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Increasing market access and competitiveness
Background Narrative
To increase sales and jobs at Kyrgyzstani small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the USAID Enterprise Competitiveness Project will accelerate inclusive, market-led growth by fostering a system that increases market access and competitiveness, catalyzes investment, unlocks opportunities for women and youth, builds skills, and encourages a more enabling environment.
Project Objectives
Increased competitiveness of Kyrgyzstani SMEs and sustained, inclusive economic growth through
- expanded end-market linkages;
- increased SME human, social, and financial capital, and;
- an improved business enabling environment.
Project Activities and Approaches
- Leverage private capital through private sector partnerships
- Catalyze buyer-supplier relationships through business-to-business marketing events
- De-risk investment mechanisms through blended finance innovation
- Increase capital for youth- and women-led SMEs through accelerator programs
Anticipated Project Results
- 19,000 new jobs created by project-supported SMEs
- $39 million generated in incremental sales
- 80 youth- or women-led SMEs graduate from accelerators
- At least 70 high-potential, export-oriented client SME partnerships
- $60 million in private capital investment leveraged through a project fund
Funder: United States Agency for International Development
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Chief of Party: Hiqmet Demiraj, HDemiraj@ecp-kyrgyzstan.org
Project Specialist: Karla Munoz-Cholico, kmunoz-cholico@acdivoca.org
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Project Director: Art Gandilyan, agandilyan@acdivoca.org
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