he Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI), part of Wageningen University & Research, is seeking applications for the "Local Economic Development: towards Local Agribusiness Cluster Development 2021" under Orange Knowledge Programme. The programme starts from 01 November 2021 until 17 December 2021.
In this regional course given in South Africa, professionals in the field of rural economic development will increase their knowledge, improve their skills and enlarge their toolkit in a highly interactive course. You will bring in your own case and design an intervention strategy to take home.
Course Date
·Date: Mon 1 November 2021 until Fri 17 December 2021
·Duration: Part-time, 14hrs per week (6 weeks)
·Venue: Facilitated online sessions
BENEFITS
Upon completion of the course you will:
·Have a good understanding of conceptual frameworks to identify development opportunities for rural communities and spin-offs for rural wealth creation;
·Having gained a better understanding of the linkages livelihood strategies, the role of agribusiness development and effective services delivery, and the potential of rural markets, local trade and value chains to ‘work for the poor’;
·Be able to facilitate participatory approaches and methodologies for innovation and change processes;
·Be able to apply tools and instruments for strategic and effective interventions catalysing processes that boost rural economies.
Application Deadline: 16th March 2021.
ELIGIBILITY
·This regional course is designed for mid-career professionals of government departments, non-governmental and civil society organisations, business associations, development agencies, universities and colleges for higher education, and for other professionals working in the domain of market-driven local economic development.
·Proficiency in English is required.
HOW TO APPLY
4. GroFin: Seeking Applications for Small and Growing Business Fund
DESCRIPTION OF OPPORTUNITY
GroFin is seeking applications for its Small and Growing Business Fund. GroFin is a pioneering development financier specializing in financing and supporting small and growing businesses (SGBs) across Africa and the Middle East. GroFin combines patient capital and specialized business support to grow emerging market enterprises.
SGB Fund: First of its kind, uncapped and unlimited-life fund to support growth of small and growing businesses in Africa. Officially launched by GroFin on September 23rd, 2015.
Objectives
·80 – 100 investments per year at an average deal size of USD $100,000- USD $1.5 million in local currency. The fund typically provides finance in forms of medium term loans.
·Over 10 years the growing SGB portfolio will sustain 32,000 employees as part of its impact.
·A specialist fund manager with a proven track record and local capacity in 9 countries in Africa.
Focus
Focus on Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) that are grossly underserved by other funds or financiers. Delivers a unique integrated solution for patient risk capital and end-to-end business support to start-up and growing businesses at the SME base.
Fund Size
US $100+ Million
Application Deadline: 31st December 2021.
·Applicant’s business operates in one of the following countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda
·Applicant’s business is for profit
·Applicant’s business has a turnover of less than US$ 15 million and assets less than US$ 6 million
·Applicants require financing between US$ 100,000 and US$ 1.5 million
The business is owner-operated and/or the owner is substantially involved in running the business
Visit https://vc4a.com/grofin/small-and-growing-business-fund/to apply.
