I&P's October Newsletter is on line

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Nicholas Colloff, Executive Director of the Argidius Foundation & Randall Kempner, CEO of the Aspen Network of Developement Entrepreneurs (ANDE)

"ANDE and the Argidius Foundation are both active supporters of development entrepreneurs. ANDE contributes to focus efforts and raise awareness on the challenges incurred by supporting SGBs around the world. On the other hand, the Argidius Foundation strengthens key players within this field. Both of us believe in development based on small enterprises. We are namely committed to promoting relevant initiatives of this kind in Africa.

The Argidius ANDE Finance Challenge was designed to identify innovative ways of conveying financial resources to the lower end of the missing middle. The AAFC was also seeking for tangible results and sustainability.

More than two years went by from the beginning of the contest to the moment we issued our final decision. All competitors were strongly involved in their projects and in the challenge. They all put a lot of efforts and a remarkable eagerness throughout the process. Selecting the winner was tough.

As an impact investment funds incubator, IPDEV 2 has achieved sound results in terms of fundraising, establishing pipelines and training investment teams. The project has the potential to fulfill the needs of early-stages SGBs. It is a promising attempt to address the challenges of the missing middle.