SMEs in Latin America and the Caribbean to get financing opportunity for information and communication technology
Source : http://www.barbadosadvocate.com
SMALL and medium size enterprises in the Caribbean and Latin America will have the opportunity to embark on new information and communication technology projects with the assistance of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The projects will have the a US $2 million backing from those organisation.
This call for Proposals is intended to support non-profit organisations in the development of ICT innovative solutions that will help SMEs to raise their productivity levels, penetrate new markets, and integrate value chains.
Each awarded project will receive a grant for up to $300 000.
The project proposals must be submitted by June 29, 2009.
The ICT4BUS Program also includes the Technology Transfer Facility to support the replication of ICT services for SMEs previously developed with IDB or MIF financing.
This facility operates under an “open window” mode as the project proposals will be evaluated on a “first come, first served” basis. The maximum contribution for each Technology Transfer project is $200.000.
The ICT4BUS is implemented in co-ordination with the Institute for the Connectivity in the Americas at the International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC/ICA).
The Multilateral Investment Fund, an autonomous fund administered by the IDB, provides grants, investments and loans to promote private sector growth, labour force training and small enterprise modernisation in Latin America and the Caribbean. (SB)