CEED is built of, by and for entrepreneurs.
CEED benefits entrepreneurs who want sophisticated yet practical training, connections to finance and access to new markets. Most entrepreneurs in the CEED network have successfully grown their businesses in their local markets but have faced many challenges along the way.
OUR SERVICES
ESTABLISHING ECOSYSTEMS OF SUPPORT
CEED gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with others entrepreneurs who have gone through similar experiences in a trusting environment. giving entrepreneurs the ability to connect with each other and share their experiences lets them know that they’re not alone and that there are others facing very similar problems. together CEED entrepreneurs are able to overcome their barriers and work together to grow their businesses and to create stronger local economies while connecting to the international CEED network.
PROVIDING ACCESS TO FINANCE
CEED is building a pipeline of ‘investment ready’ companies by preparing entrepreneurs for outside capital, improving their financial management skills, and guiding them to appropriate providers. CEED works with financial advisors, the banking/finance communities and donor agencies to build awareness of financing opportunities and accelerate the speed with which growth and working capital can be extended. those in the CEED network who qualify have also received capital directly from sEAF in markets where both entities exist.
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH MENTORING
CEED embeds mentoring into its structured programs because people who have ‘been there’ can provide invaluable perspective. they have experienced the ups and downs, rewards and frustrations, successes and failures of starting and running a business, and they can tell an entrepreneur that what they’re experiencing is not new, but just part of the process. CEED has a rigorous recruiting process for finding and training the best mentors in each market and has facilitated over 1000 successful mentoring relationships since 2004.
BUILDING SKILLS THROUGH PEER-TO-PEER-LEARNING
CEED recruits internationally oriented entrepreneurs and enrolls them in experience sharing programs that provide practical growth-oriented training. We foster relationships and create a home for like-minded entrepreneurs to build a community. CEED offers a range of customized programs that are tailored for a company’s level of development, focusing on the knowledge and skills required to manage a growing company. Customer inspired innovation, speed to market and continuous product/process improvement are increasingly points of emphasis. Over 500 training sessions have been held since 2004.
GALLERY
