Crescente un programa de USAID CCATALYZE APEP Accelerator

Do you lead an Entrepreneur Support Organization?

Equip your organization with a focus on inclusion, sustainability, and climate change adaptation. This program provides you with innovative tools and access to a network of allies and investors that will boost your capacity to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Call for applications open from September 26 to November 15, 2024.

Emprendedores y emprendedoras Crescente Latam

Empowering those who transform in:

Banderas Crescente Latam
Inclusión y equidad

Promote inclusion and equity in your programs with clear and effective criteria.

Estrategias sostenibles

Develop sustainable strategies that integrate advanced practices and address climate challenges.

Fondos de inversión

Learn methodologies to connect with investment funds in the region.

Crescente un programa de USAID CCATALYZE APEP Accelerator

Crescente is a program that empowers leaders of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) across Latin America and the Caribbean, committed to driving meaningful change.

We offer practical tools and specialized mentoring to strengthen your acceleration programs.

This program facilitates the integration of inclusion, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation criteria while you develop essential skills and build connections with key actors in the investment ecosystem.

Crescente emprendedora

What do we mean by Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs)?

Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) are any public or private institutions that play a key role in the development and growth of ventures. These include:

Accelerators and incubators
Specialized programs that support the development, growth, and mentorship of startups and entrepreneurs.
Universities
Academic and research programs that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Governments
Initiatives and public policies that facilitate business growth and access to resources.
Chambers of commerce
Business associations providing mentorship, connections, and technical advice.
Foundations and NGOs
Nonprofit organizations supporting social entrepreneurship and positive impact.
Corporations
Companies that develop corporate social responsibility programs or drive innovation through entrepreneurship.

CRESCENTE IS FOR YOU IF...

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You work with MSMEs, emerging companies, and the informal sector in Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and/or Uruguay.

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You support at least 10 MSMEs per year with a positive impact.

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You use clear indicators to measure the impact of your programs.

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You implement inclusion and diversity practices within your organization and programs.

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You seek to improve and update your acceleration methodologies to better support MSMEs.

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You want to generate significant impact in underserved sectors and regions.

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You want to build valuable connections with key players in the business and investment ecosystem.

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You are passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening local communities.

  • ESOs develop Strengthening Programs in one or more of the countries prioritized by the program.
  • ESOs have an interest in developing “Strengthening Programs” focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
  • ESOs must work with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and/or the informal sector.
  • ESOs generate an annual impact on at least 10 organizations through their strengthening programs.
  • ESO programs target and influence rural populations, women, and young entrepreneurs, as well as social innovators.
  • Availability and time to participate in the Program’s activities.
    Demonstrable traction in program operations and clear impact indicators, or foresight in program design or implementation.
Emprendedores Crescente Latam

Our Methodology

Transform your organization with our comprehensive system:

1

Custom Diagnostics

Diagnóstico a la medida

Start with a thorough analysis designed to identify key areas and specific opportunities for improvement in your organization. Know your strengths and boost your impact!

2

General and Specialized Sessions

Sesiones generales

Fundamental sessions for the entire group and specific modules based on identified needs. Whether B2C (Business to Consumer) or B2B (Business to Business), we provide the tools you need to excel in each model.

3

Transformative Soft Skills

habilidades blandas

Master negotiation, leadership, and communication in our intensive module, reinforced with practical simulations in a bootcamp designed to prepare you for the real world.

4

MSME Investment Readiness

Levantar capital

Gain key tools and methodologies to help MSMEs structure and present their investment needs effectively.

5

Acceleration with Impact

Aceleración con impacto

Strengthen your incubator or accelerator with a focus on financial sustainability, brand positioning, and building a solid community of mentors and entrepreneurs.

6

Experts and Mentors at Your Disposal

Expertos y mentores

Learn from a team of specialists and masters from the Consortium who will tailor the training to your organization, ensuring practical and results-oriented learning.

Application and selection process

September 26 to November 15

1. Open Call

Verify your eligibility
Ensure that your organization meets the requirements, such as operating in the target countries and having the necessary track record.

Complete the application
Fill out the online form detailing your organization’s mission, social and environmental impact, and previous experience.

November

2. Review and evaluation

Detailed review
Our team will analyze each application, evaluating its alignment with program criteria, such as impact, feasibility, and growth potential.

November

3. Participant selection

Official notification
If your organization is selected, you will receive a formal notification with the next steps to join the program.

November-December

4. Baseline assessment

A methodology will be used to assess the current capacities of the Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) with the aim of identifying areas for improvement and adapting strategies to their regional needs and challenges.

January-May 2025

5. Program development

Commitment signing and initial assessment
Selected organizations will sign a participation agreement and complete an assessment to identify their needs and opportunities for improvement.

Active participation
Throughout the program, you will attend key sessions, specialized workshops, and receive personalized mentorship to maximize your organization’s impact.

May 2025

6. Bootcamp

In-person Bootcamp
An intensive event designed to apply and consolidate the knowledge gained in virtual sessions. The location will be determined based on opportunities within the investment and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Travel scholarships
25 scholarships will be awarded to cover event costs for organizations that meet the established criteria.

FAQS:

None! Crescente is completely free, thanks to USAID Catalyze APEP Accelerator, which covers all costs.

This program is aimed at organizations that support MSMEs, emerging companies, or the informal sector in the following countries: Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.

Organizations must demonstrate significant operations in these countries and an active commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Selected organizations will receive personalized training, tools for investment readiness, and access to an exclusive network of experts and mentors. Additionally, they will connect with investors and form strategic alliances that drive their growth.

Selection is based on an initial diagnostic; organizations must meet key criteria such as geographical location, social and environmental impact, and their ability to effectively support MSMEs.

To apply, simply complete the form available on our website during the call for applications (from September 26 to November 15).

Terms and Conditions

Review specific terms and conditions for participating countries: Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and/or Uruguay.

All Rights Reserved.

USAID from the American People
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