Read the case study carefully and answer the question in this section

Given the enormous amount of infrastructural investment needed to support SMEs in the country, the Young African Leadership (YAL) is rolling out a coordinated approach at supporting these firms.Assisting these enterprises provides a clear path for the enhancement of economic activities, the creation of additional jobs that can promote economic prosperity, and opportunities for businesses to flourish.

Within this framework, YAL is launching a call for business plansfor an Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) to support these Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). YAL intends to provide small business grants to the SMEs. The financial grant will be based on an evaluation of needs, the potential for job creation of the selected businesses, and a convincing business plan.

The EDF aims to provide practical and relevant capital support to SMEs. Support to selected SMEs should improve the growth capacity of the private sector and their ability to meaningfully create jobs.

Applicants will receive individual attention to their business plansand, in some instances, feedback on the feasibility of their business plan. All applicants should provide the information requested for the business plan and meet the minimum Eligibility Criteria, below, or their application will not be considered.

Eligibility

This call for business plan is open to SMEs that meet the following criteria:

Must have between 1 and 30 employees;

Must operate within Greater Accra region;

Must operate in one of the following sectors: food processing, education, agriculture, construction, or manufacturing;

Must have been operational prior to 2020 and can demonstrate a clear need.

Selection criteria

Preference will be given to SMEs that integrate one or more of the following components:

Potential for the number of jobs created, relative to the grant request.

Social impact including the participation of vulnerable groups, including displaced persons, returnees and women.

Innovative and creative projects

Are up to date in the maintenance of their registration.

To be successfully chosen, SMEs will complete the following steps:

1. Provide overall information on the business and the amountrequested.

2. Applicants must disclose outstanding personal and business debts at the time of applying.

Required:

1. A complete list of co-owners and contact information, if applicable

2. A complete list of shareholders and their equity amount, if applicable

3. A copy of financial justification for your contribution

Desired:

1. Proof of registration

2. Company Social security number

3. Marketing strategy

4. Competition

Nominations are open from 11th June, 2020 to 8th July, 2020. Take note of the deadline as it would not be extended. As an entrepreneur in an SME, submit your companys business plan to Young African Leadership (YAL)