Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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$100K-$5M
Shared Interest is an impact lender that helps Black-owned SMEs, Black Southern African smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, and other small businesses in Southern Africa access credit. Its financing pathway focuses on businesses and farmers who have been excluded or marginalized by mainstream financial systems. Existing data indicates a typical ticket size of $100K-$5M, with a geographic focus on South Africa and sector interest including agriculture.
Access to credit
Shared Interest has provided a pathway to help Black Southern African smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, and small businesses gain access to credit despite being excluded or marginalized by the mainstream financial system.
Unlocked local capital
Shared Interest advances racial and economic justice across Southern Africa by unlocking local capital and strengthening resources that benefit emerging entrepreneurs and small and growing businesses.
Racial and economic justice
Shared Interest advances economic, racial, and gender justice in Southern Africa by mobilizing capital for Black-owned SMEs.
Job creation
The organization supports financial institutions that drive job creation and sustainable community development.
Sustainable community development
Shared Interest partners with impact-conscious investors and donors to support sustainable community development in Southern Africa.
Small enterprises and cooperatives with community benefit and clear repayment capacity.
Impact measurement support, ESG guidance, follow-on facilitation
Understand impact measurement requirements. Check if concessional terms have strings attached.
Applicants should clearly show how the business is Black-owned, women-led, or otherwise aligned with Shared Interest’s target groups in Southern Africa. Emphasize how access to credit will support job creation, community development, or agricultural livelihoods, especially if the business has been underserved by mainstream finance.
1994
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Multiple portfolio companies