CGIAR currently accepting applications for its Food Systems Accelerator Programme 2023.
Do you operate an agricultural company that has developed a climate-smart innovation to combat food insecurity and boost resilience in the East and Southern Africa region? Apply to this program to get individualized support and funding to help you commercialize your discoveries.
In order to assist agribusinesses in scaling up their climate smart technologies, the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator Programme was created. In order to address urgent issues in the value chains and support the development of stronger and more sustainable food systems, these innovations are geared toward agri-food actors.
The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator Programme’s overarching goal is to:
- Expand the use of innovative climate-smart food systems by strategically supporting climate-smart agribusinesses that are both profitable and open to all stakeholders.
- In East and Southern Africa, create a pipeline of agribusinesses that are inclusive and climate-smart.
- Through a six-month program that offers coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance in impact measurement and management (IMM), climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and business development, you may support inclusive climate-smart agribusinesses.
- Access to cash via derisking grants to grow CSA ideas and business models and connecting with private investors for additional funding.
Benefits
- Through this program, every agribusiness will work with CGIAR scientists and experts to receive coordinated and specialized evidence-based TA support that promotes adoption and strengthens their CSA practices, addresses specific ecosystem challenges, and increases their bankability. Similarly, Research and data will also be available to agribusinesses.
- Agribusiness teams chosen for this program will be trained on how to measure and manage impact effectively, use data to enhance business performance, find opportunities to add value, and achieve their desired outcome in terms of making a positive impact on the environment and society.
- Each agribusiness participating in this program will work with IFDC-2SCALE and its network to receive assistance with business development and investment readiness to help them obtain financing from the private sector.
- De-risking Grant: Four companies will receive USD 20,000 each, in accordance with their business scaling plans, following the conclusion of the accelerator program and Pitch Day.
- Gaining access to financiers and business associates will help you obtain further finance and possible business prospects.
Eligibility
- Business officially registered and compliant with regulatory authorities. Accompany the following:
- A Certificate of Incorporation for a Limited Company or Partnership Deed for a Partnership Business.
- 2 years audited accounts or management accounts for the period in operation.
- At least 2 contact details of company’s references.
- Team composition.
- Curriculum Vitae for management team.
- Tax compliance and (or) tax exemption certificate.
- A clear inclusive strategy for smallholder farmers, women, and youth within the business model in at least one of the following dimensions: ownership, management team, workforce and policies, supply chain and customers.
- Applicants must be a for-profit company and demonstrate commercial viability and either be profitable or on the path to profitability. NGOs, corporate companies, and consultants will not be considered.
- Operating in the following countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
Timeline
- Deadline 22nd December 2022
- First shortlist announcement – 13 January 2023
- Second shortlist announcement – 27 January 2023
- Final shortlist announcement of cohort -– 10 February 2023
- 6-month technical assistance – 1 March 2023 – 31 August 2023
- Pitch Day and announcement of grant recipients – 15 October 2023
For further information, click here
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