United States Institute of Peace’s (USIP) Grant Program supporting innovative peacebuilding projects

United States Institute of Peace’s (USIP) Grant Program increases the breadth and depth of the Institute’s work by supporting peacebuilding projects managed by non-profit organizations including educational institutions, research institutions, and civil society organizations.

The Annual Grant Competition supports innovative peacebuilding projects involving research, the identification of promising models and effective practices, the development of practitioner resources and tools, the development and delivery of education, training and dialogue programs, and the production of films, radio programs, and other media.

The Grant Program funds projects focused on preventing, managing, and resolving violent conflict and promoting post-conflict peacebuilding in settings outside the borders of the U.S.

For more information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Grant Program.htm

How to Deal With Your Competitors Professionally

In today’s competitive world, every business has competition, and if you do not have, one will show up as soon as you start to operate. For any small business owner, competition is a reality and you must thus be prepared to compete and win. To get a clear perspective of the game, let’s pose and ask; who is your competitor? Your competitors are companies that satisfy the same customer need as your company.

Read more on How to Deal With Your Competitors Professionally

Tandaa Digital Content Grants - Call for Proposals

The second round of the Tandaa Digital Content Grant Call for Proposals is now open.

Companies and individual teams with innovative ideas that use web and mobile phone technology are invited to submit their proposals for a chance to be awarded a grant of US $10,000 - 50,000.

The objective of the grant is to stimulate ICT innovation and creativity while promoting economic growth in the sector. By supporting tech-entrepreneurs with the funds they need to successfully take their products to market, the Tandaa Grant hopes to grow the number of relevant and local web and mobile applications available to Kenyans.

For more information on categories and how to apply, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/Tandaa Digital Content Grants - Call for Proposals.htm

Nokia Create for Millions Contest

Nokia has announced “Create for Millions” a global competition that brings consumers and developers together to create applications for Nokia’s Series 40 mobile phones. Create for Millions also provides developers an opportunity to bring Java and web apps to millions of consumers worldwide and win their share of cash and prizes valued at One Million Euros.

The Create for Millions contest features four categories where you can bring out your best work for Nokia’s Series 40 phones:

1. In the Know – seeking your Series 40 web apps focusing on news and location-based information.

2. Fun & Games – Nokia are eager to try your Series 40 Java games and entertainment apps that will fill those spare moments during the day with amusing, unforgettable diversions.

3. Emotional Closeness – this is your chance to submit social networking apps that are developed either as Series 40 Java apps or web apps.

4. Access to Knowledge – share your life improvement apps (e.g., education, health, etc.), and in this category.

For more information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/Nokia Create for Millions Contest.htm

InvesteQ Capital Entrepreneurship Competition

InvesteQ Capital is a 7 year old company whose focus is to provide financing solutions to SMEs in Africa. The InvesteQ Capital Entrepreneurship Competition is a business plan competition preparing Kenyan SMEs for finance.

Eligibility

• Kenyan businesses registered in Kenya
• Financing requirement is between US$ 10,000 and US$ 1,000,000
• You aim to be profitable in the next three years.
• Your business is a growth business with a yearly growth rate in sales and/or employees of 30% annually.

For more information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/InvesteQ Capital Entrepreneurship Competition.htm

Private Sector Window of G-20 Food Security Initiative Call for Proposals

The Private Sector Window of the G-20 Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, administered by IFC, has launched an initial call for proposals from private sector firms and financial institutions seeking financing for agricultural projects in low-income countries.

This call is the first effort to identify opportunities to supply financing for investment and advisory programs for small farmers and small and medium enterprises that typically have difficulty attracting commercial financing. 

For more information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/Private Sector Window of G-20 Food Security Initiative Call for Proposals.htm

SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development

The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development is an annual awards scheme designed to find the most promising, innovative and locally led start-up social and environmental entrepreneurs in countries with developing and emerging economies. 

An international jury of experts selects enterprises which have the potential to make real improvements in poverty eradication and environmental sustainability while contributing to a greener economy

For more information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development.htm

African Women Development Fund Grants

African Women Development Fund (AWDF) is an institutional capacity-building and programme development fund, which aims to help build a culture of learning and partnerships within the African women's movement.

The AWDF funds local, national, sub-regional and regional organisations in Africa working towards women's empowerment.

In addition to awarding grants, the AWDF attempts to strengthen the organisational capacities of its grantees.

For further information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/African Women Development Fund.htm

2011 Chase Bank Enablis ILO Business Launchpad competition

The Enablis Entrepreneurial Network East Africa, Chase Bank and the International Labour Organization launched the annual business plan competition aimed at supporting emerging and existing entrepreneurs on July 5th 2011.

The 2011 competition got a boost when the ILO’s Youth Entrepreneurship Facility generously increased their sponsorship to share the title sponsorship with Chase Bank.

The competition is also supported by Inoorero University, Business Daily, Safaricom Foundation, MobiKash, Rhino Special Products and the Kenya ICT Board.

The competition is a platform for Kenyans with business ideas to realize their dreams.

For further information, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/2011 Chase Bank Enablis ILO Business Launchpad.htm

Thomson Reuters Course on Financial and Economic Reporting

Thomson Reuters is offering a five-day course designed to help journalists in East Africa to strengthen their reporting on financial and economic topics by developing their understanding and skills. The course will include practical exercises and live reporting.

The course will take place in Kampala, Uganda, at the end of September. Thomson Reuters Foundation offers bursaries for journalists from developing countries in political transition. The deadline to apply is August 15^th 2011.

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.trust.org/trustmedia/journalism-training/courses-detail.dot?id=d6ce2a00-e052-47c1-842b-0d96af62b130

For more course announcements, visit http://www.yipekenya.org/News.htm

SOCAP 2011 Social Entrepreneur Scholarship Program

You’re in the wrong place if you just have an idea without a business plan, design methodology, or track record. However, if you are ready to launch with all of these things and are committed to working at the intersection of money and meaning, then you are welcome to apply for 1 of 50 scholarships to SOCAP11.

For more information on how to apply visit http://www.yipekenya.org/SOCAP Social Entrepreneur Scholarship Program.htm

Business resources: Travel Agency Business Plan template

A travel agency is a retail business that sells travel related products and services on behalf of airlines, car hire companies, hotels, conference facilities, etc

The travel agency business is one of the most exciting business opportunities available to entrepreneurs. It can be done full or part-time basis. Create your own travel agency business plan with this simple template »»

How to write a budget for your business

A budget is probably the most crucial document required for your business. 

To start on your budget you first have to define what expenses you anticipate will occur. These can be categorised into operating expenses and overheads. Operating or working expenses include items such as stationery, fuel and communications which are variable in terms of how they are used. Overheads cover the fixed costs of a business, including items such as rent and machinery.

Read more on how to write a budget for your business

The 9th SIFE Kenya National Business and Entrepreneurship Competition

Date: July 9th 2011

Venue: Panafric Hotel, Nairobi

Time: 7.00am - 4.30pm

For the last 8 years, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE Kenya) has mentored over 4,000 university undergraduates on business leadership through community outreach projects and business competition.

One key component of SIFE Kenya activities is an annual business competition that helps identify which university had the highest impact in its outreach projects. The winning university then proceeds for an international business competition - this year, set for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in early October.

Find out more about this event on http://www.yipekenya.org/SIFE Kenya National Business and Entrepreneurship Competition.htm