Window 2

Business Window Scale-up Grants


  • Potential applicants: Growth and larger established businesses
  • End beneficiaries: Refugees and host communities
  • Size of grants: Between 1,000,000 BIRR and 12,000,000 BIRR

Download Window 2 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 2

Who can apply? Growth and larger established 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 1,000,000 BIRR and 12,000,000 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
  • For Window 2, the size of grant you apply for should not be larger than your total annual sales or annual turnover

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 of 24 months covering the implementation of the project.
  • Grant monies must be spent and reported on within this 24 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.