Eligibility criteria You have been registered with the RCCM for at least one year, by the closing date for applications. You have at least one financial statement. You work in the sectors following: Agribusiness; Light industry (construction, carpentry, textiles, etc.); Creative and cultural industries; High value-added services (transport, logistics, tourism, digital, etc.); Services and industries for a sustainable city (circular economy, sanitation, waste management, etc.). You have sales between 15 million and 500 million FCFA. You would like to receive support for financing intangible assets (certification, labeling, patenting, etc.) and/or services (market research, business plans, accounting and legal assistance, etc.). The financing of marketable assets (equipment, materials, etc.) is not an eligible expense ; You are able to finance at least 20% of the expressed need by your own means (equity) or the support of a financial institution (credit).
What we offer Technical assistance in 3 stages to strengthen commercial skills and facilitate access to markets: Personalized diagnosis and definition of support programs based on the SME’s needs Group training courses (financial and administrative management, sales negotiation, digitalization, fund-raising preparation, standards and certifications, etc.). Coaching courses in the identified areas with coaches and mentors experienced in their sector of activity Financial assistance : Financial support of up to 30 million CFA francs, with the SME having to mobilize its own funds or credit. Financial support is intended to finance intangible assets (certification, labeling, etc.) and certain services (market studies, business plans, etc.) and is not intended to finance marketable assets (equipment, materials, etc.). Support for financial monitoring throughout the support period
Selection process Winners will be selected by an independent firm, which will analyze the application forms submitted, collect the required supporting documents and interview the shortlisted candidates. Two calls for applications will be launched from December 4, 2023: The deadline to bid for the 1rst cohort is January 15, 2024. The dates for the 2th cohort will be announced during the 1st quarter of 2024. The timetable, up to the launch of support for the 1th cohort is as follows : Information meetings for candidates (Cotonou and nearby towns) 14/12/2023, Cotonou at Sèmé One (morning) 21/12/2023, Cotonou at l’ADPME (morning) Meetups in the interior of the country (Parakou and Bohicon) Sessions in Parakou and Bohicon will be held in January, with dates and venues to be announced at a later date. Opening of an office to assist with the filing of candidacies (Sèmè City) 14/12/2023, Cotonou at Sèmé One (afternoon) 19/12/2023, Cotonou at Sèmé One (morning) 21/12/2023, Cotonou at l’ADPME (afternoon) 04/01/2024, Cotonou at Sèmé One and ADPME (morning) 11/01/2024, Cotonou at Sèmé One and ADPME (morning) Evaluation and selection of winners from January 15 to February 9, 2024 Announcing the winners End of February / Beginning of March (date TBA) Launch of technical and financial support March 2024 Note: only one project owner is allowed to apply for the same company.