SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Small Business Grants For Africans

African entrepreneurs can access various small business grant opportunities to support their businesses. These small business grants cater to startups with innovative ideas, existing businesses needing funding for operational costs, and enterprises in specific sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and education. To qualify, businesses must have a proven track record, registered business name, company registration, and a dedicated business bank account.

Some grants specifically support female-led businesses or those located in specific African countries or regions. When applying, entrepreneurs must provide detailed information, including staff count, revenue, and turnover. It’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and rules to avoid disqualification.

Before applying, research the type of grant offered and the requirements to increase your chances of success. Various foundations, organizations, and government agencies provide these grants, and understanding their focus areas can make your application process smoother.

To scale up your chances of success, ensure you:

  • Have an existing business or a convincing business idea
  • Submit a well-structured business plan or idea
  • Provide the cost of starting or growing your business
  • Demonstrate potential for quick returns and realistic goals
  • Register your business and provide financial records, including staff salaries (if applicable)

By meeting these requirements and understanding the grant opportunities available, African entrepreneurs can increase their chances of securing funding to grow their businesses.” Below are some of the Small Business Grants for Africans

  • SeedStars World is one of the business grants offered to entrepreneurs from Africa. Seedstars Africa is an organization active offering SME grants in over
  • Lundin Foundation. The Lundin Foundation is one organization offering business grants. established by the Swedish family by name Lundin in the year 2005. We develop strategic investments that pave the way for long-term economic prosperity. The Lundin Foundation develops strategic community investments that pave the way for long-term economic prosperity. By focusing on the individual strengths of each community, and assessing untapped market opportunities, the Foundation’s programs ensure durable success that goes beyond the life of an individual project. The Foundation believes communities deserve access to opportunities for growth. Successful local solutions demand out-of-the-box thinking, flexibility and an in-depth understanding of the surrounding environment. Visit Lundin Foundation Website

  • The Schwab Foundation was established in 1998 as a social entrepreneurship firm situated in Geneva, Switzerland to provide business grants across Africa
  • She Leads Africa Accelerator Grants. This business grants is offered annually to female entrepreneurs between the age of 18-35 and have already business …
  • African Entrepreneurship Award … The business grants is provided by BMCE bank of African with a focus to provide a platform for mentorship. SME grants to …
  • Unilever young entrepreneurs award can be the perfect grant for you if you aa social entrepreneur with impact and need supports as funds to scale your .
  • Root Capital. The Root Capital offer Business grants to empower entrepreneurs, businesses in Africa. Root Capital is a non-profit investment fund .
  • MEST Africa Challenge is a great business grants for entrepreneurs who are in tech business based in any of the country-Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana .
  • Tshikululu. Tshikululu Social Investments provides wide range of social investment and business grants to Entreneurs residing in Africa. Tshikululu is South Africa’s leading social investment fund manager and advisor, working alongside investors and other development partners to achieve sustainable social impact. We define social investment as any financial commitment – from grant making to impact investing – that seeks to drive and measure social impact. Apply For a small business grant

  • GroFin Grants is a private financial institution with the aim of providing business and entreprises in Africa with medium term financial support.
  • Innovation Prize for Africa. Innovative prize is one of the grants for African entrepreneurs. The business grants is aimed to encourage an innovation driven
  • Anzisha Prize. The African Leadership Academy’s Anzisha Prize provide young innovative African entrepreneurs with business grants if you are a founder of an …
  • Savannah Fund. The Savannah fund is also another fantastic option, as it provides startpus, business grants to African entrepreneurs. Savanah fund have over …
  • YALI Regional Leadership. The Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) was launched to support African entrepreneurs and invest in the future generation ..
  • African Women Development Fund. The business grants is provided to support organizations that are women led or tackling issues of female rights, security
  • USADF Grants for African-Owned Businesses. The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) invests grants of up to $250,000 directly into underserved community enterprises. USADF partners with community enterprises to support organizations that create and sustain jobs, improve income levels, and achieve greater food security. Deadline: June 30, 2024. APPLY HERE

VC4Africa

Guzakuza Agribusiness Fund

African Development Foundation

Acumen Business Fund

Ashden International Awards for Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries

  • Shared Interest. This business grants for Africans is lending support to basically young entrepreneurs in Africa. We act co-operatively, providing finance to fair trade businesses in up to 45 countries. The majority of these organisations support smallholder farmers who produce around a third of the world’s food but often struggle to feed their families. Apply Here

  • The Tony Elumelu foundation provides finance to innovative African business owners or startups with innovative ideas. They offer a $100 million

General small business grants

What is a Business Grant?

