Call for Proposals: ESO Capability Enhancement Grant – Rwanda

The grant window will focus on strengthening the capabilities of ESOs through activities designed to bolster ESOs’ expertise and introduce innovative program delivery methods for existing programming, including, but not limited to:

• Strengthening the skills and knowledge of staff and management to enhance support for startups.
• Introduction of new, data-driven or technology-enabled methods for program delivery.
• Strengthening the network of mentors or sponsors to provide enhanced support to startups.
• Integration of adaptive methodologies to enhance overall program effectiveness.
• Enriching existing services through introduction of other value-add offerings.
• Development of a sustainable business model based on strengthening the capabilities and expertise of ESOs that leads to increase revenue generation, long-term viability and self-sufficiency in the delivery of enhanced service offerings.

Grant Dimensions

• Up to USD 225,000 per application, covering 100% of approved eligible activities. The grant sizes within this window will be contingent upon the funding requirements associated with the proposed activities that ESOs aim to undertake.
• The disbursement of the grants will be performance-based, based on the delivery of the defined milestones and in line with the disbursement schedules as outlined in the grant agreement.

Sectorial scope: Sector-agnostic, focused on ESOs supporting innovation-driven start-ups.

Geographical scope: Rwandan registered ESOs operating on local, regional or national scale.

Target Beneficiaries

• Rwandan registered ESOs, with a minimum of 5 permanent staff and average annual revenue not exceeding USD 600,000 for the last three years, seeking to elevate their capabilities in supporting high-growth startups. The ESOs should have been in operation for at least three years and able to showcase success with previous cohorts, highlighting their existing momentum.
• The ESOs must also exhibit commitment to long-term sustainability through development of sustainable business models for increased revenue generation beyond the grant program, showcasing adaptability and evolution towards financial independence.

Eligibility Criteria

• Legal entity status: Be a legal entity, duly registered in Rwanda (ESOs will be required to submit their certificate of incorporation/registration), acting as the sole applicant, directly responsible for the preparation and management of the grant application i.e. the implementing entity should be the one applying for the grant.
• Tax compliance: Must be tax compliant. A valid tax clearance certificate must be provided as part of the grant application.
• Financial stability as demonstrated by financial statements for at least 3 years.
• Only one application per ESO is allowed within the context of a specific call of proposals/cut off dates. ESOs submitting multiple applications for one call for proposal will be disqualified.

For more information, visit Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA).