The 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 with the necessary tools to develop effective and impactful programmes that support impact enterprises over the next four years.
This programme aims to strengthen your organisational foundation. It provides solutions to streamline your organisation and its management, optimising operational efficiency. Furthermore, they equip you with the strategies and insights needed to identify and acquire the right entrepreneurs for your programmes, ensuring impactful engagement. Our support also focuses on enhancing your internal capacity to run effective capacity-building programmes and to develop the necessary expertise to support entrepreneurs in their growth efforts.
Cultivate a thriving ecosystem: They facilitate the development of a robust network by helping you build an ecosystem of supporters and contributors, fostering a collaborative environment for entrepreneurship. You will also have opportunities to connect with and learn from peers; form knowledge and resource sharing networks, enriching your knowledge base and expanding your reach.Enhance financial sustainability: The resources include guidance and strategies to improve your fundraising and revenue generation, ensuring the long-term viability and growth of your ESO and its initiatives.
Amplify your achievements: Learn effective methods for documenting and communicating your impact, allowing you to showcase your successes, attract further support, and refine your strategies for even greater outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Organisations interested in applying must meet the following criteria:
The organisation must be legally registered and operating in one of the target countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana, or Egypt.
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).
Minimum of 2 years of operation supporting entrepreneurs or small businesses: Proven experience in providing incubation, acceleration, mentorship, training, or venture support services.
Capacity and commitment: Has a dedicated team and capacity to participate fully in the programme over its duration.
Language and communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English (programme language).
For more information, visit GrowthAfrica.
