Tag Archives: business

MASTERCARD SME FUNDS FOR RESILIENCE AND PROSPERITY

Application Deadline: November 22nd, 2024.

LOCATION: Multiple Regions

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity is a seven-year, US$ 126 million Fund that aims to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the agriculture, climate adaptation and digital economy sectors in 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main objective of the Fund is to unlock enterprise growth and catalyze, scale-up and sustain the creation of dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young women and men, young people with disabilities and refugee youth.

ELIGIBILITY:

Be involved in the sector of focus i.e., agriculture.

Be an existing for-profit Small or Medium-sized Enterprise.

Be implementing business in at least one of the 20 focus countries in Africa.

Be requesting for grant funding ranging from US$ 500,000 to US$ 2,500,000, disbursed over a 3-year period, based on applicants’ development stage, scalability, and business model. Additional tailored technical assistance will be provided to successful applicants. 

Be providing matching contribution of at least 30% of the total project cost.

Have innovative, practical, and scalable businesses that aim to create work opportunities for young women and men, young people with disabilities or refugee youth.

Adhere to fundamental human rights, labour standards, and environmental management laws, both nationally and internationally, including seed laws/policy.

Refrain from any involvement in acts of terrorism or support for terrorist activities.

The countries are Benin, Burundi, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

BENEFIT:

Support from FRP will include grants ranging from US$ 500,000 to US$ 2,500,000, disbursed over a 3-year period, based on the applicant’s development stage, scalability, and business model, in accordance with agreed periodic milestone targets.

APPLY

THE YOUTHRIVE PROGRAM BY ACCESS BANK

LOCATION: Nigeria

A transformative initiative by Access Bank designed to empower, uplift, and accelerate the next generation of MSMEs. The program is set to impact over 4 million individuals by enhancing capacity, providing financial empowerment, and fostering invaluable business exchange programs. Let’s thrive together! The youthrive Program by Access Bank is dedicated to empowering MSMEs around 4 key pillars.

ELIGIBILITY:

A new business with less than 12 months in operation.

An established business with more than 1 year in operation

A tertiary institution degree holder seeking active employment or business venture.

A young individual with a minimum of a school leaving certificate seeking skill acquisition or business venture.

BENEFIT:

The Capacity Development pillar of the youthrive Program aims to impact over 300,000 MSMEs nationwide through a hybrid delivery model. 

Access to Funding: As a testament to its commitment, the program not only provides financial aid but also awards grants to the top-performing participants.

Recognizing global exposure as a lever for success, this program goes beyond traditional training by offering sponsorships to 10 exceptional entrepreneurs to participate in Business Exchange programs in The Netherlands, China, or India.

Employment Opportunities

APPLY