How to apply: Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism (ACFM) Agri-SME Support Program

Published: 23 Jul 2024

The Seed Lab is a key initiative to support agri-SMEs under the African Development Bank’s Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism’s (ACFM) Technical Assistance Window, delivered through Open Capital’s Agri-SME Support Program.

Unlock your Agri-SME's potential with the Seed Lab, a comprehensive, cohort-based capacity building initiative crafted by the African Development Bank and Open Capital. Leveraging decades of experience supporting Agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa, this exclusive ~3-month program is designed to propel your business forward. Join over 140 agri-SMEs from 20+ countries as we dive deep into your business model, refine growth strategies, and prepare you to access finance and have deeper impact in your markets. Led by industry leaders, the Seed Lab equips you with essential skills in strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership, to support sustainable growth and measurable impact.

Open Capital Agri-SME Support Program

Application Deadline	August 5, 2024
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	Open Capital
Gender	Men and Women

Requirements for Open Capital Agri-SME Support Program

To be eligible for the Seed Lab, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Geographic location: Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, or Nigeria
• Sector: Agribusinesses operating in food system value chains, and supporting ecosystem players, e.g., agricultural producers, input & equipment providers, processors, marketplaces, Ag-tech businesses, etc...
• 2023 annual revenues: US $100,000-$500,000
• Number of full-time employees: 5-50
• Capital raise target: US $50,000-$750,000
• Gender and climate integration: Prioritization will be given to SMEs with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices

Application Deadline

August 5, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Open Capital on docs.google.com to apply