We are thrilled to announce a significant new partnership between Aurora Foundation and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, and cooperatives in Sierra Leone. This collaboration is part of the ILO’s Market Systems Development Initiative under the Opportunity Salone Project, aimed at creating decent jobs for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
The Opportunity Salone programme, now in its third year, focuses on enhancing economic resilience and job creation in the districts of Bo, Kenema, Bombali, and Port Loko. Funded by the European Union, the programme aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30, emphasizing food security, human capital development, and inclusive job creation. The project aims to enhance agricultural value chains for SMEs, improve infrastructure through feeder road maintenance, and create a supportive business environment for entrepreneurship.
Our collaboration will focus on the incubation of ten selected enterprises over ten months, enhancing their business and technical skills in three vital value chains: vegetables, cassava, and palm oil. This initiative is designed to improve competitiveness and market access for Micro Small and Mid-sized Enterprises, as well as increase the number of decent jobs while enhancing job quality for women and men.
To achieve these goals, the project will include tailored assessments to identify strengths and bottlenecks, business development workshops focused on business models and market research, financial literacy programs to enhance understanding of finance and funding opportunities, and market linkages connecting agri-businesses with potential buyers and distributors. Additionally, we will introduce modern technology to improve business processes and provide mentorship by pairing entrepreneurs with experienced industry mentors.
Deliverables will be tracked through regular reporting, focusing on milestones such as diagnostics, implementation of business strategies, technology adoption, and market linkages. Aurora Foundation is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals, especially marginalized groups, can thrive. We believe that by empowering MSMEs and promoting inclusive growth, we can help build a sustainable future for all.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and success stories from the entrepreneurs we support!
Together, we can make a difference!
