Project Concept Note: Unlock Your Business Potential through Innovative Financing
and Blockchain Technology!
1. About the Project
The SME Support Scheme, developed in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), with funding of the German Federal Ministry for
Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to enhance the economic landscape in
selected African partner countries, including Ethiopia. The program operates under the 'Invest
for Jobs' brand, focusing on creating more job opportunities and fostering long-term economic
growth.
2. Introduction and Background
Access to financing remains a major obstacle for Ethiopian SMEs and startups, which stifles
growth and innovation. This project introduces an innovative financing method, tokenizing
business assets through blockchain technology, to help entrepreneurs raise capital by offering
digital tokens to investors. By converting business assets into tokens and launching Initial Coin
Offerings (ICO), entrepreneurs can access new sources of funding and bypass traditional
financial barriers.
This initiative provides Ethiopian entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to
leverage blockchain technology, while also equipping them with skills to raise capital through
decentralized finance.
3. Project Objectives
a) Select and train 20 entrepreneurs, tokenize the top 3 business models, and assist these
3 businesses in securing between $500,000 and $2 million during the pre-ICO phase,
followed by raising between $5 million and $50 million during the ICO phase.
b) Equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to successfully navigate the ICO process,
from concept development to token launch.
c) Build capacity in digital finance, focusing on blockchain technology, tokenization, and
investor engagement.
d) Establish a sustainable ecosystem for blockchain-enabled businesses, expanding
access to both local and international investment.
4. Key Dates
• First ICO Info Session: 9th October, 10 am CET (online)
• Second ICO Info Session: Date to be finalized (online)
• Online Training Week: Either 2-6 December or 9-13 December (to be finalized)
• Onsite Assessment Week: Either 9-13 December or 16-20 December (to be finalized)
5. Target Audience
The project is aimed at Ethiopian entrepreneurs in key sectors, including:
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Technology
• Real Estate
• Medical Plazas
6. Project Components
6.1 Capacity Building and Training
• Workshops on Tokenization and Blockchain: Entrepreneurs will receive
comprehensive training on tokenizing assets and the ICO process, covering blockchain
technology, tokenomics, and investor engagement.
• Legal and Regulatory Guidance: Entrepreneurs will be equipped with the knowledge
to comply with legal requirements for launching ICOs, focusing on international
standards, including KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering).
• Mentorship Program: Entrepreneurs will receive tailored mentorship, helping them
refine their business models and prepare for successful ICOs.
6.2 Key Steps of an ICO
• Define Strategy and Concept: Entrepreneurs will develop a clear strategy, addressing
the value proposition, tokenomics, and financial goals for their ICO.
• Whitepaper Development: Entrepreneurs will draft a comprehensive whitepaper that
outlines the project’s technical structure, token utility, and roadmap.
• Technical Development: Entrepreneurs will receive support in developing the token
infrastructure, ensuring it is secure and ready for market.
• Marketing and Community Building: Entrepreneurs will be trained in building their
brand, engaging the crypto community, and creating awareness through digital
platforms.
• ICO Launch: The ICO will be launched with the token listed on a selected crypto
exchange, enabling investors to participate.
• Post-Launch Maintenance: Entrepreneurs will learn strategies for sustaining
engagement, maintaining token liquidity, and driving long-term growth.
6.3 Networking and Post-ICO Support
• Investor Engagement: Entrepreneurs will be introduced to potential investors during
networking events, which will facilitate partnerships and provide access to capital.
• Post-ICO Support: After the ICO, entrepreneurs will receive ongoing advisory services
to ensure that raised capital is effectively utilized for business scaling and growth. The
support will also include guidance for a potential second round of fundraising, with the
goal of raising up to $20 million.
7. Project Timeline
• Entrepreneur Selection and Onboarding (Month 1-2)
• Strategy, Whitepaper Development, and Tokenomics (Month 2-4)
• Technical Development and Regulatory Compliance (Month 3-6)
• Marketing and Investor Outreach (Month 4-8)
• Pre-ICO Launch (Month 4-8)
• ICO-Launch (Month 8-10)
• Post-ICO Support and Scaling (Month 11-12)
8. Expected Outcomes
a) Tokenized Business Assets: At least 3 businesses will successfully tokenize their
assets and be ready for ICOs and are expected to raise between $500,000 and
$2million during the pre-ICO phase, followed by raising between $5 million and $50
million during the ICO phase.
b) Improved Financial Literacy: 20 entrepreneurs will develop blockchain, tokenization,
and ICO expertise.
c) Job Creation and Economic Growth: The raised capital will enable businesses to
scale, create jobs, and contribute to economic development.
d) Sustainable Ecosystem: A blockchain-enabled ecosystem for Ethiopian SMEs will be
established, fostering further innovation.
9. Implementation Plan
• Entrepreneur Selection: 20 high-potential entrepreneurs will be onboard and receive
trainings and 3 best models will be selected to participate in the ICO process.
• Training & Development: Entrepreneurs will receive specialized training on
blockchain, ICOs, and tokenization, supported by experienced mentors.
• ICO Launch Support: Entrepreneurs will receive comprehensive guidance to ensure
their ICOs are successful.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Continuous evaluation will ensure the project is aligned with
its objectives and delivers desired results.
10. Conclusion
This project offers Ethiopian entrepreneurs a transformative opportunity to access innovative
financing through tokenization and blockchain technology. By leveraging these cutting-edge
tools, entrepreneurs will overcome traditional barriers and unlock new growth potential.
11. Call to Action
We invite Ethiopian entrepreneurs with scalable business models to apply for this exciting
opportunity. Tokenization offers a new path to financing—join us and unlock the future of your
business!
For further information, please reach out to:
• Jochen Moninger at [Link]@[Link]
• Henok Gidey at [Link]@[Link]