SME funding opportunities

Accelerate Africa is a Pan-African organization dedicated to unleashing Africa's economy by supporting startups and SMEs. The platform aligns with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve "The Africa We Want: Agenda 2063." Accelerate Africa focuses on training, mentorship, and providing access to finance to bolster economic growth across the continent. Early-stage and emerging small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors operating within Africa, with a presence in countries including Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. Accelerate Africa organizes various programs and events throughout the year. Specific application deadlines are announced for each initiative. Entrepreneurs seeking support are encouraged to monitor the official website for updates on upcoming programs and application timelines. Eligibility Criteria: Stage of Development: Startups and SMEs should be at the early or growth stage, seeking support in business management, scaling, and investment readiness.? Innovation and Impact: Businesses must offer innovative solutions that address significant challenges within their markets, demonstrating potential for substantial impact and alignment with the goals of AfCFTA and Agenda 2063.? Participation in Programs: Engagement in initiatives such as the Accelerate Africa Bootcamp, Summit, and Investment Pitch events to enhance business capabilities and access to funding opportunities.

Business Support

Established in 2006, Accelerate Cape Town is a business leadership organization representing top-tier corporate businesses in the Cape Town city region. Their mission is to facilitate sustainable business growth in the Western Cape by fostering collaboration between corporate entities, tertiary institutions, and regional government. Varies depending on specific programs and events. Interested businesses should monitor Accelerate Cape Town's official website for announcements and deadlines.

Business Support

Accelerate Africa is a pre-seed and seed-stage accelerator program dedicated to empowering Africa's bold and visionary founders. The program focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in the earliest stages of building global businesses that address the continent's most pressing challenges. Founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani, who have a proven track record of building, funding, and advising successful African startups, Accelerate Africa leverages hands-on operating experience to accelerate business growth. The program emphasizes five critical areas: storytelling, talent acquisition, business development, product development, and fundraising. Startups operating within Africa, with a significant presence in over 10 African countries.? Founder Diversity: Emphasis on diverse backgrounds, abilities, languages, genders, ages, and ethnicities, with 40% of supported founders being women, ranging in age from their 20s to 60s. Accelerate Africa runs multiple cohorts per year, each lasting 8 weeks and supporting up to 10 startups. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific deadlines announced for each cohort. Entrepreneurs seeking support are encouraged to apply when they are ready to engage in venture creation and scaling.

Business Support

Established in 2004, Actis is a global investment firm specializing in sustainable infrastructure. The firm focuses on energy infrastructure, long-life infrastructure, digital infrastructure, real estate, and private equity, aiming to deliver competitive returns alongside measurable social and environmental impact. In 2024, Actis was acquired by General Atlantic and now operates as its Sustainable Infrastructure business. ? Actis manages approximately $14.1 billion in assets under management as of 2024. The firm invests in various sectors, with investment sizes tailored to the specific needs and potential impact of each project.? Actis focuses on investing in sustainable infrastructure projects and companies across emerging markets, including sectors such as energy, real estate, and digital infrastructure. The firm seeks opportunities that align with its commitment to sustainability and the transition to a net-zero future.? Interested parties are encouraged to contact the firm directly to discuss potential investment opportunities and obtain information on application procedures and timelines.?

Equity Investors, Business Support

Established in 1993, Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. The Bank offers a range of financial and advisory services to support the expansion, diversification, promotion, and development of African trade.

Loans

AWIEF is a non-profit, pan-African organization dedicated to promoting and supporting women's innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. With a mission to foster women's economic inclusion and empowerment, AWIEF offers a range of programs, accelerators, and networking events designed to help women-owned businesses thrive and contribute to Africa's sustainable development. While specific funding amounts vary by program, AWIEF provides financial support, business development services, and skills training to women entrepreneurs. For instance, the AWIEF Growth Accelerator, in partnership with Nedbank, offers tailored support to women-led businesses, particularly in the agriculture and green economy sectors, to enhance their capacity to access funding and scale their enterprises. Additional Benefits: Capacity Building: Access to training programs that enhance business skills and knowledge. Mentorship: Opportunities to receive guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts. Networking: Participation in events and platforms that facilitate connections with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. Visibility: Opportunities to showcase businesses at AWIEF conferences, exhibitions, and through various media channels.

Business Support

AfricInvest s an investment and financial services company founded in the early 1990s. It is recognized as one of the most experienced private equity investors on the African continent. AfricInvest employs over 100 professionals across 11 offices. The firm provides its portfolio companies with strategic, financial, technical, and commercial advice, leveraging the extensive knowledge of its team across various sectors. In addition, AfricInvest’s vast network of commercial relationships offers its portfolio companies access to broader expertise and potential partnerships. AfricInvest has raised over USD 2 billion across 21 funds, with strong support from local and international investors, including leading development finance institutions from the United States and Europe. The firm is deeply involved in promoting the private equity industry in Africa, having co-founded the African Venture Capital Association (AVCA), the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA), and the Euromed Capital Forum. Over the years, AfricInvest has invested in more than 200 companies across 35 African countries, targeting high-growth sectors such as financial services, agribusiness, consumer/retail, education, and healthcare. Through its broad network of high-quality executives and its extensive sector expertise, AfricInvest continues to drive sustainable growth and development across the African continent.

