The SME Investment Window is a key aspect of the Investing in Women in Nigeria (IIW-Nigeria) program, funded by Global Affairs Canada with a total budget of CAN $15.7 million. The specific component allocates non-repayable grants amounting to CAN $7.75 million and is managed by the AECF. Its main goal is to advance women’s economic empowerment by encouraging their involvement in both traditional and non-traditional agribusiness sectors.
The program focuses on three main objectives:
- Enhancing the engagement of women in the private sector across key agricultural value chains.
- Boosting investment from both private and public sectors in women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and other enterprises that create economic opportunities for women.
- Reducing gender inequalities that hinder effective economic participation of women in climate-smart agriculture.
The program aims to provide financial support and targeted business development assistance to SMEs and financial institutions utilizing innovative technologies, fostering gender-transformative and climate-smart economic opportunities for women. The geographical focus is on women-owned/led SMEs in agricultural value chains in Kano, Nigeria, with demonstrated linkages to women entrepreneurs operating in those chains.
Eligible businesses must showcase a commitment to gender equality, inclusion of women in various aspects of the business, and innovative approaches that benefit women in agricultural value chains. The funds, ranging from CAN $65,000 to CAN $1,300,000, will be provided as non-repayable grants, subject to meeting specific criteria and achieving agreed milestones.
The funding period is set at four years, and interested applicants need to complete an online application form to initiate the eligibility process, followed by the submission of a full business plan for shortlisted candidates.
HOW TO APPLY
click HERE to apply
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