Archipelagos Capacity Building

Are you an entrepreneur or graduate interested in enhancing your business skills? Apply for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program before 30 June 2024.

Are you an entrepreneur or graduate interested in enhancing your business skills? Apply for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program before 30 June 2024.

Archipelagos, a multi-year international cooperation program developed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, the Italian Financial Institution for International Development Cooperation, with the support of the European Commission, invites applicants for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program.

The program aims to support African SME growth, facilitate capital market access, and create a more enabling business environment through stakeholder engagement. Participating SMEs will embark on a tailored learning journey to increase their readiness for capital markets and long-term success.

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits

  • Access online training courses through the Archipelagos digital platform to develop business skills
  • Receive mentoring from experienced professionals to navigate challenges
  • Connect with other businesses to establish partnerships and share best practices
  • Explore potential collaborations and funding opportunities

Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:

  • Be a small or medium enterprise operating in Africa
  • Be willing to develop new capabilities and boost competitiveness
  • Be willing to connect with other businesses and investors
  • Be interested in pursuing opportunities to access debt financing

The most promising SMEs will receive support raising funds through innovative debt instruments backed by a European Commission guarantee facility. In addition, young entrepreneurs can strengthen their skills through the capacity-building program.

To apply, visit: Application form.


Les Margaret Awards

Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative solution making a positive difference in your community? Apply for funding from the Les Margaret Awards before 8 January 2024

Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative solution making a positive difference in your community? Apply for funding from the Les Margaret Awards before 8 January 2024

JFD, an international growth accelerator for women making a positive difference in their communities invites nominations for the Les Margaret Awards. The Awards aim to recognize and honour outstanding individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities.

Now in its third year, the annual awards shine a spotlight on social entrepreneurs, non-profits, activists, and community leaders driving impactful change. There are five categories that projects or initiatives can be nominated for: Education, Environment, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Community Building.

Successful nominees will benefit from the following:

  • Total of CAD 500,000 in prize money awarded among categories
  • $100,000 grant for the Social Impact Champion of the Year
  • Increased visibility, exposure and networking opportunities
  • Resources to help scale projects and initiatives
  • Recognition for outstanding work creating social impact

Nominees must fulfil the following to be eligible for the Awards:

  • Be a citizen of a European, African country, or from Canada, with an innovative project that responds to societal issues
  • Entrepreneur category: be a female founder or co-founder of a tech startup
  • Intrapreneur category: have an innovative project in agreement with an employer while remaining an employee
  • Junior category: be a young woman under 18 years with a project that highlights creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit

To apply for the awards, visit: Application form