Q: Who is eligible to apply for support from the WEIDE Fund?
A: Women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are either already exporting or have export potential may apply if they are in the participating countries.

Q: Which are the participating countries?
A: The Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia and Nigeria are the participating countries.

Q: What kind of support does the Fund provide?
A: The WEIDE Fund offers two main tracks:

1. Discovery Track: Grants (US$ 2,000 to US$ 5,000) and digital and financial technical assistance for small businesses to improve their export competitiveness.
2. Booster Track: Grants (up to US$ 30,000) and digital and financial business acceleration support for export-ready businesses.

Q: How does the WEIDE Fund help women exporters?
A: It provides financial support, digital skills training, access to digital marketplaces and business networks to scale up their enterprises.

Q: How long does the programme last?
A: The programme lasts 9-12 months.

Q: When does the digital and financial training package start?
A: The training package is scheduled to begin in Q2 of 2025. Selected beneficiaries will receive detailed information and instructions ahead of the start date.

Q: When can I expect to receive a grant?
A: The grant will be disbursed to selected companies in one to three tranches based on individual plans and achievement of business milestones.

Q: How much time do I need to commit to the project? A: A minimum of six weeks over the course of the programme (approximately two weeks per course) is needed. Your progress will be closely followed to ensure that we reach the expected targets. Businesses not committed to doing the work will be excluded from the programme.

Q: Will I receive individual support?
A: There will be a mix of online training, training in small groups and one-to-one coaching sessions.

Q: What work will I need to do?
A: Amongst other things, you will need to prepare the content that you want to list in the marketplace (product description, photos, company information), establish your pricing, identify your target market, set up payment and shipping solutions, and create an account on the selected marketplace or boost your own sales channel.

Q: Will I need to travel?
A: Some travel may be required.

Q: Is there a fee?
A: There is no fee to join the programme. However, you will be responsible for your own expenses and any fees related to the growth of your business.

Q: What other support will I receive?
A: You will have business development networking opportunities with e-commerce experts and key e-commerce stakeholders in the market, access to free e-learning, support for raising visibility and promotion of your business.

Q: Where can I find the application form?
A: The application form is available at wto.org/weidefund

Q: How will I know when the application process opens in my country?
A: The application processes for the Dominican Republic, Mongolia and Nigeria open on [insert date]. Please check our website and social media channels regularly, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the application launch in Jordan.

Q: Who selects the beneficiaries of the WEIDE Fund?
A: Applications are reviewed and beneficiaries are selected by the WEIDE Fund Secretariat, in collaboration with technical experts, based on the eligibility criteria and evaluation guidelines published on the application platform.

Q: Will I be informed if I am not selected?
A: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be notified. However, updates on the application process will be posted on the WEIDE website.

Q: Will there be other opportunities to apply in the future?
A: At the moment, the WEIDE Secretariat is not in a position to confirm whether there will be future calls for applications.

Q: How can I partner with the WEIDE Fund?
A: 1. As a donor (providing financial support and gaining global visibility). 2. As a technical partner (offering training, mentorship and tools). 3. As a financial partner (developing tailored financing mechanisms).

Q: What benefits do donors and partners receive?
A: 1. Visibility in ITC and WTO Secretariat materials, international events and official communications. 2. The opportunity to join the Technical Committee and contribute strategic insights.