WIDU Launches New Local Call #SheBuildsBusinesses in Amhara region, Ethiopia
Women entrepreneurs in Amhara, Ethiopia will soon have a new opportunity to strengthen and rebuild their businesses. WIDU.africa in Ethiopia and the Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSD-E) project will launch the #SheBuildsBusinesses Local Call, a targeted funding programme designed specifically for women-led micro and small enterprises in the Amhara region.
Who Can Apply?
The #SheBuildsBusinesses Local Call is open to:
- Women entrepreneurs based in the Amhara region of Ethiopia
- Owners of formally registered micro or small businesses
- Businesses that have been operating for at least two years
- Companies with up to 20 employees
- Entrepreneurs willing to make a co-investment
Businesses from all sectors are eligible to apply. Whether you aim to stabilize your operations, rebuild lost assets, or expand your services, this call is designed to support your next step.
Attention:
- Applicants who have participated in WIDU's previous Local Calls are not eligible.
- Applicants who have applied for the Original WIDU Grant must first complete their existing project application before applying.
Limited number of participants
Attention, only a limited number of businesses will be selected for this Local Call. Applications will be reviewed based on clear criteria, including business viability, potential for job creation, and contribution to the local community.
What Support Is Offered?
Selected participants will receive:
- Financial support to invest in their business
- Individual coaching and guidance tailored to their needs
- Support to strengthen business resilience, growth, and job creation
Unlike other WIDU's other funding programme, Local Calls allow entrepreneurs to apply directly—without requiring support from the diaspora.
Why This Call Matters
In regions such as Amhara, many small businesses—especially those led by women—have faced significant challenges due to external shocks and structural barriers. Women entrepreneurs play a key role in supporting their households and communities. By investing in their businesses, WIDU and its partner PSD-E contribute to economic recovery, income generation, and long-term stability.
The #SheBuildsBusinesses Local Call aims to empower women to rebuild stronger businesses, adopt new tools such as digital solutions, and create opportunities for others through employment and innovation.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online via the WIDU platform. We will share a registration link on #SheBuildsBusinesses Call for Women Entrepreneurs in Amhara Region | WIDU soon.
If you are a woman entrepreneur in Amhara, this is your opportunity to rebuild, grow, and shape the future of your business. Apply now and take the next step with WIDU.africa.
About
PSD-E
“Private Sector Development in Ethiopia” (PSD-E), is a project by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of the Netherlands.
PSD-E implements interventions aimed at restoring local economies and strengthening the resilience, recovery, growth, and competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) affected by conflict in Ethiopia.
The project supports businesses directly to sustain or rebuild operations by improving their overall performance and creditworthiness, while also strengthening public institutions, Business Membership Organizations (BMOs), and Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) that support the private sector ecosystem.
WIDU.africa
Together with the African diaspora in Europe, WIDU supports the growth of African micro and small businesses to foster sustainable economic and social development across the continent. To do so, the project leverages diaspora remittances to funding to African businesses.
WIDU.africa is a regional project co-financed by the European Union and the Gates Foundation, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).