Launch of the Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) Programme

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) Programme, an empowering initiative funded by Futuremakers by Standard Chartered. This programme aims to empower young people, particularly women and people with disabilities, to become successful entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth. By offering expert business development advice and fostering a nurturing environment, the programme equips participants with essential skills and resources to grow sustainable businesses.

Participants will benefit from tailored guidance, enhancing their skills and knowledge through extensive training modules. The programme also connects them with support to access finance opportunities and experienced mentors for ongoing support and insights.

The initiative will deliver the project across four countries, centring around the following cities: Ghana (Accra), Uganda (Kampala), Zambia (Lusaka), and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam). 

Project Targets

The RISE/E Programme aims to achieve the following targets across all countries:

• Support 360 Microbusinesses: Providing expert business development advice and supporting those microbusinesses to grow.  

• Create 576 Job Opportunities: Through the growth and development of these microbusinesses.

• Promote Entrepreneurial Diversity:  
  - 50% entrepreneurs with disabilities.  
  - 50% female-owned businesses.  

• Support Green Businesses:
  - Support businesses that address environmental, climatic, or social issues.  

• Promote Inclusive Employment:
  - Advocate for and support the creation of an inclusive workforce.  

Structure and Timelines

Cohort Cycle: 

Each cohort follows the structure below within 6 months.

1. Recruitment, Diagnostics, Selection, and Orientation  

• Recruitment Phase 1: Online or offline application, followed by selection of applicants to move on to Phase 2. 

• Recruitment Phase 2: Conduct a comprehensive in-person business assessment (diagnostic). Final selection of participants. 

• Orientation: Introduction to the programme, it's structure and expectations, and presentation of diagnostic results. 

2. Growth Plan Development  

• Growth Plan Development: Collaborate with entrepreneurs to create a customized growth plan addressing identified gaps. 

• Training Selection: Entrepreneurs choose at least 4 core business areas for training based on diagnostics and growth plans. 

3. Core Business Area Training  

• Duration: 2 - 4 days per month dedicated to each core area. 

• Core Areas Include: 

• Business Growth and Sustainability 

• Financial Management and Internal Controls 

• Sales and Marketing 

• Organizational Structure and Management 

• Business Planning and Risk Management 

• Mandatory Training: Inclusion training for all participants. 

• Customization: Entrepreneurs attend training aligned with their specific growth plans. 

4. Business Advisory Support (Ongoing) 

• Check-ins: Regular follow-ups based on diagnostics and business needs. 

• Advisory Services: One-on-one tailored advisory support provided.

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What Entrepreneurs Will Gain from the RISE/E Programme 

1. Expert Advice and Mentorship: Entrepreneurs receive tailored business development advice and mentorship from experienced professionals. This guidance helps refine their business models, enhance operational efficiency, and scale their enterprises. 

2. Tailored Growth Plans: Customized business growth plans ensure that each microbusiness can strategically expand, addressing specific challenges and leveraging opportunities unique to its market and context. 

3. Access to Finance: Entrepreneurs will be well-prepared to meet the requirements for accessing loans, grants, and other financial resources, effectively presenting their business to investors and fulfilling any due diligence processes involved. 

4. Market Linkage: The Programme assists businesses in expanding their customer base and boosting their growth potential through training and business advisory support.  

5. Comprehensive Training: Participants receive training in core business areas such as Business Growth and Sustainability, Financial Management and Internal Controls, Sales and Marketing, Organizational Structure and Management, and Business Planning and Risk Management, enhancing their capabilities to run successful enterprises. 

6. Supportive Ecosystem: Entrepreneurs benefit from being part of a support network that includes mentors, peers, and financial institutions, fostering resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market environment.  

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Criteria for Participation 

To be eligible, businesses/owners should meet most of the criteria below and provide evidence: 

• The business is formally registered 

• The business has been in existence for at least 2 years as of November 2024 

• At least one owner is between 18-35 years old at the time of applying. 

• The business has at least 2 members of staff, including the owner(s) 

• The business keeps accurate records, including financial records, covering at least the last 6 months  

• The business exists to address an environmental, climatic or social issue. 

• The business is located or has a base of operations in one of the following cities: 

Accra, Ghana 

Kampala, Uganda 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 

Lusaka, Zambia 

If the business/owner meets at least 5 of these 7 criteria, we encourage them to contact us directly, as they may still be eligible. 

In addition, we would particularly like to encourage applications from: 

• Businesses run by a person, or people, with disabilities 

• Businesses owned by a woman

• Businesses open to promoting the inclusion of women and people with disabilities.

Join Us on this Transformative Journey!

If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for the RISE/E Programme. Together, we can build a robust foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential.

Ready to join the next generation of successful entrepreneurs?

The RISE/E Programme is now accepting applications for its first cohort starting July 1st, 2024!  

Are you a young entrepreneur in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, or Tanzania, looking to take your business to the next level?  

Application for Tanzania is now open, the application window runs until 31 Jan 2025. Click here to access the application form. The programme starts in March 2025.

To access the application form for Ghana, Uganda and Zambia click here .

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