Window 1

Business Window: Pilot Grants

  • Potential applicants: Legally registered start-up business and early stage businesses
  • End beneficiaries: Refugees and host communities
  • Size of grants: Between 500,000 BIRR and 1,000,000 BIRR
Download Window 1 Form


Deadline: All completed applications must be submitted before the deadline of 6:00pm (12:00 in the evening local time) on February 9, 2024

Eligibility for Window 1

Who can apply? Legally registered start-up business and early stage businesses.

  • All applicants must be able to demonstrate how their proposed project will benefit refugees and host communities
  • Your business must be able to sign a grant agreement with MoLS should you be successful in applying for a grant.
  • You must have the relevant business licence renewed for the latest year
  • You must also have a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
  • Your business must also have a dedicated business bank account in order to receive the grant

What size of grant can I apply for? Between 500,000 BIRR and 1,000,000 BIRR

  • The size of grant you should apply for should be in proportion with your planned activities funded under the grant
  • Value for money is a key consideration for the Fund and costs should not be inflated
  • The grant amount should not exceed 90% of the total project cost, and the matching funding should equal 10% of the total cost.
  • The matching funding can be provided in kind and/or cash.

What type of cost can be covered by the grant?

  • Personnel costs of the team members working on the project
  • Costs of technical assistance such as short term consulting support
  • Travel ad accommodation costs (where necessary for the project)
  • Equipment and small scale infrastructure
  • Office costs including telephone and internet

What type of cost cannot be covered by the grant?

  • Purchase of land or buildings
  • Purchase of vehicles
  • Entertainment and hospitality costs
  • Items already funded through other programs or institutions
  • Finance costs or repayment of debts

Do I need to share any costs?

  • All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are able to commit resources in cash or in kind of at least 10% of the total project costs themselves
  • - In-kind costs can include the value of your time, the use of premises and equipment, or other resources you may be contributing the project

What length of grant can I apply for?

  • The grant period is maximum 18 months covering the implementation of the project
  • Grant monies must be spent and reported on within this 18 month period

Can I operate outside of Addis?

  • Currently the focus of the Fund is restricted only to target groups operating in Addis Ababa regional administration. Applicants must be able to evidence this.