Case Study Project
IFC Tanzania BizOrigin Event
Context & objective/opportunity
Our client: International Finance Corporation. IFC, as a member of the World Bank Group, shares its mission to reduce global poverty. We support IFC’s vision that people should be able to escape poverty and improve their lives. Their values are excellence, commitment, integrity, teamwork, and diversity
Scope: Launching IFC’s vision of a loan facility targeting smaller SME financing ($4-15M) in developing countries, aiming to increase SME outreach, implement an initial, streamlined screening process, and keep origination costs low as IFC builds its pipeline of impact investment-ready clients. We enhanced the assessment that enabled IFC to screen companies and analyze their maturity, leading to inviting 19 companies to an event.
This event, facilitated by Managing Members Jason and Mandy Grant, esteemed these companies. Skillbridge emceed the event aimed at relationship building, providing awareness training on corporate governance, financial management, and environmental, social, and governance. Skillbridge hosted the Strategic Action Planning workshop in which companies captured actions, driving sustainable results. We also provided the event planning, graphic design, communications, and strategy for the event.
- How did we win this project? Through building relationships with the IFC Head of Upstream and Advisory Services (North Africa) and the Head of Manufacturing and Services Advisory (North Africa), we were referred to help with this project when the timing was critically short to meet the February 2024 pilot date.
- What was the result? Developed the tool in under three weeks to implement and identify 19 companies of varying maturity levels for short-, medium-, and long-term investment potential. At the event, IFC was able to build relationships and identify potential investment and advisory clients. The companies gleaned an understanding of how and why IFC invests
Our approach/solution
- Assessment Tools: Enhanced user-friendliness and objectivity of low-tech assessment. Developed analyzing master tool.
- Training: Trained presenters on adult learning and set training strategy and objectives for event.
- Strategic Action Planning: Developed and led the workshop to spark action to drive investment readiness
- Measurement and Evaluation: Surveys, observation forms, and evaluations
- Sustainability Support: Event planning and facilitation, graphic design, communications, and strategy.
Impact
- 23 companies analyzed through prequalification assessment
- 19 companies trained in ESG, corporate governance, and financial management with strategic action plans to implement key takeaways
- 7 companies pitched growth strategies for investment
- Relationships built and business owners uplifted to grow and be able to employ more
people in their communities
Testimonials
Sherif, Senior Operations Officer at a Developmental Finance Institution
Working with Skillbridge has been insightful and eye-opening. They demonstrated commitment to our project’s purpose with professionalism and a desire to understand where the project wants to go and a solution to help us get there. Their highly tailored service make you a core part of the project team. 5 stars
Repeat client at a Developmental Finance Institution
It is a real pleasure working with the Skillbridge team. They are professional, knowledgeable and really believe in the impact of their work. The quality of the services provided is top notch with attention for detail. They helped me think outside the box and consider options to improve the user experience. I highly recommend working with them! Skillbridge distinguishes itself through its personal, customized approach and by genuinely wanting to make a difference. The Skillbridge team has demonstrated commitment by going the extra mile to improve the SME user experience and by paying attention to every detail.
Academy Program Manager "Breaking Free from Selfishness"
One of our Academy's most transformational studies. Our participants could reflect on the errors of their thinking and the prison mentality they had adopted during their incarceration. Some of the ladies shared their worldview as it related to their thinking patterns prior to becoming an Academy participant...Today, I have seen these worldviews and mindsets change tremendously. They have come from being selfish to being selfless, from being unforgiven to forgiving themselves and being able to ask forgiveness of others..."
Next steps
What are the next steps?
- Immediate and near-term investment opportunities with select companies.
- Continued relationships with and support for companies along the journey.
- Pilot in additional markets
- Digitalize the assessment
Future solutions
- Coaching: Develop low-touch, high-impact coaching platform
- Sustainability Support: Provide full support of additional pilots
- Assessment Tools: Digitalize assessmen
Client
International Finance Corporation
Industry
Developmental Finance Institution
Country
International Finance Corporation
SDG
SDG 8
Scope
Assessment Tools
Services
Training, Strategic Action Planning, Measurement & Evaluation, Sustainability Support
Journey together? 