Equity Investors · $10M - $50M

Established in 2009, Alitheia Capital is a pioneering impact-investing private equity and financial advisory firm headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in identifying and investing in high-potential businesses across Africa, aiming to create wealth and transform lives. With a focus on sectors that engage a significant percentage of women—either as entrepreneurs, producers, distributors, or consumers—Alitheia Capital manages over $250 million in assets across various funds. Alitheia Capital accepts investment proposals on a rolling basis, with no specific application deadlines. Entrepreneurs seeking funding are encouraged to apply when they are prepared to engage in venture growth and scaling.

Equity Investors · $2M - $5M

Established in 2013, Aqua-Spark is a global investment fund dedicated to sustainable aquaculture. The fund invests in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the aquaculture value chain, aiming to transform the industry into one that is environmentally responsible, socially acceptable, and economically viable. Target Beneficiaries: Aqua-Spark focuses on investing in companies that are part of the sustainable aquaculture ecosystem, including:? Production: Fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries committed to continual improvement and sustainability.? aqua-spark.nl Feed Ingredients: Innovations aimed at providing nutritious feed that minimizes demands on natural resources.? Disease Management: Solutions that enhance fish health and combat diseases effectively.? Aqua-Tech: Technologies that improve feeding practices, animal health, resource use, and harvesting methods.? Waste Valorization: High-value solutions for waste to improve environmental impact and profitability.? Alternatives: Development of plant and cell-based options to meet the demand for sustainable protein. Aqua-Spark accepts investment proposals on a rolling basis, with no specific deadlines. Interested entrepreneurs can submit their business plans through the fund's official website. They do not seek controlling stakes but prefer to act as active minority shareholders, providing both capital and strategic support to their portfolio companies. ?

Equity Investors · $250K - $5M

Founded in Madagascar, AXIAN Group is a pan-African conglomerate with diversified interests across sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, real estate, energy, and innovation. The group operates in multiple countries, aiming to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. AXIAN Investment, the group's investment arm, strategically invests in both private equity and venture capital, empowering businesses to create more value while contributing to economic growth across Africa. Specific investment amounts vary depending on the project and its alignment with AXIAN's strategic objectives. ? AXIAN Investment focuses on supporting exceptional entrepreneurs transforming industries and creating opportunities across asset classes, sectors, and geographies. The group is particularly interested in tech-related ventures with significant growth potential in their markets, aiming to promote the growth of entrepreneurial and tech ecosystems in Africa. ?

Equity Investors

Established in 2015 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, the BESTSELLER Foundation is a private philanthropic organization funded by the family-owned global fashion company BESTSELLER. The foundation focuses on driving positive social and environmental impact, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and communities connected to BESTSELLER's value chain. By investing in entrepreneurs and changemakers, the foundation aims to foster an inclusive, circular future. ? The foundation provides financial support through various investment tools, including equity, shares, and loans. Specific funding amounts are tailored to the needs and potential impact of each venture. In certain cases, the foundation may also offer grants, especially when projects do not have products or services that can be commercialized. ? The foundation engages in various initiatives to support startups and entrepreneurs with the potential to scale operations and amplify their impact. including providing capital to early-stage ventures that align with the foundation's mission.? The foundaton also partners with organizations to co-create impactful projects.? The foundation does not have a formal application process. Potential partners are encouraged to contact the foundation via email with a short concept note outlining their project or business. Projects must be operating in Sub-Saharan Africa or communities linked to BESTSELLER's value chain and demonstrate significant social or environmental impact.?

Equity Investors, Loans, Grants

About the Funding Organization: Established in 2001, BIO is a development finance institution based in Brussels, Belgium. Its mission is to support private sector growth in developing and emerging countries by providing tailored financial solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), financial institutions, and infrastructure projects. BIO aims to contribute to socio-economic growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by investing in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and digitalization. ? Applicants should be private enterprises or financial institutions operating in developing or emerging countries. A comprehensive business plan is required, detailing the business concept, market analysis, management team, investment plan, financing plan, profitability forecasts, and financial history for existing companies. ? Application Process: Interested parties can apply for investment by submitting their business plan through BIO's official website. The application must include a description of the business concept, market analysis, management team, investment plan, financing plan, profitability forecasts, and financial history for existing companies.

