Window 1

Business Window: Start-up Businesses and Early Stage Businesses

  • Potential applicants: Legally registered start-up businesses and early stage businesses
  • End beneficiaries: Refugees and host communities
  • Size of grants: Between 10,000 EURO and 20,000 EURO (BIRR Equivalent)

How to Apply

1st) Register Your interest based on your choice

2nd) download concept note form for Window 1

3rd) Save with file name in your desktop/laptop/tablet,

4th) Fill and complete the concept note; make sure all updates are saved. Look at the guidance on the website and on the form itself as you complete the concept note form.

5th) Once you have completed the form and are ready to submit, go to the tvetcf.org website and click the Window I, click Submit Concept Note, fill business name, email, phone number, trade license number, upload trade license and your concept note, then click on Submit

6th) upon completing data such as name, email etc… click “choose file” under the title “registration form” where you have to select the file with your completed concept note.

7th) Once linked, make sure the name of the attached file which is the right one appears in the box “choose file.”

8th) Then click the “submit” icon which automatically sends the file to the system.


Finally, if the whole uploading process is successful, it appears the following message on the window : “Submission is successful”


Download Window 1 Concept Note


2nd round of application is open.

Eligibility for Window 1: Round 2

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 license renewed for the latest year
  • You must also have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Fayda Name & Number.
  • Your business must also have a dedicated business bank account in order to receive the grant
  • Individuals or organizations awarded grants in the first round are not eligible to apply in this round.

What size of grant can I apply for? Between 10,000 EURO and 20,000 EURO (BIRR Equivalent)

  • 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 (i.e. the amount of grant money requested should be proportional to the size of employment deem to be created )
  • Applicants need to match 10% of the grant amount in cash or in kind and describe them out.

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 and 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.