The Capacity Building Facility (CBF) promotes development of SMEs in frontier markets through grants for innovative technical assistance projects. It also allows IFC to partner with organizations that have achieved best practice in SME support. CBF-funded projects typically focus on institution building, strengthening industry sectors or groups of SMEs. The Capacity Building Facility funds projects that are:

• innovative demonstration projects that have a high potential for being scaled up or replicated in the future,
• delivered through international or local partners who have expertise in a particular niche of SME development.

The Capacity Building Facility supports projects and intermediaries through customized technical assistance addressing the five themes.

Do you have a project in mind?

CBF accepts funding applications from the World Bank Group’s departments as well as external organizations. Applications must fulfill a strong set of selection criteria in order to be considered for funding.

If your project idea meets these guidelines, please review our instructions for submitting applications.