Applications are now open for the Business Acceleration for Youth project Acceleration program Cohort 2. Are you an ambitious and committed SME with the potential to grow and create impact through your business? If so, we invite you to apply.

The Acceleration program is a second component of the five-year Business Acceleration for Youth project funded by USAID Malawi and led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Under this component, the project is targeting support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by delivering bespoke technical support, industry specific expertise, coaching and access to finance.

Program benefits

❖ Bespoke technical support – Expert assistance to achieve business growth and expansion.
❖ Business development/growth strategy
❖ Networking and exchange opportunities
❖ Access to funding of up to $75,000 matching grants

Who can apply?

To qualify for the program, applicants/SMEs must meet the following criteria;

❖ Must have a registered business.
❖ Must be registered with Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and compliant.
❖ The SME should be operational in Malawi for at least 2 years.
❖ Should be able to provide management accounts.
❖ There should be a product or service that you are providing to the market to demonstrate that the business is post revenue.
❖ Limited previous participation in entrepreneurship development projects.