Equity Investors, Loans · $3M - $10M

Established in 1948, BII is the UK's development finance institution, formerly known as CDC Group. It focuses on supporting private sector growth and innovation in emerging markets to promote economic development and improve livelihoods. BII invests in a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, financial services, food and agriculture, health, manufacturing, and technology, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and inclusive development. ? BII manages a total portfolio of approximately $8.2 billion, investing in businesses across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Investment sizes vary depending on the project and sector, with BII providing both direct investments and commitments through investment funds. For example, BII has committed approximately $320 million to the Africa Gateway platform, with expectations to invest up to a further $400 million over the next several years. ? Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): Through partnerships like the one with the African Guarantee Fund, providing up to $75 million in credit re-guarantee agreements for SMEs across Africa. ? Infrastructure Projects: Investments in modernizing and expanding ports and inland logistics across Africa, such as the Africa Gateway partnership with DP World. ? BII accepts investment proposals on a rolling basis, with no specific deadlines. Interested parties are encouraged to contact BII directly to discuss potential investment opportunities and obtain information on application procedures and timelines. ?

Equity Investors, Loans

Calvert Impact is a global nonprofit investment firm dedicated to helping investors and financial professionals channel capital into solutions that address pressing social and environmental challenges. With over 25 years of experience, Calvert Impact has a proven track record of delivering positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. Investment Products: Community Investment Note®: This fixed-income security allows investors to support a diversified portfolio of organizations tackling issues like affordable housing, community development, and microfinance worldwide. Investors can participate with as little as $20, making impact investing accessible to a broad audience. Cut Carbon Note: A secured, investment-grade rated product that finances sustainability upgrades for commercial buildings, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability. Mission Driven Bank Fund: This fund provides capital and support to mission-driven banks that offer credit and financial services to lower-wealth communities, rural areas, and communities of color across the United States. Access Small Business Program: Leveraging funds from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), this program enhances access to capital and technical assistance for historically underserved small businesses across participating states. Impact Achievements: Clients Served: 163.4 million, with 78% being women. CO2 Reduction: 6.4 million metric tons reduced. Global Reach: Engaged with 96 borrowers across more than 100 countries. Recent Initiatives: Climate United: In collaboration with the Community Preservation Corporation and Self-Help, Calvert Impact launched Climate United, a coalition awarded $6.97 billion from the National Clean Investment Fund. This initiative aims to advance accessible clean energy solutions across the United States, focusing on underserved communities. 2024 Community Investment Note® Impact Report: Calvert Impact published its latest impact report, detailing the global effects of its portfolio on communities and the climate, showcasing new impact data, stories, and photographs. How to Invest: Calvert Impact offers investment opportunities suitable for individual investors, financial advisors, and institutional investors. Detailed information on investment options, including prospectuses and fact sheets, is available on their website.

Equity Investors

Capricorn Investment Group is a sustainable investment platform that has served families, foundations, and institutional investors for over 20 years. The firm operates as a full-service Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) and offers a selection of impact investment products. Capricorn integrates environmental and social impact considerations into every stage of its investment process, ensuring that impact evaluation is consistent and responsible throughout the entire investment lifecycle. Capricorn is dedicated to helping its clients build portfolios that not only generate positive impact but are also well-positioned for the evolving social, environmental, and economic landscapes. With over $10 billion in assets under management, the firm focuses on sustainable investing and tailors its investment solutions to meet the specific needs of its clients. Capricorn’s investments align with environmental and social goals, targeting areas such as climate solutions, health and wellness, and inclusive capitalism. Through its impact-driven strategies, Capricorn aims to deliver risk-adjusted financial returns while addressing global challenges, thereby creating a positive and sustainable future.

Equity Investors

For more than 30 years, the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has financed development projects, with a focus on multi-country project financing mechanisms and commodity initiatives. These efforts, undertaken by the CFC and its partners, have proven to be highly effective in addressing the challenges and issues faced by the commodity sector in Member Countries. The CFC's replicable project outcomes and dissemination products primarily target areas such as market access and development, agro-processing, product competitiveness, infrastructure, marketing, and access to finance, among other commodity sector-related activities. The organization has funded projects involving over 40 different types of commodities, often in partnership with investment funds and equity financing. Commodities funded include abaca, arachis, bamboo and rattan, bananas, cashew, cassava, castor seeds, citrus, cocoa, coconut, coffee, coir, copper, cotton, fish, fonio, groundnuts, gum arabic, hides and skins, jute, lead, maize, meat and livestock, medicinal herbs and plants, olive, palm oil, paprika, potatoes, rice, natural rubber, shea nut, sisal, sorghum and millet, soybean, cane sugar, tea, timber, tropical fruits, spices, and zinc. Most of these commodities are produced predominantly in developing countries, and CFC’s partnerships include investment funds such as the Africa Agriculture & Trade Investment Fund (AATIF), African Agriculture SME Fund, Eco Enterprise Funds, Moringa Agro-forestry Fund, SME Impact Fund, and agRIF Coopertief U.A.

