 24 women entrepreneurs across both provinces received dedicated mentoring support.
2025
IMNEt program concludes after successfully support 2nd cohort of mentors
The second cohort of IMNEt, launched in May 2025, onboarded 25 mentors and 22 mentees from Battambang and Siem Reap, while continuing to support alumni from the first cohort in mentoring other entrepreneurs. The program incorporated improvements based on feedback and lessons learned. IMNEt concluded in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthening local mentorship capacity. Building on this success, the program evolved into the Entrepreneurship Mentor Development Program (EMDP), implemented by the AUPP Technology Center in collaboration with SPF and Swisscontact through 3Ei, with a planned launch in 2026.

Events and Articles

Cambodia
Growth entrepreneurship
16.12.2025
IMNEt Cohort 2 Concludes, Showcasing Inclusive Mentorship and Entrepreneurial Growth in Cambodia
The Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) celebrated the successful completion of its second cohort with closing events held in Siem Reap on November 24 and Battambang on November 26, bringing together mentors, mentees, and ecosystem actors to reflect on achievements and chart the way forward.
Cambodia
Growth entrepreneurship
28.07.2025
IMNEt Second Cohort Launches to Deepen Inclusive Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs in Cambodia
Following the successful pilot of the Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) in 2024, the second cohort of the initiative officially launched in May 2025. Co-designed and co-implemented by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments initiative (3Ei) of Swisscontact Cambodia, and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, IMNEt second cohort builds on the momentum of the first cohort to further empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen inclusive mentorship across Cambodia’s provinces.
Cambodia
Growth entrepreneurship
24.02.2025
IMNEt Successfully Empowers Women Entrepreneurs Through Inclusive Mentorship
The Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments initiative (3Ei), in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, successfully concluded the pilot phase of Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Program. This initiative, designed to empower women entrepreneurs and foster gender inclusivity within Cambodia's entrepreneurial ecosystem, held the closing events for the 2024 IMNEt cohort on 12th February 2025 in Battambang and 14th February 2025 in Siem Reap.
Cambodia
Growth entrepreneurship
28.11.2024
Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Cambodia
Swisscontact, through the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments initiative(3Ei) in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, launched the Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Program, an initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs and foster gender inclusivity within Cambodia's entrepreneurial ecosystem on 11th September in Battambang and 13th September in Siem Reap.