The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a call for applications under its SME Financing Facility, offering grant and loan support to businesses seeking to scale operations, improve productivity, and drive sustainable growth.

The initiative, delivered in collaboration with development partners including the African Development Bank, is designed to strengthen private sector enterprises by improving access to finance and enabling long-term business expansion.

Focus on Growth and Impact

The facility targets businesses operating in key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, trade and services, and innovation-driven industries. Enterprises that promote job creation, value addition, and inclusive growth, particularly women-led initiatives, are encouraged to participate.

Selected businesses are expected to benefit from:

• IFC-backed financing
• Development-focused interest structures
• Flexible repayment terms
• Structured, compliance-based approval processes

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for IFC-supported financing, projects must meet specific requirements. According to the IFC, eligible projects must:

• Be located in a developing country that is a member of the IFC
• Operate within the private sector
• Be technically sound
• Demonstrate strong prospects for profitability
• Deliver measurable benefits to the local economy
• Meet environmental and social standards, including those of the host country

The IFC also notes that it does not typically lend directly to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) or individual entrepreneurs. Instead, much of its financing is channeled through financial intermediaries, which then on-lend to smaller businesses.

Enabling Private Sector Development

The financing facility forms part of IFC’s broader mandate to support private sector development in emerging markets. By working through partner institutions and focusing on commercially viable projects, the organization aims to unlock capital for businesses that can drive economic growth, create jobs, and deliver sustainable impact.

Application Deadline

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online before July 15, 2026. All submissions will undergo a rigorous due diligence process in line with IFC’s investment standards.

As global financing conditions tighten, initiatives like this are expected to play a critical role in helping businesses access capital while meeting international standards for sustainability and impact.