Access to Finance for Development

CDS' new Access to Finance (A2F) practice builds on two decades of experience assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining the capital needed to sustain and eventually expand their business. Using a multi-tiered approach, A2F provides direct assistance to businesses in securing finance, investment training, and advisory services in the design and management of dynamic SME lending and investment models. CDS' A2F programs include:

• Conducting field projects that provide training and technical assistance to local SMEs to access bank loans and equity investments, as well as to local banks to increase their small business lending
• Facilitating loan guarantees that leverage CDS' work in supply chain development, particularly in the oil & gas industries of Angola and Equatorial Guinea
• Supporting SME risk capital fund managers through deal flow development, portfolio value creation, investment staff training and technical assistance fund raising
• Delivering advisory services to governments and donors on loan guarantee facilities

Check back next month to learn more about CDS' growing A2F practice.