USAID CATALYZE

With the support of USAID CATALYZE, Biznis na štiklama recently hosted a series of one-day workshops for 33 #women-owned #SMEs on #alternativefinancing. The workshops — held in Novi Sad and Kragujevac, #Serbia — equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to explore non-conventional financing options, which have historically posed barriers for #women owned businesses in the #WesternBalkans. By empowering women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and innovation, these workshops mark a significant step towards achieving better #financialinclusion in the region. Read: https://lnkd.in/guXcVt_6 Faktoring Peterhof | Vladimir Pavlovic, PhD, CFA | BDO Serbia

#ICYMI: Embedded #finance for business (through integrated digital financial and e-commerce marketplace services) is now available for the first time in #Serbia. Thanks to our collaboration with Shoppster Srbija, Finspot, and SOG Law Firm in cooperation with Kinstellar, retailers and suppliers on Shoppster Srbija can now access instant working #capital through the digital factoring Finspot platform, propelling their growth and profitability, and breaking new ground for the digital economy in the #WesternBalkans. Read more about the USAID CATALYZE Engines of Growth Activity, which supports the growth and resilience of #SMEs across the region: https://lnkd.in/g2Ra5brK

In #Indonesia, USAID CATALYZE is joining forces with Kitabisa to improve access to #healthcare for #women and other vulnerable populations. Through this partnership, we will facilitate crowdfunding campaigns to support Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (Indonesia’s national health insurance scheme) arrears and premiums to create a healthier, more inclusive future for Indonesians.   Read more about our approach: https://lnkd.in/gYNviHHY   #HealthCareForAll #SocialProtection

USAID CATALYZE and Agora Partnerships recently co-hosted a networking event aimed at fostering connections between enterprises in the Kinesis Accelerator and Colombia's social and environmental ecosystem.    The event, which took place during Columbia Tech Week, provided the opportunity for six emerging social and environmental impact companies to showcase their products, services, and experiences to over 50 social entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners.    With the support of USAID CATALYZE, Kinesis is playing a pivotal role in the development of the impact ecosystem across #LatinAmerica by creating opportunities for growth and fostering collaborative industries. ➡️ Learn more about our efforts to drive economic prosperity across #LatinAmerica and the #Caribbean: https://lnkd.in/ejTvghKN ➡️ Learn more about the impact focused Kinesis Accelerator: https://lnkd.in/gT4dFHMq #ImpactEcosystem #Kinesis #ColombiaTechWeek #USAIDCATALYZE #LATAMImpact #SocialInnovation

Three Philippine-based private companies — ActivAsia, Asia Society Philippines, and Prestige Paper — signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the USAID CATALYZE Asia Social Protection (ASP) Philippines Activity to provide Filipino senior high school graduates — particularly young women in Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households — with on-the-job training and possible employment in various sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. More companies are set to partner with USAID CATALYZE in the coming weeks, demonstrating their commitment to #socialprotection and #development in the #Philippines. Read about our efforts to equip #youth with employable skills, health knowledge, and access to essential services across the Philippines: https://lnkd.in/g-pMVak9.

Increasing #SME’s access to #finance is a critical tool toward tackling youth unemployment in #Iraq, which reached a staggering 32 percent in 2023. Through USAID CATALYZE loans, two Baghdad-based businesses — Al-Yousif Laundry and Ataar Al Pharmacy — increased their revenue, which allowed them to create new employment opportunities for local youth and drive #privatesector competitiveness. Read: https://lnkd.in/ghShZHaS #SMEFinancing #Iraq #AccessToFinance #YouthEmployment

In the #Philippines, USAID CATALYZE partners with local companies and training institutes to create employment opportunities for youth in the #tourism, #hospitality and #food and beverages services sectors.     By partnering with industry leaders such as Pickup Coffee, Pizza Hut Philippines, and Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort, we are equipping senior high school graduates from the 4Ps program in Pasig City and Naic, Cavite, with skills for roles such as professional baristas, cooks, bakers, service crew members, and/or pizza makers.    The program offers one-month on-the-job training opportunities during peak tourism season or direct employment prospects following completion. This initiative not only supports Filipino youth but addresses labor needs within these vital industries and provides pathways to sustainable employment for youth. #YouthEmployment #EmployableandEmpowered #PrivateCapital

In partnership with Albanian microfinance institution NOA.Financojme, USAID CATALYZE designed the Footwear and Apparel Loan Product (FALP) to meet the needs of #SMEs in Albania's leather and textile industry.   Since its launch in 2023, FALP has successfully injected $2 million into the sector, protecting dozens of companies from potential bankruptcy by allowing them to upgrade their production lines, guard staff costs and meet contractual export obligations.   "Our goal was to be the first to support high-risk new businesses, while ensuring long term-growth for a sector employing tens of thousands of #women and making a significant contribution to Albanian exports," said NOA.Financojme CEO Herjola Spahiu, EMBA."I believe we have achieved this goal."   Read: https://lnkd.in/gFpmCmNm #ProExportAlbania #FALP #AccessToFinance #BlendedFinance #Albania USAID | Palladium: Make It Possible

The #automotive and #construction sectors are two of the biggest industries in Cavite, #Philippines, where USAID CATALYZE supports access to #employment opportunities for high school graduates.    We recently partnered with Standard Insurance Technical Training Center to provide on-the-job training and eventual employment opportunities for 4Ps #youth who have completed automotive, welding, and related courses.     Check out some photos from the MOU signing event and read more about our work across the #Philippines: https://lnkd.in/g-pMVak9 

Last September 18, 2024, we marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership with USAID CATALYZE — a project that works closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide core life, technical, and health trainings to youths from 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) households. We anticipate and believe that the organization will play an impactful role in our community by providing the Filipino youth with technical and health training curriculums, empowering them to reach greater heights. At PICKUP COFFEE, we’re driven by our mission to UPlift everyone. We do this through the beverages we offer to our consumers, and the Education (Technical Training) and Job Opportunities we provide. We’re thrilled to fulfill our commitment further with a partner that shares the same values. Together with USAID CATALYZE, we open doors to further growth and transformation. We’re excited about what lies ahead and were deeply grateful for this partnership. Thank you, USAID CATALYZE for your dedication to this cause and for bringing us together in such important work. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!