E-business solutions to benefit SMEs, MIF

27 Nov '07

2 min read

The Multilateral Investment Fund announced that applications are being accepted for the fourth call for proposals for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program for E-Business and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development, known as ICT4BUS Program, for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The MIF also launched a call for proposals for the Technology Transfer Facility of the same program, which aims to replicate successful ICT4BUS pilots in additional countries.

MIF has earmarked US$10 million for the program designed to assist nonprofit organizations in the design and demonstration of ICT and e-business solutions to benefit small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At least US$2 million in grants will be awarded for the present stage of the program. In all 22 projects were awarded grants in the three previous calls for proposals launched in 2002, 2003 and 2006.

In addition, the Institute for the Connectivity in the Americas, International Development Research Centre (ICA/IDRC) will commit up to US$ 510,000 in grants to projects selected within the ICT4BUS Program.

Nonprofit institutions may submit their project profile applications before March 10, 2008. Between 5 and 10 pilot projects will be selected. Once the results and best practices of the pilot projects are disseminated, it is expected that other SMEs will benefit by adopting new technology solutions or services to increase their levels of competitiveness.

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