Business Plan Competition (COPA)

COPA is a competitive mechanism designed to identify and support Congolese micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and young entrepreneurs with strong growth and innovation potential. The intervention strategy is based on the idea that transforming ideas into thriving businesses requires combining technical assistance (structuring and planning) with financial assistance (capital investment). It is a multi-stage process, from application submission to intensive technical support (bootcamps, coaching, mentoring) before a grant is awarded.

Boosting the local economy: The objective is to revitalize productive sectors (agribusiness, light industry) by strengthening existing businesses and fostering the emergence of new formal SMEs capable of growing and integrating into value chains.

Creating sustainable jobs: The program aims to support SMEs and young entrepreneurs in increasing their productivity and investments, resulting in the significant creation of formal and sustainable jobs.

Promoting inclusion: A major cross-cutting objective is inclusion, with a particular focus on gender (targeting 60% women among award recipients) and young entrepreneurs, in order to reduce disparities and optimize entrepreneurial potential.

Strengthening managerial capacity: Improving the quality of companies' internal organization, their business and financial management skills, and their growth strategies to ensure their resilience and sustainability in the market.