The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched a funding portal for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya and Uganda, marking a significant milestone in supporting business development in the region. The new digital platform aims to provide MSMEs with critical resources and support, providing them with comprehensive tools to improve business growth and sustainability.
In Kenya, the gateway will be hosted by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and by the Private Sector Foundation (PSFU) in Uganda. This localized approach ensures that the platform is tailored to the specific needs of each country.
The system gives users access to financial instruments, enterprises and sustainable development services available in their country: they can filter, analyze, match their needs and connect directly to providers for free.
Beyond lending, the platform offers a range of tools to help small businesses grow, including news and event alerts to keep entrepreneurs informed about industry trends and opportunities and a collection of downloadable learning resources to improve business knowledge and skills.
This multilingual platform works on mobile phones, computers and tablets and is easy to maintain by the host. Subscribers can also receive updates and notifications about new facilities and resources via email. Providers can update their data with an easy-to-use template and workflow system for administrators.
The launch of the MSME Financing Gateway represents a significant step forward in supporting East African SMEs by providing a centralized platform to access key business resources, paving the way for greater growth and development in the region.
