Entrepreneurs with business ideas in agribusiness and rural financial services are invited to take part in a competition where they stand to win funding to implement their ideas.
The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) has launched the second Zimbabwe Window competition where winners can receive up to US$1.5m in grants and interest free loans.
The goal of the AECF is to spur growth of in Zimbabwe and help them make profits, while at the same time develop markets for products that will meet the needs of rural communities.
Business ideas that demonstrate the ability to positively impact rural communities through stimulating job opportunities nd improving productivity stand to win funding.
This is the second round of the AECF Zimbabwe competition. In the first run of the competition held last year, 10 business ideas were selected for funding out of the 570 companies that registered. The business ideas included projects related to seed distribution, agricultural marketing strategies and rural finance schemes. Together these 10 winning companies will received $6 Million in grants.
The AECF Zimbabwe competition window is funded the Australian Government Aid Program and the Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), among other partners.
To apply, fill in an online application form available here. In the first stage of the registration process, applicants should indicate what their business idea is about, its viability and its ability to impact rural development. In the second stage, participants will have to present a detailed business plan to the vetting team which will also visit the companies taking part in the competition. After this, an independent Investment Committee will select the winners.
Interested applicants should submit entries before 30 November 2010.
For more information on the competition contact Acumen Africa Consulting in Harare at admin@acumenafrica.com
Zetta Corti
February 29, 2012
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