Overview
The Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) Challenge Fund is providing matching grants starting from €50,000 to €200,000 for companies able to scale their inclusive improvements. Along with monetary assist, IAP additionally offers tailor-made non-financial help, together with:
- Business improvement recommendation
- Inclusive enterprise technique improvement
- Marketing, distribution, and funding readiness coaching
For choose grantees, IAP facilitates matchmaking with buyers and funders, providing entry to native and regional funding alternatives, in addition to ongoing funding mentorship.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for an IAP matching grant, your small business should meet the following standards:
- Inclusive Innovation: Your product, service, or enterprise mannequin innovation should instantly profit the base of the financial pyramid.
- Market Focus: Your enterprise should function in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, or Zambia.
- Commercial Viability: Your enterprise ought to have moved past the pilot stage and be producing income. Robust monetary techniques and well timed reporting are required.
- Co-Investment: Your enterprise should have the ability to co-invest no less than 51% of the complete venture price, both via money or in-kind contributions.
- Sustainability and Scalability: We are searching for companies with the potential for sustainable progress and impactful scalability.
- Responsible Business Practices: Applicants should adjust to native legal guidelines, moral requirements, labor rights, environmental rules, and anti-corruption measures.
Assessment Criteria
Applications shall be assessed primarily based on the scalability, sustainability, and influence of the innovation, in addition to the enterprise’s monetary well being and the skill to co-invest.
Application Process
- Application Open- 15 November 2024
- Application Deadline- 15 January 2025
- Shortlisting and Due Diligence- End February 2025
- Investment Panel Pitches- March 2025
- Grant Awards Announced- June 2025
To begin your software, register on the SmartME platform. Apply by 15 January 2025!
If you will have any questions throughout the software course of, go to our FAQ web page or the official website!