ICA / GIZ Investment Readiness Programme

What is the programme?

ICA has partnered with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to deliver the Investment Readiness programme, aimed at helping Zambian businesses prepare for the investment process, and close investment deals

This programme offers a select group of businesses the chance to access an ever-growing collection of self-paced resources developed by our in-house team, and the opportunity to access coaching with the ICA team to identify and plug some of the gaps in being ready for investment.

Through the programme, the ICA team will help you identify areas which would benefit from attention and will give you access to a suite of resources which will help you develop your own solutions.  The ICA team will be there to support you all the way, including being available to give feedback and advice throughout the process.  

The programme will run from July 2022 to 15 October 2022. There is no charge for joining, but spaces are strictly limited. Applications close on 5 Aug 2022.

Who is the programme for?

Are you 

  • Considering seeking investment, but need help to prepare for the investment process?
  • Exploring new sources of finance but don’t know how to go about it or who to talk to?

Then the Investment Readiness Programme may be right for you.


We work with established businesses that are looking to grow, and that meet all of the following criteria:

  • Location:  Is registered and operational in Zambia
  • Stage:  Is able to demonstrate that is has generated at least US$ 100 000 in revenue over the past 12 months, and is seeking funding to be used to grow the business
  • Funding size/type:  Is seeking to raise between US$ 100,000 – US$ 5m+ of debt and/or equity
  • Sectors: Is operational in any sector
  • Environmental or Social Impact:  Must create a positive environmental or social impact through its products or services
  • Compliance: is registered and compliant with tax authorities, and has all operational permits and licenses in place
If this is you
APPLY HERE

How does it work?

1. Submit an application

Eligible businesses should apply. The ICA team will contact you to let you know if your application was successful.

2. Readiness assessment questionnaire

Eligible businesses will be invited to complete a Readiness questionnaire, which takes you step-by-step through aspects of your business and gives an overview of where you are.  The ICA team will review your information and supply a summary report.

3. Review gaps and make a plan

You will have the opportunity to chat through the results of your assessment questionnaire with one of the ICA team and together you can make a plan for how identified gaps can be filled.

4. Technical Assistance

Some gaps may need the help of a professional but most you can fill yourself – or at least make a start. ICA has a suite of resources that can help you.  The ICA team will help you prioritise and choose the right resources.

5. Troubleshooting advice

Once you have made a start with your chosen resource(s), you can share drafts of your work with the ICA team, pose questions, or talk through the process to help you in any way they can.

6. Document feedback sessions

Once you are happy with the document or resources that you are working on , the ICA team will be happy to review and give you feedback.

What resources are available?

The ICA team has built up a library of guidance notes, videos and templates to help you develop your capabilities in the following areas:

Basic preparation for investment

A series of openly available resources to help you understand the basics of pursuing investment, and working with ICA.
Criteria

Compliance & governance

Resources to help you understand good governance and structure looks like to investors.

Understanding impact

Understanding what impact is and having a viable impact strategy for your business are key to attracting impact investors.
Connections

Communicating with investors

Understanding what investors are looking for and how to structure your pitches and teasers.

Development support & webinars

The ICA team can support you where you need development in these areas.

We’ll also be arranging  webinar sessions to cover key areas and field questions from participants.

If your business meets the eligibility criteria and you need support

APPLY HERE

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