A business grant is a sum of money awarded to entrepreneurs and business owners to support their startups or business growth. Grants are typically provided by governments, corporations, foundations, or trusts and do not require repayment or interest. Unlike loans, grants are given without expectation of return or equity exchange.

Types of Business Grants

There are four main types of business grants available to entrepreneurs:

  1. Competitive or Discretionary Funding: Grants awarded based on merit, evaluated by a panel of judges or reviewers. Examples include federal government programs for farmers, traders, and artisans.
  2. Continuation Funding: Renewal grants for existing recipients, requiring partnership with current awardees.
  3. Non-Competitive or Formula Funding: Grants offered to eligible business owners who meet minimum requirements, often distributed by government or sponsoring organizations.
  4. Pass-Through Funding: Funds provided by federal government or donors to states/provinces, organizations, or foundations for distribution to entrepreneurs.

Numerous nonprofit organizations and corporations provide grants and other forms of assistance to small businesses. Here are a few programs that offer support to eligible small businesses across various industries:

  • 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program. Startups and small businesses seeking funding can do so on a rolling, year-round basis with the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator program. Since 2010, this program has offered businesses the opportunity for a four-month accelerator program based in San Francisco in addition to a $150,000 investment. Rules for applying can be found on the company’s website.

  • America’s Top Small Businesses 2024. The 2024 CO—100 America’s Top Small Businesses recognition program celebrates the achievements of 100 small and medium-sized U.S. companies, spotlighting their innovation and role in driving economic growth and community development. A total of ten businesses will be awarded $2,000 each, with one business receiving $25,000 as America’s Top Small Business of the Year. Recipients will also receive significant media coverage, access to industry experts, and exclusive networking opportunities to help promote their business and expansion potential. To qualify, businesses must be U.S.-based, in operation for over a year, and meet specific criteria on employee numbers and revenue. Applications can be submitted online until July 8, 2024, and mail-in applications must be postmarked by July 1, 2024.

  • Awesome Foundation Grants. Each month, the Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects. The Awesome Foundation is made of 84 independently-run chapters, with members contributing to a micro-funding pool that goes towards grant projects. Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups, and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • Bizee Entrepreneur Grant. Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers two grants to support aspiring entrepreneurs and students. The “Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant” provides $2,500 to a high school senior, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student in the U.S. with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in starting a business. The “Fresh Start Business Grant” offers $2,500 and Bizee’s Gold plan for free to adult entrepreneurs (21 years or older) in the U.S. planning to start a new business or significantly grow an existing one. Though dates for the next round of funding are “coming soon,” entrepreneurs can review eligibility and application criteria in the interim.

  • Fast Break for Small Business. The Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in collaboration with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, offers small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to win a $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Awarding a monumental $3 million in total grants and services, the initiative, currently in its third run, has already aided over 3,150 small businesses. The application window closes on September 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

  • The Freed Fellowship Grant. This grant offers a monthly $500 to qualifying business owners in the US. Applicants are evaluated based on a “5C Framework”, which assesses various aspects of applicants’ business. Along with the grant, applicants receive feedback on their business and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio, a community of ambitious business owners. Grant recipients are also eligible for an end-of-year grant of $2,500.

  • GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund. GoFundMe’s Small Business Relief Fund will match $500 grants to qualifying small businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and raise at least $500 through a GoFundMe campaign. The fund is backed by GoFundMe and corporations like Intuit QuickBooks, Yelp, GoDaddy, and Bill.com. Small business owners with existing campaigns can add the hashtag #SmallBusinessRelief to their campaign and fill out this form to confirm their business.

  • Intuit QuickBooks Grant Program. The QuickBooks Grant Program is offering $200,000 in funding for small businesses, awarding 20 U.S.-based small business owners $10,000 each, along with business mentorship resources to help drive their success. The program is one of several for Intuit’s Small Business Success Month, which recognizes and celebrates small businesses and provides tools, resources, and funding to fuel their growth. To be eligible, entrants must have been actively operating for a minimum of one year at the time they apply and must have less than 100 employees. Applications are accepted through June 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm PT.

  • Skip Monthly Grants. Small business aggregator Skip offers monthly grants for U.S.-based small business owners and entrepreneurs; grants are typically set at $1,000, though the exact amount varies by Skip’s monthly YouTube revenue. To be considered, you must have a Skip account and add the monthly grant to your Funding Assistant, as well as be subscribed to Skip’s YouTube channel. Applications for the June Skip Grant are due on June 24, 2024.

