DFC USADF African Small Business Catalyst for SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa 2022

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) have launched the African Small Business Catalyst (ASBC) to bolster early growth-stage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in sub-Saharan Africa.

ASBC is a business accelerator that supports SMEs with loans ranging from USD$100,000 to USD$1 million and offers technical assistance (TA) and grants up to USD$100,000. ASBC targets SMEs in sub-Saharan African countries within the agriculture, food security, healthcare, and education sectors, as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) with special consideration to SMEs that tackle the climate crisis and address gender equity considerations through their work. 

About United States African Development Fund (USADF)

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. government agency established by Congress to invest in African grassroots organizations, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises. USADF's investments promote local economic development by increasing incomes, revenues and jobs, and creating pathways to prosperity for marginalized populations and underserved communities. Over the last five years, throughout Africa, with an emphasis on the Horn, Sahel and Great Lakes regions, USADF has invested more than $115 million dollars directly into over 1,000 Af...... read more

African Small Business Catalyst

Aim and Benefits of African Small Business Catalyst

What can ASBC offer my business?

• Debt investments up to USD$1 million
• Grant capital up to USD$100,000
• Intensive mentoring and training programs
• Targeted technical assistance (e.g., technology)
• Network of impact investors
• Impact first, catalytic partner (no dilution or claims on IP)

Requirements for African Small Business Catalyst Qualification

ASBC seeks to partner with for-profit businesses that are registered locally and majority African-owned. Ambitious, full-time management teams with a clear vision and that are driven to grow their business and deepen their social impact are ideal candidates. Businesses must have at least two years of operations and be revenue positive with a scalable product/service.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit USADF website.