Business Acceleration for Youth project

Business Acceleration for Youth is a five-year, innovative project is implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Framed around a resilience-led sustainability strategy, the
 project aims to strengthen the resilience of youth and women-led enterprises in Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje and Thyolo through the delivery of business development services creating growth-orientated, sustainable firms able to secure and effectively utilize investment.

Project components:
1. Incubation program: Supporting 450 early-stage businesses.
2. Acceleration program: Targeting 60 SMEs which have moved beyond the early phase.  
3. Access to Finance: Early-stage businesses will pitch for investment of $2500 and 30 SMEs will be supported with matching grants of up to $75,000.