CALL FOR APPLICATION: SOUTH SUDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
- poni816
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 24
The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in collaboration with Open Capital Advisors (OCA), is implementing the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF), funded by the South Sudan Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare through UN Women. This initiative empowers South Sudanese women entrepreneurs aged 18 to 60 by offering training, advisory services, and financing to help them expand their businesses and access new markets.
About WEOF & SSWSEEP
WEOF is part of the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP), which supports women-owned businesses, services for survivors of gender-based violence, and institutional strengthening for women's empowerment. The WEOF Growth Lab, implemented by Open Capital with IRC, UN Women, and the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, provides technical assistance, coaching, and catalytic grants to support women-owned businesses with annual revenues above USD 100,000.
📌 Application Deadline: March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM CAT/GMT
📌 Rolling Basis Review: Applications will be assessed as they are received.
Program Overview
This Call for Applications invites South Sudanese women entrepreneurs to participate in the Seed Lab and Growth Lab programs. These programs cater to businesses of various sizes, providing tailored support, expert mentorship, catalytic grants, and access to a strong peer network to help businesses scale and thrive.
Seed Lab (Emerging Micro and Small Businesses)
The Seed Lab offers two key interventions: Bootcamp and Accelerator Program.
Bootcamp
A 5-day training on basic business skills and financial literacy.
Training on financing basics, business skills development, and banking.
The best entrepreneurs from the Bootcamp will advance to the Accelerator Program.
Participants in the Bootcamp are not eligible for business financing.
Accelerator Program
A 3-month in-depth training for selected businesses.
Business advisory support and mentorship.
Access to a ‘How We Connect’ network with Financial Service Providers (FSPs), government, and private-sector partners.
Participants in the Accelerator Program are eligible for business financing between USD 2,000-4,000.
Seed Lab Entry Requirements
South Sudanese female entrepreneur aged 18-60 years.
Business must be located in Juba, South Sudan.
Annual business revenue between USD 2,000-99,000.
Business must have existed for at least 12 months.
Business must have at least one employee.
Businesses that meet the above criteria will also be required to submit the following documents during the initial application process:
Brief business profile
Certificate of business registration or trading license issued by the Local Government
Bank Account Statements or financial records/mobile money transaction evidence
Tax payment receipt from the Local Government/revenue authority
List of employees and their details
A copy of the business owners’ South Sudan National Identification Card
Growth Lab (Medium and Large-Sized Businesses)
Growth Lab Offers
Tailored business development support.
A 10-month program designed to scale businesses, strengthen operational models, and improve access to financing.
Market access support.
One-on-one coaching by experienced business consultants.
Catalytic grant funding of USD 15,000-50,000 for immediate business needs.
Growth Lab Entry Requirements
South Sudanese female entrepreneur aged 18-60 years.
Business must be located in Juba, South Sudan.
Annual business revenue between USD 100,000 and above.
Business must have at least 5 employees.
Business must have existed for at least 12 months.
Businesses that meet the above criteria will also be required to submit the following documents during the initial application process:
Brief business profile
Certificate of Incorporation from the South Sudan Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
Membership Certificate from the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
Operation License from the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Retained business and financial records, including past bank statements for the last 6 months and at least one year of financial statements or management accounts
Tax identification number
Tax clearance certificates
List of business staff (including Name, Job Title, Gender, Mobile Number, Employment status i.e. full or part-time)
South Sudanese National ID
Priority Sectors and Businesses
Sector | Examples of Eligible Businesses |
Agriculture & Livestock | Poultry farming, Veterinary training, Livestock processing (slaughtering, smoking, freezing), Fish processing, Agro-processing, Horticulture & tree nurseries, Agricultural input handling (machinery, tools, seeds, irrigation, cooling technologies), Cold storage solutions |
ICT & Manufacturing | Laptop & tablet maintenance and repairs, ICT training, Software & mobile application development, Hardware & equipment retail |
Energy & Environment Protection | Solar product assembly (panels, pumps, batteries, water heaters), Solar-related cooling & storage solutions, Clean cooking energy |
Tourism & Hospitality | Lodging & hotel services, Catering services |
Media & Entertainment | Digital marketing & social media production, Photography studios, Printing & branding, Audio-visual content creation, Event & talent management |
Financial Services | Money transfer agents, Micro-financing institutions (e.g., asset-based micro-lending) |
Healthcare | Medical clinics, Healthcare training & extension services, Pharmaceutical distribution, Medical supplies |
Creative Arts | Fashion & textile making, Jewelry & craft making, Ceramic production, Beadwork & embroidery |
Beauty & Cosmetics | Beauty salon manufacturers, Cosmetic wholesalers & distributors |
How to Apply
Women entrepreneurs can collect FREE application forms from:
Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce
Central Equatoria State Women Union
Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare
Or Scenius Hub for our community members.
Alternatively, applications can be made online via the official landing page for Growth lab applications:
OR
Download the Application Forms Below and submit to the designated Drop Off Locations:
Submission Instructions
Complete the application form and place it in a sealed envelope along with all required documents. Clearly label the envelope with “Seed Lab Application” or “Growth Lab Application”.
Submit applications at the designated drop-off points listed above (Except Scenius Hub).
Deadline for application submission: 18th March 2025. (Extended to 31st of March, 2025)
For online submissions:
📩 Email: WEOF@opencapital.com
Specify whether you are applying for Seed Lab or Growth Lab.
Important Dates
📅 Start Date for Application: 17th February 2025
📅 End Date for Application: 18th March 2025 (Extended to 31st of March, 2025)
⏰ Collection Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WEOF Connect
WEOF Connect is a cross-cutting platform and community to enable women entrepreneurs to build networks, share learnings, and sign up for diverse training, e.g., how to navigate South Sudan’s business regulatory environment. It will also serve as a hub for ecosystem engagement, bringing together industry experts, representative associations, policymakers, and investors to share insights and address market-wide challenges facing businesses in South Sudan. Access and participation will be available to Seed and Growth Lab participants, alumni, and other high-potential South Sudanese WSMEs.
For any questions or further information about the program, please contact the program implementers:
Open Capital at weof@opencapital.com
IRC South Sudan at weof@rescue.org or call +211 928 006 920 / +211 911 191 658
Disclaimer
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The program implementers reserve the right to select participants based on eligibility criteria.
For any feedback, concerns, or complaints, please contact:
📞 0920808912 or 0917111596
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