  • Skip Instant Grants. Skip offers Instant Grants on a rolling basis, providing funding opportunities with shorter turnaround windows. These grants are announced a couple of days in advance and generally occur twice a month. Applicants are required to participate in Skip’s YouTube livestream during the selection process. Learn more about these ongoing funding opportunities by following Skip on social media.

  • Small Business Digital Readiness Program. In partnership with Verizon, National ACE has developed a digital readiness program to help small business owners succeed in a digital world. The free online curriculum includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources to support your small business. Those who register for the program and take two courses are eligible for a $10,000 grant. This opportunity is rolling and you can learn more at the program’s webpage.

  • Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program. Small businesses often feel the effects of a natural disaster the hardest. It can be difficult when starting a business to suddenly have to raise money to repair a roof or attend to flood damage. To help offset some of these concerns and costs, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. The program helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and also provides immediate emergency funding when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for funding opportunities.

  • Walmart Spark Good Local Grants. Organizations can apply for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program provided by Walmart and Sam’s Club, which offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to address the unique needs of local communities. Tax ID status determines eligibility, with 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, and educational institutions qualifying. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with Q1 submissions being accepted through July 15; all organizations must be Deed verified and have a Spark Good account to apply.

Small business grants and programs

Some small business grant programs are confined to a specific entrepreneur demographic or business profile and they often have an application process that is easier to navigate. This is a sample list, so be sure to check with nonprofits and large corporations in your geographic area or industry.

  • 2024 Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program. The 2024 Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program is designed to support Black and Brown entrepreneurs from Los Angeles, Chicago, and NYC by offering coaching, a live crowdfunded pitch competition, and networking opportunities. To qualify, applicants must be revenue-generating, in good standing, and located in the city for which they are applying. The deadlines for applications are as follows: June 14 for Chicago applicants, October 9 for NYC applicants, and November 6 for Los Angeles applicants. Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, as well as access to the BGV Connect Incubator and a new network of business owners and investors.

  • Accion Opportunity Fund. The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs. Accion Opportunity Fund works with a clientele that is 90% diverse, has created and retained over 50,000 jobs, and has generated $1 billion in economic activity. Those interested in applying for a loan can do so here.

  • Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program. If you’re a seller in Amazon’s store, you may be eligible for the Black Business Accelerator Program. Created to support Black entrepreneurs, the program offers financial support, mentorship, business advice, and promotional support. Eligible sellers will have access to free imaging services, cash grant opportunities, advertising credits, and money toward start-up costs. You can learn more about this opportunity at their website.

  • Amazon Business Small Business Grant Program. Amazon Business’s third annual Small Business Grant Program is set to award over $250,000 this year to eligible U.S.-based small businesses. There will be one grand prize winner who will receive $25,000, along with four $20,000 finalists and 10 $15,000 semi-finalists. Grant recipients will also walk away with one year of free Business Prime membership, Amazon devices, and Amazon Basics products. Current Amazon Business customers with an annual revenue of $1 million or less are eligible to apply; applications are due on May 24, 2024, with winners announced on July 22, 2024.

  • Amber Grant Foundation. With a simple goal of supporting women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant Foundation was founded by WomensNet in 1998. The foundation awards a series of grants throughout the year, including the $10,000 Monthly Amber Grant, two $25,000 Annual Amber Grants, and $10,000 each quarter for The Startup Grant and The Non-Profit Grant, respectively. There are also 12 Business Category Grants — an additional $10,000 each month — with all eligible applications remaining active until the month of their specific category.

  • America’s Seed Fund. America’s Seed Fund, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers up to $2 million for U.S.-based startups and small businesses that are developing innovative technology. Project pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and official responses from NSF typically take one month.

  • Beyond Open Small Business Grants. This competitive grant program supports diverse-owned small businesses in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, offering funds for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate, with a total of $15 million being awarded across three rounds. In 2023, Foundation For The Carolinas selected 116 small businesses in Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity, which “supports six underinvested areas in Charlotte,” to receive a total of $4.8 million in grants from the Beyond Open program’s second round, aiming to enhance economic mobility. Those interested in the 2024 Beyond Open funding can subscribe to learn more ahead of the open application period beginning on August 5, 2024.

  • Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance. The Binc Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. Eligibility criteria include specific employment durations and financial hardship resulting from qualifying life events. Binc’s assistance process involves a confidential application and documentation verification, aiming to help individuals regain financial stability.

  • BREAKTHROUGH Program. The BREAKTHROUGH Program, hosted by digitalundivided and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co, promotes female entrepreneurship by providing $5,000 grants and extensive support to small business owners. The program offers valuable resources to female entrepreneurs, including virtual live sessions on business expansion and mentorship from industry leaders, along with opportunities to build community connections and increase visibility. Applicants must own a majority of a business registered for at least a year, with a minimum annual revenue of $50,000, and incorporate technology in their operations. Applications for the next cohort, taking place in Atlanta from August 6-22, 2024, must be submitted by July 14, 2024.

  • Carhartt For the Love of Labor Grant. Carhartt, a popular workwear distributor, created the Love of Labor grant program to help connect workers with trade programs in their local communities during an unprecedented labor shortage. Awards will be distributed on a rolling basis to “like-minded organizations” that are dedicated to the education, training, and placement of workers into trade jobs. Organizations with interest in the program can apply by reaching out to Carhartt directly. Nominations are accepted as well.

  • Cartier Women’s Initiative. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, initiated by Cartier in 2006, empower women impact entrepreneurs worldwide in various sectors, focusing on social and environmental sustainability. The program offers three award categories: regional, diversity, equity and inclusion, and science and technology pioneer. Winners receive financial support, coaching, and peer learning opportunities, with the diversity, equity and inclusion category open to all genders. Applications aren’t open yet, but aspiring entrepreneurs can prepare for the 2024 awards, which will feature 13 categories supporting 39 impact entrepreneurs globally.

  • Casper Accelerate Grant Program. The Casper Association aims to support the adoption of blockchain technology via Casper, a scalable blockchain network. To support innovation within the blockchain industry, Casper has opened the Casper Accelerate Grant Program. Those who want to build apps to support infrastructure, end-user applications, and research innovation are invited to apply. This $25 million grant program has a rolling application deadline, so you can apply anytime here.

  • Corporate Counsel Women of Color Entrepreneur Grant. Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) is offering five grants, each valued at $2,500, to support female entrepreneurs. To qualify, applicants must own a business that operates in the United States, has been in operation since January 1, 2020, and has generated over $25,000 in revenue since that date. The business must be a legal, for-profit entity, and the applicant needs to be at least 18 years old at the time of application submission. The review process is ongoing, with grants slated for distribution in January 2024 and January 2025.

  • The Emerging Technology Fund (ETF). ETF is a financial resource aimed at assisting growing companies in Massachusetts. It provides loans of up to $4,000,000 to technology companies for purposes such as acquisition, expansion, working capital, or equipment purchases. To qualify, companies must demonstrate strong management, technical advancements, market demand, and solid financial records, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to take the next step in their development and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

  • Etsy Emergency Relief Fund. If you’re an Etsy business owner, you may be qualified to apply for relief funding courtesy of a partnership with CERF+, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. The partnership was established in 2017, and both companies continue to provide up to $2,500 in funding through the grant program. To apply, you must have been a registered Etsy business for at least one year and have been affected by a natural disaster. This grant opportunity is rolling.

  • Foundation for a Just Society Grants. Foundation for a Just Society offers grants to local, national, regional, and global organizations and networks that support the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI individuals. Grants are issued four times each year (March, June, September, and November), with invitations for proposals extended two months prior.

  • Galaxy Grants. Galaxy Grants is on a mission to support women and minority entrepreneurs with their small businesses by offering valuable resources, tools, funding, and knowledge. They are running a $3,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway, sponsored by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) organization, with a quick 30-second entry process. The deadline to enter is June 30, 2024, and winners will be announced the following week. Plus, there’s an opportunity to win for both you and a friend, as each of you could receive a $3,750 grant if your friend wins, subject to the Terms and Conditions.

  • Giving Joy. Giving Joy is a charitable organization that empowers women across the world to dream big and create positive change in their communities through grants. These grants, ranging from $250 to $500, are available to those with businesses in any sector and can be used to start or expand businesses, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, or community projects that focus on benefiting women, girls, and families. Any woman over 18 is encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted until September 30, 2024.

  • HerRise MicroGrant. The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial aid to U.S.-registered businesses that are majority-owned by women of color, with a focus on businesses with innovative community solutions that are still struggling to obtain funding. Applications are reviewed monthly, with winners announced during the subsequent month’s HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer. Nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants are ineligible to apply.

