A new and significant opportunity has emerged for technology-driven financial companies across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia with the launch of SHIFT (Scaling Holistic Inclusion in Fintech Transformation), a specialized support program.
The SHIFT program is implemented by Seedstars and iGravity, with funding provided through the Impact-Linked Fund for Gender-Inclusive Fintechs (ILF for GIF), supported by partners such as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC).
Designed for growth-stage fintechs, SHIFT aims to bolster businesses that are not only innovative but also ready to make a profound difference in the lives of women impacted by migration. This initiative represents a crucial step in fostering financial inclusion and empowering communities through smart, scalable solutions.
At its core, SHIFT is more than just a grant program; it’s a comprehensive platform focused on accelerating inclusive financial solutions and creating lasting positive change.
Understanding the SHIFT Program
Building upon the groundwork laid by the Financial Innovations for Women Affected by Migration (FIWAM) program, SHIFT directly addresses the need for more investor-ready, growth-stage companies within this vital sector. The program seeks to empower businesses that are poised for their next big leap, helping them strengthen their operations and expand their reach.
Funding and benefits
- For selected ventures, SHIFT offers a substantial boost in the form of a $10,000 results-based grant, complemented by flexible funding support.
- This financial injection is designed to help growth-stage fintechs further develop their products, scale their operations, and deepen their impact without diluting equity.
- The grant amount is tied to achieving specific outcomes, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to drive tangible progress.
Beyond the direct financial support, participants will gain access to an array of invaluable resources designed to foster long-term success. This includes:
- Crucial investor and partner access, opening doors to new opportunities for funding and collaboration. Selected fintechs will also receive entry to the SIGMA platform, a dedicated tool for tracking growth and measuring their impact effectively.
- Personalized mentorship from industry experts specializing in migration, providing strategic guidance and insights.
- The benefits extend to capacity building in gender-inclusive practices, ensuring that supported businesses can better understand and serve their target demographic.
- Participants will also enjoy global visibility through Seedstars’ extensive networks and opportunities for knowledge-sharing via media features.
Eligibility criteria
- Businesses must be based in or actively operating within Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), or Asia.
- To be considered for the SHIFT program, applicants must be growth-stage fintechs or embedded fintechs that are revenue-generating and ready for fundraising.
- A critical requirement is that these ventures either currently serve women affected by migration or demonstrate a clear willingness to tailor their services to meet the specific financial needs of this group.
When and how to apply
Applications are open until October 1, 2025. Click HERE to begin.
Explore our Global Opportunities page to see more exciting opportunities to apply for.
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