{"id":20341,"date":"2024-04-05T12:14:01","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T12:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/presspay.ng\/news\/?p=20341"},"modified":"2024-04-05T12:14:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T12:14:05","slug":"call-for-applications-archipelagos-program-2024-training-mentoring-networking-and-access-to-capital-for-up-to-1000-smes-in-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/presspay.ng\/news\/call-for-applications-archipelagos-program-2024-training-mentoring-networking-and-access-to-capital-for-up-to-1000-smes-in-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Call For Applications: Archipelagos Program 2024 (Training, Mentoring, Networking And Access to Capital For up to 1000+ SMEs in Africa)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Archipelagos is a\u00a0multi-year international cooperation program developed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti\u00a0(CDP), the Italian Financial Institution for International Development Cooperation, with the support of the European Commission\u00a0that aims at supporting the growth of African SMEs and facilitating their access to capital markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through this call for application\u00a0up to 1000+ SMEs<\/strong>\u00a0will be selected across the African continent to join a\u00a0dedicated capacity-building program\u00a0designed to strengthen their capabilities and increase their readiness for capital markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Archipelagos Program pursues 3 overarching objectives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting the growth of African SMEs<\/strong> through the Archipelagos capacity-building Program with tailored training, mentoring, and networking, powered by a dedicated digital platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facilitating SMEs access to capital markets<\/strong> through the collaboration with local stock exchanges and a dedicated guarantee facility from the European Commission for the structuring of innovative financial instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a more favorable ecosystem for SMEs<\/strong> through the dialogue with local policy makers and institutions, and the engagement of key stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we offer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capacity building Program<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDP and the European Commission, through the project Archipelagos, recognize the importance of supporting the growth and development of African SMEs. To this end, CDP has designed a dedicated capacity building Program<\/strong> aimed at strengthening SMEs industrial and operational capabilities and preparing them to access the capital markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Program is structured around 3 core areas \u2013 training, mentoring, and networking<\/strong> \u2013 and is delivered through a hybrid model<\/strong>, combining both asynchronous and synchronous components to offer a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the Archipelagos digital platform<\/strong>, SMEs will have access to a vast learning catalogue of online courses, with differentiated learning paths<\/strong> according to the specific needs and stage of development. On top of the asynchronous component, webinars<\/strong> will contribute to make the learning journey even more stimulating, engaging, and interactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to training, SMEs participating in the Program will also receive dedicated support<\/strong> and will have access to a community of SMEs and investors<\/strong> providing them the opportunity to make valuable business connections, also at international level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access<\/strong> to the Archipelagos capacity building platform<\/strong> will be provided also to young university graduates \/ young entrepreneurs<\/strong> that are willing to enhance their business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to capital markets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Archipelagos Program offers a unique opportunity for SMEs to access the capital they need to grow and scale up their business<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the capacity building Program, the SMEs that demonstrate the readiness and potential to raise funds<\/strong> in the capital markets will be provided with tailored support and guided through the fundraising process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selected SMEs will in fact receive dedicated mentorship and coaching<\/strong> to best prepare for the interaction with potential investors<\/strong> (e.g., support in preparing a compelling investment pitch).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, they will be supported in the structuring of innovative debt instruments<\/strong> and secure funding at favorable terms thanks to the first loss financial guarantee facility from the European Commission<\/strong> that will enable attracting other investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are looking for participants willing to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n