On Tuesday, November 19, the Coordination Unit of the Project for the Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs and the Upgrading of Small and Medium Enterprises for Economic Transformation and Employment in the DRC (TRANSFORME DRC) officially launched an awareness campaign for the identification and registration of new businesses. The event took place at the Silikin Village Auditorium Auditorium, where a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, SME support structure managers, and stakeholders gathered to kick off this important initiative.

The campaign aims to identify and register potential new businesses that will participate in the FOPE (Entrepreneurial Skills Strengthening) training program. This program focuses on enhancing the entrepreneurial skills necessary for the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By the end of the process, 12,000 new businesses will be eligible to apply for COPA (the project's financial support program).

Mrs. Mimie Eyima, the Kinshasa branch manager of the Transforme project, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the project team. Mrs. Mallory Luntadi, Operations Manager, then provided a comprehensive overview of the project, outlining the process, key stakeholders, and eligibility criteria. She emphasized that participation in the program is completely free of charge.

Eligibility for the program is open to businesses that have been in operation for between 3 months and 3 years, whether they are formally registered or in the process of formalization. The targeted sectors include light industry, processing and packaging, high-value-added services, social entrepreneurship, and the green economy. Special priority will be given to businesses focused on environmentally friendly activities that contribute to climate change resilience.

The consortium responsible for the identification and registration process includes Target Sarl, Kivu Entrepreneurs, and Dellions. This consortium will be working across multiple cities, including Kinshasa, Kasangulu, Kimpese, Kisantu, Mbanza-Ngungu, Matadi, Boma, Moanda, Kananga, Mbuji-Mayi, Goma, Bukavu, and Bunia.

During the event, the General Manager of Target Sarl, the consortium leader, provided detailed information on how businesses can access the identification process, including how to use the dedicated online link and QR code. He also encouraged SME support structures to collaborate with the consortium to organize awareness sessions across Kinshasa in partnership with UCP-Transforme.

New business registration and identification will take place at several designated centers, including the Silikin Village in Gombe, the Anadec Room in Limete, the Emmhest Room at UPN, and others. Additionally, the online registration link and QR code will serve as convenient options for entrepreneurs to join the process.

Link for identification and registration: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/yhsI3Anp