Loans · $500K

Founded in 2017, Devonian Capital is an international investment firm specializing in land-based aquaculture projects with a strong technological component. The firm collaborates with businesses across the aquaculture sector, from farming to support technologies, at all stages of project development. Their mission is to become the preferred strategic partner for leading onshore aqua-farming ventures. ? Target Beneficiaries: Devonian Capital seeks to partner with businesses involved in land-based aquaculture, including:? Aquaculture Farming: Operations utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and other sustainable technologies.? Support Technologies: Companies developing technological solutions to enhance aquaculture efficiency and sustainability.? Project Development: Initiatives at various stages, from conceptualization to operational phases, aiming to establish or expand land-based aquaculture ventures. ?

Equity Investors

About Funding Organization: Enablis is a global non-profit organization dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in developing and emerging countries. By focusing on the individual entrepreneur, Enablis provides personalized learning, mentoring, coaching programs, and networking opportunities to foster sustainable economic development and job creation. While Enablis primarily offers capacity-building and mentorship, it also facilitates access to finance for its members. Through partnerships, such as the Enablis Acceleration Fund in collaboration with Khula Enterprise Finance Limited, Enablis provides early-stage funding to SMEs. This fund offers both equity and debt instruments, with loan periods not exceeding 60 months. Specific funding amounts vary based on the needs and stages of the businesses. Interested entrepreneurs should first apply for membership through the Enablis website. Once accredited, members can access various programs, including potential funding opportunities. The application process involves submitting an online form detailing personal and business information.

Business Support

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU's lending institution, providing long-term financing for projects that align with EU policy goals such as climate action, infrastructure, and innovation. EIB operates globally, supporting both public and private sectors with loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. In addition, the EIB engages in microfinance, targeting underserved communities worldwide. Through loans and equity investments in microfinance institutions, it supports microenterprises and vulnerable groups like women and rural populations, particularly in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

Loans

GEA is Ghana's apex governmental body promoting MSMEs, providing grants through partnership with the World Bank.

Grants · $10K

About Funding Organization: Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, GrowthAfrica is a leading Pan-African accelerator and business advisory firm. With a presence in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia, GrowthAfrica is dedicated to supporting ambitious and innovative entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures and contributing to Africa's economic development. Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the official GrowthAfrica website by completing the online application form. The process involves providing detailed information about the business, its operations, and growth objectives.

Business Support

About Funding Organization: The GSMA is a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovations that benefit business and society. Through its Mobile for Development initiative, the GSMA aims to harness the power of mobile technology to address socio-economic challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI is designed to support small and growing enterprises leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to create positive socio-economic and climate impacts in LMICs. Proposals should demonstrate the potential for significant positive impact on local communities and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additional Benefits: Tailored assistance to help enterprises build partnerships with mobile network operators, attract investors, and develop scalable business models. Access to bootcamps, learning exchanges, and global industry events such as Mobile World Congress (MWC) to enhance technical and operational expertise. Opportunities to increase visibility through GSMA events and publications, facilitating connections with potential partners and investors. Assistance in monitoring and reporting the socio-economic and climate impacts of the innovations. Interested enterprises should apply through the official GSMA Innovation Fund application portal. The application process involves submitting detailed information about the organization, the innovative solution, its impact potential, and plans for scalability. Applicants are encouraged to review the fund's terms and conditions and frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on the GSMA website before applying.

Grants · $100K

Manages funds supporting enterprises with strong social and environmental impact. They focus on the 'missing middle'—companies too large for microfinance but too small for traditional capital.

Equity Investors, Loans · $200K - $2M

Injaro Investments is a private equity and credit fund manager focused on Africa, dedicated to creating financial and social value for investors and partners. Concentrating on sectors like agribusiness, healthcare, and education, Injaro empowers African businesses with capital, guidance, and tailored solutions to scale profitably and responsibly. Reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit in its Swahili-inspired name "Kilimanjaro," Injaro aims to cultivate a thriving Africa that future generations will choose to inhabit. By blending global expertise with local insight, Injaro delivers sustainable returns while fostering community impact. Investment Approach & Values: Purpose and Profit: Injaro’s investments prioritize positive social outcomes alongside financial returns. Collaborative Growth: Injaro partners with entrepreneurs to refine business vision, scale operations, and maintain a commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. Long-Term Community Impact: Injaro envisions an Africa driven by local innovation and self-sustaining growth, promoting prosperity across the continent. Injaro’s commitment to the African market stems from a belief in sustainable development that benefits both people and the planet, positioning the firm as a key partner for socially-minded investors seeking impactful opportunities in Africa.

Equity Investors, Business Support · $500K - $5M