Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Skills, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Fund under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) has opened its Startup Support Window, offering grants and business development support to young Gambians seeking to turn innovative ideas into viable enterprises.
Under the latest funding opportunity, the SIE Fund will support 75 startups annually, with each selected business eligible for a grant ranging from US$2,000 to US$2,758.
The initiative is being implemented under the World Bank-funded Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity (RISE) Project, a five-year programme aimed at strengthening foundational skills, expanding access to job-relevant training, and creating more income-generating opportunities across the country.
Targeting Young Entrepreneurs
The Startup Support Window is open to Gambian citizens aged between 18 and 35 who have formally registered their businesses with the Registrar of Companies.
Applicants are expected to present innovative business ideas with strong growth potential, supported by comprehensive business plans, market research, and financial projections. They must also demonstrate the commitment, capacity, and operational readiness required to implement their proposals.
The Fund said priority would be given to beneficiaries of Window 2 of the SIE Fund, particularly young people who have previously participated in skills training or internship programmes.
Focus on Strategic Sectors
The program will place particular emphasis on startups operating in sectors identified as priorities under The Gambia’s Recovery Focused National Development Plan 2023–2027.
These include agriculture, engineering, tourism, business, information and communication technology (ICT), as well as creative and performing arts.
The funding is intended to help entrepreneurs cover expenses such as product development, marketing, equipment acquisition, and other operational costs.
Beyond the grants, successful applicants will receive technical assistance through coaching and mentorship from business advisers and industry experts. They will also have access to incubation services, including co-working facilities, infrastructure, and networking opportunities.
Pitching and Selection
The application process will involve several stages, beginning with the submission of detailed business proposals.
Proposals will then undergo evaluation and shortlisting, after which successful candidates will be invited to a pitching event where they will present their business ideas to a panel of judges.
The SIE Fund Secretariat said it would also conduct online engagement workshops to help prospective applicants strengthen their business plans, improve financial management, and develop effective pitching skills.
Applications must be submitted online through the SIE Fund’s official portal, where applicants can access the application form, guidelines, and eligibility requirements. Proposals must include a schedule of activities and a detailed implementation budget.
Accountability and Complaints
The Fund warned that proposals failing to comply with the requirements of the call would be disregarded. It also reserves the right to request additional information or modifications from applicants.
Applicants who fail to respond to requests for clarification within five working days risk being eliminated from the process.
All beneficiaries will also be subject to the SIE Fund’s control and auditing mechanisms.
The Fund has established a grievance mechanism allowing beneficiaries and other affected parties to submit complaints without fear of reprisal. Complaints can be made through the toll-free line, the complaints book at the SIE Fund Secretariat, by email, or by letter addressed to the SIE Fund Secretariat at MoHERST.
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