RISE – Projet d’accompagnement des PME

RISE (Ressources, Investissement, Soutien, Expansion) is an initiative of the Government of the Republic of Benin, supported by the World Bank and designed to support SMEs facing difficulties in financing services and the acquisition of intangible assets as part of their expansion strategy. Financial support is not intended to finance marketable assets such as equipment.

The RISE project supports the growth and resilience of SMEs by facilitating access to financing and personalized technical assistance. By building up a pool of sustainable businesses, the project helps to create sustainable jobs and strengthen economic and social inclusion throughout the region.

RISE is aimed at SMEs in productive sectors such as agro-industry, services to the agro-industrial sector, light industry, high value-added services and services/industry for a sustainable city, as well as SMEs in the creative and cultural industries (fashion, textiles, audiovisual production, etc.).

Female applicants are encouraged!

Overview

0
January 15, 2024
Program dates Dec 4, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024
OrganizerRISE
Targets Benin
Sectors
Agribusiness, Business services, Clean technology and energy, Creative, media and entertainment, Tourism, Transport and logistics
Partner Program RISE – Projet d’accompagnement des PME image of RISE Log
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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 sectorsfollowing:
    • 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 and500 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.

Team