  • Hivers and Strivers Investment Program. As an angel investment group, Hivers and Strivers works to provide capital to qualifying businesses. Specifically, the investment group funds projects submitted by veteran-owned and veteran-led businesses. Funding opportunities can range from $250,000 to $1 million. Those who qualify can apply for funding for a business idea on a rolling basis, but businesses reliant on government contracts are not eligible to apply.

  • IFundWomen Universal Grant Application. This is a resource for female entrepreneurs seeking grants. Through partnerships with brands like Visa, Caress, and Comcast, IFundWomen has deployed over $170 million in grants to entrepreneurs. Applicants gain priority access to funding opportunities and resources within the IFundWomen community.

  • Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. The annual Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards provides $50,000 to four to six Native artists, recognizing their lifelong efforts to nurture and pass on their cultural traditions through arts such as storytelling, clothing design, and music. The annual award aims to empower artists as leaders within their communities, supporting cultural preservation and community wellness. Eligibility is exclusive to Native artists who are either enrolled members or can demonstrate lineal descent from a recognized tribe, and who have been active in their art for at least a decade. Nominations — accepted until July 8 — must be submitted by someone other than the artist.

  • #MomsMeanBusiness. ZenBusiness, a company that helps others launch and run their own businesses, has created the #MomsMeanBusiness campaign to recognize the resilience of moms and celebrate their accomplishments. To help mothers take the first step toward entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness is covering business formation costs and will help entrepreneurs form an LCC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more. All mothers are eligible and costs will be covered for “every mom in America.” The program is rolling and you can sign up here.

  • National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants. According to its website, the NASE has distributed over $1,000,000 in grants to its members. Its growth grants provide up to $4,000 to assist with training, marketing, and more. You must be a member for 90 days before you are eligible to apply.

  • NGLCC Community Impact Grant. The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s (NGLCC) Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, offers financial aid to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars serving food, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligible applicants must be LGBTQ+-owned or LGBTQ+ ally-owned establishments that have not received two or more NGLCC Community Impact Grants in previous years. Application due dates vary by location, with the Central region deadline set for June 16, 2024, and June 25, 2024, for the West region.
  • Patagonia Corporate Grant Program. Patagonia’s corporate grant program offers between $10,000 and $20,000 of funding to nonprofits with missions to protect and preserve the environment. If you meet the grant requirements, you can apply today.

  • Queer To Stay. The Queer to Stay: LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative supports LGBTQ+ small businesses that serve as crucial community spaces, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color, women, and transgender individuals. The initiative is a collaboration between the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and SHOWTIME®, providing financial support to at least 25 businesses demonstrating financial need and community impact. Eligible businesses must be U.S.-based, for-profit entities that primarily serve the LGBTQ+ community and have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Applications for this year’s initiative are open until 11:59:59 p.m. on August 31, 2024.

  • RTC Women in Tech Fund. Rewriting The Code (RTC) works to support college and early-career women in tech by providing them with opportunities to help disrupt gender and racial inequality in the industry. The RTC Women in Tech Fund provides financial resources to women enrolled in undergraduate tech programs to help cover costs that may be an obstacle to education. There are three different grants available depending on each applicant’s specific financial needs. All applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • StartOut Scholarship Program. StartOut offers scholarship opportunities to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who wish to participate in their Founder Program and become a Giving Member. The initiative provides a 12-month membership for those LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have been underrepresented, underserved, and underestimated within their community.

  • The United States-Brazil Climate/Inclusive Education Grant Competition. The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund promotes educational partnerships between the United States and Brazil, focusing on study-abroad initiatives that support student accessibility, mobility, and engagement. The U.S.-Brazil Climate/Inclusive Education Grant Competition invites U.S. minority-serving institutions to collaborate with Brazilian educational bodies to develop initiatives centered on climate action and inclusive education. Proposals must outline clear implementation strategies and address student exchange challenges. Seven grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded; applications are due July 31, 2024.

  • The Wish Local Empowerment Program. This program brought to you by the e-commerce brand, Wish, assists Black-owned small businesses by dedicating a $2 million fund to support approximately 4,000 Wish Local partners. Recipients can receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2000, with flexibility in fund allocation. Eligible businesses must meet criteria such as having a Black-owned business with 20 or fewer employees and an average annual revenue under $1 million. Successful applicants will also join Wish Local, gaining access to its consumer base through various partnership opportunities.

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