EPZ incubation: The Kenya export processing zones authority (EPZA) has an incubator program which aims to convert SME's to major exporters. Previously companies located at the EPZ in Athi River had to be almost pure exporters (80%) to enjoy the benefits. But with the incubator program a company can start with exporting just 20% and progress to the 80% threshold within 4 years. Terms are; $50 application fee, $250 annual fee, 75% local shareholding, no more than 100 employees and no more than 40 million invested.
SEED Funding: The SEED Initiative has the SEED Awards 2008. Any group in a developing country, which is working in partnership with others to generate environmental and social benefits in an entrepreneurial way, is s eligible for a service (not cash) prize worth $25,000. D/L is 16 March.
SMME Award: The 2008 Africa SMME Awards; 6 winners (1) Industrial Sector Award; (2) Trade Sector Award; (3) Services Sector Award; (4) Best New Business Award; (5) Most Innovative Enterprise Award; and (6) Young Enterprise Award. All six category winners will become finalists for the overall African Union SMME of the Year Award - closing date for entries is 31 July. Africa's successful Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) Managers / Owners who are creating jobs and improving the quality of life in their African communities can also contact author David Fick, E-Mail: (WhlgEagle@aol.com) to be featured in his next book, African Entrepreneurs in the 21st Century, Their Stories of Success (proposed publication, September 2008).
1 comment:
Are there any institutions out there willing to fund business proposals for SMEs without collateral to the tune of lets say 1-4M?
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