GrowthAfrica Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESO) Uplift Programme for African Entrepreneurs 2025

ESO Uplift Programme is a component of the Social and Impact Entrepreneurship (SIE) Project co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented by GrowthAfrica in collaboration with the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation(DRK) and the Amahoro Coalition. This transformative initiative aims to strengthen Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESOs) across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana, and Egypt, driving sustainable development in Africa.

This programme is designed to equip 45 Entrepreneur Support Organisations by providing them with the necessary tools to develop effective and impactful programmes to support impact enterprises over the next four years.

The programme is designed to review your current setup, take stock of your reality, internal and external, and then assess and redesign your offering to entrepreneurs. The programme will then support you in your efforts to mobilize your ecosystem, access resources, and reach the right entrepreneurs and businesses, as well as ultimately stand by you as you deliver your revised programme and entrepreneur support activities.

The programme is structured as follows:

Initial analysis of reality and programme redesign:

1. 6 virtual workshops from late July to late September
2. 1-on-1 follow-up sessions after each workshop from early August to mid-October
3. Curated pre-readings and preparation resources

Eligibility Criteria for GrowthAfrica Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESO) Uplift Programme for African Entrepreneurs 2025

Organizations interested in applying must meet the following criteria:

1. The organization must be legally registered and operating in one of the target countries:
2. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana, or Egypt.
3. Support social impact enterprises: Actively works with social impact ventures or entrepreneurs tackling pressing social, environmental, or economic challenges, and can demonstrate previous or current impact (e.g., number of ventures supported, jobs created, lives impacted).
4. Minimum of 2 years of operation supporting entrepreneurs or small businesses: Proven experience in providing incubation, acceleration, mentorship, training, or venture support services.
5. Capacity and commitment: Has a dedicated team and capacity to participate fully in the programme over its duration.
6. Language and communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English (programme language).

Benefits of GrowthAfrica Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESO) Uplift Programme for African Entrepreneurs 2025

Programme redesign support

1. 1-on-1 programme design advisory sessions
2. Resource & ecosystem mobilisation support
3. Access to online resources for content, tools, systems and template development
4. Networking and experience sharing sessions with peers (across cohorts & geographies)

Programme execution support

1. Add-hoc content delivery troubleshooting
2. Monthly progress check-ins
3. Quarterly peer learning sessions

How to Apply

For more details, visit GrowthAfrica Programme webpage

Application Deadline

May 26, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for GrowthAfrica Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESO) Uplift Programme for African Entrepreneurs 2025