Business for development
Support for entrepreneurs in the Global South and investors who commit to creating a positive impact.
In developing countries, the contribution of the private sector is indispensable to ensuring significant and sustainable change. In these countries, the King Baudouin Foundation supports local enterprises in their development projects and particularly those that contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Foundation also closely monitors the development of Belgian impact investing – an area showing significant growth.
Our activities
- as part of the Business Partnership Facility, conducted in partnership with the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation, we manage the ongoing call 'Enterprises for SDGs', which supports business projects in the Global South that contribute to sustainable development goals
- we allocate loans and bank guarantees to economic actors in civil society, across various sectors
- and we regularly conduct research among Belgian impact investors.
Business for development is part of the programme International
More info about our involvement with Africa on kbfafrica.org
Calls for projects
Business Partnership Facility - Enterprises for SDGs 2023B
The Business Partnership Facility (BPF) grants financial support to companies contributing to SDGs in developing countries.
Selection announced
Business Partnership Facility - Enterprises for SDGs 2023A
The Business Partnership Facility (BPF) grants financial support to companies contributing to SDGs in developing countries.
Selection announced
UBORA Prize 2023
To recognize companies in the DR Congo that have demonstrated excellence.
Selection announcedGrantees
Solarly
Solarly UP! Solar energy and innovative financing solutions, including the diaspora, to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of rural women.
SOPRAL (SOCIETE DES PRODUITS ALIMENTAIRES)
Improve the sustainability of the vanilla value chain by leveraging technology and research to develop and disseminate eco-responsible and economically viable practices to produc…
Coco-Waste Hub Limited
Develop the processing and recovery of coconut husk waste for the production of cocopeat, coir fibers and coconut shells, and thereby create sustainable jobs for women and young …
Publications & data
Events
Webinar – Business Partnership Facility – information about the open call for projects
Introductory webinar to the open call for projects ‘‘Business Partnership Facility – Enterprises for SDGs’.
Webinar – Business Partnership Facility – Information about the open call for projects - June 27
Introductory webinar to the open call for projects ‘‘Business Partnership Facility – Enterprises for SDGs 2023B".
Partnerships, missions, specific initiatives
Business Partnership Facility
The Business Partnership Facility (BPF) grants financial support to companies contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries.
Funds and philanthropic tools
OVO Acceleration fund (Fund Friends of)
Philanthropists support projects of OVO Acceleration fund asbl which supports social, economic and sustainable projects in Africa with social loans and adapted frameworks.
Ubora Prize
Promoting the performance of SMEs, their recognition and the application of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in DR Congo. In partnership with BIO.
Mare Nostrum Capital (Fund)
Encouraging inclusive finance and local entrepreneurship in developing countries through sustainable agriculture, fair trade and energy access projects
Press Releases
Business Partnership Facility : grant support for social impact enterprises is ‘successful model’
According to an external mid-term evaluation of the Business Partnership Facility programme, financial support for social impact enterprises is ‘successful model’.
Eight business projects in the South receive support from Business Partnership Facility ‘Enterprises for SDGs’
Eight business projects in the South that are contributing towards the Sustainable Development goals receive support from Business Partnership Facility ‘Enterprises for SDGs’.
Five enterprise projects in developing countries receive support from the Business Partnership Facility ‘Enterprises for SDGs’
Stories
Nurturing young talent in DR Congo
Business for development
“I&F's support has really allowed me to sit down, plan, and structure a real company.”
‘It’s a win-win’: building a way out of poverty in disaster-hit Nepal
Business for development
“We are driven by the social, environmental and economic impact, but in the conversation with the potential entrepreneurs the focus is on how this is a good business.”