Their focus on the tourism sector, she said, was informed by the fact that it is one of Rwanda's priority sectors and one of the worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The programme is divided in two categories
For the Komeza accelerator programme, Yussuf said; “we’re looking for 50 established businesses for the SME stream."
In addition, 10 businesses will be selected through the innovation stream, which focuses on building and financing growth plans to increase resilience and mitigate the impact of the crisis.
What will entrepreneurs gain?
After application and selection processes, 60 successful SMEs will access funding which can go up to $50,000 based on the size of business.
The beneficiaries will be established or tech oriented businesses that leveraged on innovations to withstand the pandemic.
Allocation of funds will be done on a case-by-case basis, based on assessment of each business.
Dianah Mukundwa, the Head of Strategy and Business Analyst at Equity Bank Rwanda, noted that the businesses will be eligible for additional tailor-made loans as well as advisory support.
"Equity Bank will also help you make payments digitally and provide you with all banking services required,” she told the entrepreneurs.
“You will be treated well as an SME and you will be working with the best credit experts that will help support you. We will get the lowest interest rate possible to make the SMEs comfortable enough to use the funds allocated.”
Additionally, each entrepreneur will have a personal business coach to provide personalized support and help to keep the enterprise on track.
Who can apply?
Businesses in the tourism value chains are eligible for the programme. This includes, among others, hotels and restaurants and their suppliers, tourism schools, travel and tour companies.
The enterprises should also prove one year of operation with a high potential for growth. Only businesses registered in Rwanda can apply for the programme.
How to apply
The Komeza application process is two-fold. The first phase involves assessing the eligibility of the business for support.
Thereafter, the applicant is taken to the next stage where they complete a questionnaire which determines whether the applicant qualifies for the programme.
Application is done online here.
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