A joint initiative of the World Commerce Group (WTO) and the Worldwide Commerce Centre (ITC), the WEIDE Fund is supported by a USD 50 million dedication to empower ladies entrepreneurs and assist them thrive in international markets by the usage of digital instruments and platforms.
WTO Director-Common Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasised the significance of inclusive entry to digital commerce alternatives: “Digital commerce is reshaping the worldwide economic system. Girls — together with these in growing nations — have to be on the forefront. The WTO-ITC WEIDE Fund is about powering development, innovation and job creation. It displays the WTO’s broader dedication to sustainable and inclusive re-globalization, the place nobody is left behind.”
The WEIDE Fund provides two kinds of grants:
- Discovery Grant (as much as USD 5,000): For early-stage companies exploring digital commerce alternatives.
- Booster Grant (up to USD 30,000): For companies able to scale up their digital presence and increase into international markets.
Past monetary assist, the WEIDE Fund gives technical help, mentorship and entry to worldwide enterprise networks. The initiative goals to construct the long-term competitiveness and resilience of women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) concerned in e-commerce, on-line providers, or different types of digital commerce in addition to these prepared to have interaction in these actions.
ITC Govt Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted the significance of eradicating obstacles for ladies in international commerce: “ITC is dedicated to breaking obstacles for ladies exporters and making certain they’ve the assets wanted to reach the digital economic system. The WTO-ITC WEIDE Fund is a chance for women-led companies to entry not solely funding but in addition the experience and networks important for long-term success.”
The WEIDE Fund introduced on 7 March the collection of 4 pilot beneficiary nations: Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia and Nigeria. Enterprise assist organizations in these nations had been chosen from a aggressive name for proposals to implement programmes that may assist ladies entrepreneurs increase their enterprise by worldwide commerce and digitalization.
To be eligible for assist, women-led companies have to be:
- Registered and operational within the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, or Nigeria
- Export-ready and eager to have interaction in digital commerce
- In a position to display potential for enterprise development and job creation
The applying interval runs from 22 April to 18 Might 2025 for the Dominican Republic, Mongolia and Nigeria. Purposes from Jordan shall be accepted at a later stage.
In every nation, the WEIDE Fund collaborates with the following enterprise assist organizations (BSOs) to strengthen outreach and native engagement:
- ProDominicana
- Jordan Enterprise Growth Company (JEDCO)
- Mongolian Nationwide Chamber of Commerce and Trade (MNCCI)
- Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
The WEIDE Fund has been made potential by the assist of the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund.
For extra particulars on eligibility and methods to apply, go to wto.org/weidefund or contact [email protected].
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