High-potential small and medium-sized enterprises across emerging markets can now compete for grants of up to US$1.5 million under the International Finance Corporation’s SME Growth Accelerator 2026, opening fresh opportunities for businesses seeking to expand operations, create jobs, and reach new markets.
- High-potential small and medium-sized enterprises across emerging markets can now compete for grants of up to US$1.5 million under the...
- The initiative, launched by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, combines grant funding with business...
- Beyond financial support, successful applicants may receive mentoring, access to business networks, and opportunities for follow-on financing that could help...
- The programme seeks proposals that can strengthen business performance while delivering measurable economic benefits.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Accelerator — everything you need to know is covered below.
The initiative, launched by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, combines grant funding with business support, mentorship and networking opportunities. The programme helps promising enterprises overcome financial barriers and strengthen their long-term growth prospects. Applications remain open until 15 November 2026.
Funding to Drive Business Expansion
Eligible businesses can apply for grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$1.5 million, depending on the scale of their proposals and expected development outcomes. Beyond financial support, successful applicants may receive mentoring, access to business networks, and opportunities for follow-on financing that could help accelerate future growth.
The programme welcomes applications from for-profit SMEs operating in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Eligible businesses are expected to have between 10 and 250 employees, annual revenues of between US$250,000 and US$10 million, and clear plans for expansion into new or existing markets.
Wide Range of Eligible Activities
Grant funding may be used to support working capital, pilot projects, technical assistance, climate-related investments, environmental, social, and governance initiatives, market research, feasibility studies, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and monitoring activities. The programme seeks proposals that can strengthen business performance while delivering measurable economic benefits.
Applicants are expected to submit detailed proposals outlining their business model, growth strategy, funding requirements, implementation timetable and expected impact. Projects that demonstrate strong scalability, sound financial planning and the capacity to create quality employment are likely to attract greater attention during the assessment process.
IFC Backs Private Sector Growth
The International Finance Corporation is the largest global development institution focused on private sector investment in developing economies. Working in more than 100 countries, IFC provides financing, advisory services and investment support to businesses that contribute to economic development and job creation.
According to the IFC, small and medium-sized enterprises remain central to employment and economic activity across emerging markets, yet many continue to face limited access to finance. The SME Growth Accelerator seeks to address this challenge by combining grant funding with technical support that helps businesses strengthen operations and prepare for future investment opportunities.
Applications for the 2026 SME Growth Accelerator close on 15 November 2026, and interested businesses are encouraged to submit their proposals well before the deadline.