FAQs

The window aims to:
•    Empower young entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts.
•    Promote business growth through resources and mentorship.
•    Foster innovation and create jobs by supporting startups that address national needs.
 

To be eligible, you must meet all the following criteria:
•    Be a Gambian citizen and resident of The Gambia.
•    Be between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of application.
•    Have a business that is formally registered with the Registrar of Companies at the Ministry of Justice in The Gambia.
 

The primary applicant(s) and business owners must all fall within the 18-35 age range. The application and supporting documents (IDs) for all owners will be checked against this criterion.
 

No. The business must be formally registered. A copy of your official Business Registration Certificate is a mandatory requirement for eligibility.

The fund is looking for innovative startups with high growth potential in three main categories:
•    Technology-driven startups: Offering innovative solutions in sectors like Agriculture, Engineering, Tourism, Business, and Performing Arts.
•    Social enterprises: Tackling social or environmental challenges with a sustainable business model.
•    Creative industries: Developing innovative products or services aligned with The Gambia’s National Development Plan (e.g., in arts, culture, fashion).
 

Yes. Priority will be given to applicants who are beneficiaries of Window 2 (Promoting Relevant Skills Development) of the SIE Fund. This includes those who have participated in skills training, internships, or other relevant programs.
 

You can still apply. However, you must demonstrate Operational Readiness. This means you need to have a clear plan for launching within 6 months of receiving support. Evidence could include a product prototype, initial customer interest, or a detailed launch plan.
 

The SIE Fund has a Grievance Mechanism. You can submit complaints through the following channels:
•    Phone: 00220 3160194 / 220 2277978
•    Email: siefmoherst@gmail.com
•    In Person: Using the complaints book at the SIE Fund Secretariat, MoHERST.
•    Letter: Addressed to the SIE Fund Secretariat, MoHERST.
You have the right to complain openly and transparently without fear of reprisal.

 

A total of 75 startups will be selected. Each successful startup will receive financial and material support ranging from $1,500 to $2,350.
 

No. The support will be provided in-kind. The SIE Fund Secretariat, with support from the CPCU, will procure the goods and services outlined in your approved budget, following the public procurement rules (GPPA). A small percentage (5-10%) of the grant can be for consumables and operational costs, but these will also be procured for you.

The grant is to support critical business needs. In your application, you must include a list of equipment and their estimated costs. Funds can be used for things like:
•    Product development
•    Marketing and sales initiatives
•    Acquisition of equipment and materials
•    Consumables and operational costs (a portion of the grant)
 

The program offers robust technical assistance, including:
•    Mentorship: You will be connected with experienced mentors for ongoing guidance.
•    Coaching: You will receive coaching to strengthen your business plan before the support is provided.
•    Entrepreneurship Training: Beneficiaries will have access to training by experienced institutions.
•    Incubation Services: Selected startups may get access to co-working space and networking opportunities.

 

Proposals are evaluated by a panel of assessors. An independent external observer will also be present during the evaluation process to ensure transparency. A pitching event will also be part of the selection process for shortlisted candidates.
 

You must submit a complete application. This includes the completed application form (Section A-D) and all required attachments, including a detailed business plan. Your application must also include a list of the equipment you need and their estimated costs. The application should be submitted online

The process is multi-stage:
1.    Application: Submit your proposal.
2.    Evaluation: Your proposal will be assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria.
3.    Pitching Event: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges.
4.    Notification: All applicants will be informed of the final decision.

Yes. The SIE Fund Secretariat will organize Online Engagement Workshops to help aspiring entrepreneurs with business plan development, financial management, and pitching techniques. They will also provide online resources and application guides.
 

Your business plan must be comprehensive and should include, at a minimum:
•    Market analysis
•    Description of products and/or services
•    A clear marketing and sales strategy
•    A financial sustainability plan
•    Employability potential (job creation forecast)
•    Operational plan and risk analysis

Your proposal will be scored based on four main criteria, each with a specific weight:
•    Employability Potential (30%): Job creation and alignment with market demands.
•    Quality of Service/Product (30%): The strength and consistency of your business plan.
•    Financial Sustainability (25%): A realistic and comprehensive budget.
•    Strategic Alignment (15%): Alignment with national priorities and the SIE Fund's goals.
 

This is your final score, calculated from the weighted criteria. According to the rules, only proposals with an MP score greater than 70% and that did not receive a score of '0' on any single criterion will be considered for funding.
 

Yes. Prior to the final evaluation, a site verification will be conducted to verify the claims made in your application.
 

Disbursement of support will be based on achieving agreed-upon milestones as stipulated in your contract.
 

Yes. All successful beneficiaries will be required to provide a guarantor who is a Gambian citizen and resident of The Gambia at the time of contract signing.