Focus Areas

Through a variety of innovative approaches and demanded services, the Economic and Business Development Program (EBD) provides the foundation and opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and donors to achieve their goals of self-employment, effective growth, and self-reliance.

The EBD's business development and entrepreneurship focus area may be divided into the four sub-categories outlined below: social investments, business development services, SME policy, and entrepreneuship.

NOTE: The EBD does not award grants on a tender basis, but does accept innovative proposals for potential consideration as related to its focus areas. The EBD does not accept proposals for programs within the United States.

Social Investments

The EBD provides financing opportunities for organizations with double bottom lines and strong social missions, and promotes new and innovative approaches to business services. View a list of organizations supported by the EBD under this sub-category.

Business Development Services

The EBD supports innovations in business services in several countries to create viable markets for services for micro and small businesses. View a list of organizations supported by the EBD under this sub-category.

SME Policy

The EBD seeks to create environments that enable SMEs to grow, prosper, and contribute to the development of their local societies. View a list of organizations supported by the EBD under this sub-category.

Entrepreneurship

The EBD considers entrepreneurship one of the most important strategies for increasing opportunities for self-employment and expanding jobs in countries in economic transition. View a list of organizations supported by the EBD under this sub-category.