RISE Program

RISE program was funded by British Council Ethiopia and designed by R&D in cooperation with a Scottish social enterprise expert company, Challenges International. We worked with 20 social enterprises based in Ethiopia to become investment ready as part of a six-month project that also provided 20 young professionals with the opportunity to participate in a business analysis mentorship program.

The program is designed to up-skill young people while also supporting sustainable business growth in the country. The dual approach benefits both the enterprises seeking growth and young professionals looking to develop their business skills.

As a result, we had social enterprises who scaled up to investment readiness and have completed their due diligence for investment. As for the junior associates, most of the youths were able to get employment in the enterprises and most of them pursued their own entrepreneurship route.

Key Achievements

• 20 social enterprises reached investment readiness
• 20 young professionals gained business analysis experience
• Multiple enterprises completed due diligence for investment
• Many junior associates secured employment or started their own businesses