Does the GOWE Program work with start-up businesses?
No. The GOWE Program only works with businesses with at least two year’s operations. Does the GOWE Program finance women’s associations? No. The GOWE Program provides partial guarantees to partner banks on loans made to legally registered enterprises that are majority owned by woman/women, and managed by woman/women at the executive level. The program offers training to women entrepreneurship associations to help them better work with their members. Why does the GOWE Program provide advisory services (training)? IFC and AfDB combine investments with advisory services in many projects across Africa to maximize developmental impact. By providing training, guidance, and support, combined with a loan or equity investment, businesses stand a better chance of succeeding. In Africa, many women entrepreneurs lack the formal training to launch or grow a business, which is why the GOWE Program is providing this support.
