The Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture Training Program 2024 for Young Ghanaians

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Applications are now open for the 2024 Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture training program. Building Resilience and Investing in the Development and Growth of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (” BRIDGE-in Agriculture” or “BIA”) is a 5-year Mastercard Foundation initiative that aims to make affordable capital and technical support available for SMEs in agriculture and related sectors in Ghana. The program also equips young people and women with skills through training for dignified and fulfilling work.

To ease the financial burden on the youth, BRIDGE-in Agriculture is working with commercial banks to lend to agribusinesses at single-digit interest rates. This helps them expand operations and create new jobs, which lead to poverty reduction among the youth and women in Ghana.

Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture Loan Program Details

To support agribusinesses in Ghana, BRIDGE-in Agriculture has partnered with multiple commercial banks to offer accessible loans. These loans are specifically tailored to meet the needs of Ghanaian agribusinesses, addressing key barriers SMEs face in accessing financial support. Eligible agribusinesses include:

SMEs involved in primary agriculture
Agro-processing and agricultural input supply
Agri-technology companies
Businesses within the agricultural value chain, such as restaurants and agricultural R&D entities
This loan initiative aims to stimulate job creation, enabling agribusinesses to scale up their operations, creating positive ripple effects across communities in Ghana.

Training and Development for Youth and Women

In collaboration with various business development service (BDS) providers, BRIDGE-in Agriculture offers free targeted training and technical support to help agribusinesses thrive. Youth between 18-35 years and SMEs in agriculture or adjacent sectors can gain practical skills and knowledge through this program, increasing their chances of dignified employment or entrepreneurial success.

Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture Grant Opportunities

As part of the program, participants may also qualify for a grant of up to GHS27,500, aimed at fostering business growth. This opportunity is designed to empower selected trainees, providing crucial financial support to turn their ideas into impactful businesses.