Applications are open for the WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund 2025 which aims to empower women entrepreneurs by enhancing their access to international trade, digital markets, and business support.
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline for the WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund 2025 is 13th October 2024.
Tell Me About The WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund:
The Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, launched by the WTO and the ITC in February 2024, aims to empower women entrepreneurs by helping them grow their businesses through international trade and digitalisation.
The USD 50 million WEIDE Fund will unlock opportunities in international trade and digital trade for women entrepreneurs by improving their access to:
- grants and support from financial institutions to reduce the financial gap
- technical assistance and training related to digital skills and improving export competitiveness
- export markets, with the aim of connecting more women to digital market platforms
- networks and support services, with the objective of creating more inclusive and effective business ecosystems including leveraging partnerships with the private and public sectors.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Entrepreneurship
Type:
Grant
Who can Apply For The WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund?
Additionally, the program is open to the following:
- women-led MSMEs in the formal sector which are already exporting or which are ready to start exporting
- women-led, micro and small enterprises in the formal sector with export potential.
- The WEIDE Fund calls on BSOs to apply to become a WEIDE Fund in-country partner. BSOs are critical to the successful implementation of the fund and will be called upon to support the fund with rolling out the call for applications to women-led MSMEs as well as identifying and leveraging new partnerships for the Fund.
- Partner BSOs will be selected based on criteria such as technical and operational capacity, commitment, country development status, and regional representation.
- By becoming a partner BSO with the WEIDE Fund, BSOs will be able to better support their women-led MSMEs to increase their export competitiveness, bridge the access to finance gap, and connect to markets through an increased digital presence.
Timeline:
- 11 Sep 2024 — Call for proposals from Business Support Organizations (BSOs)
- 1 Nov 2024 — Selection of BSOs
- 12 Dec 2024 — Call for BSO proposals for funding
- Feb/Mar 2025 — Selection of winners
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries
Where will the Award be Taken?
Geneva, Switzerland
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Additionally, applicants will benefit the following:
- Improve their business operations to increase their competitiveness
- Transact business and trade more effectively internationally
- Use new or more online channels to sell their products/services
- Create and upgrade employment opportunities
- Benefit from additional assistance provided by a corporate partner as a result of support from the Fund.
How to Apply:
To apply, fill out the application form here.