EarthWise Ferries Among Finalists For African Disapora Marketplace Grants
 
SEATTLE-EarthWise Ferries Uganda, Ltd., whose U.S. base is in Seattle, is one of 60 finalists for African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) grants, a program of the USAID and corporate partners to encourage investment in entrepreneurial ventures in Africa. 
 
From this group of finalists, between 10-20 winners will be announced in mid-January 2010 at an event to be held at the Academy for Educational Development (AED). The ADM program will award matching grants for program winners of between $50,000-$100,000.
 
"The finalists of the ADM competition represent the best of a new class of entrepreneur - those who are investing back in their home countries to create economic opportunity and reduce poverty and unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa," said Alonzo Fulgham, Acting USAID Administrator. "USAID is proud to be a part of this innovative program that leverages the resources of Western Union and its Agents, diaspora communities, and local partners in Africa to support these entrepreneurs."
 
"The business leaders selected here understand the challenges facing their native countries, and they have identified solutions that work," said Anne McCarthy, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Western Union. "Our finalists have market-appropriate proposals that could sustain job growth and spark new business start-ups benefiting Sub-Saharan Africa."
 
The finalists were chosen from a pool of 733 applicants by an independent panel of volunteer judges from business, non-governmental organizations, diaspora development organizations and academia.  They represent 14 countries and a range of business plans - from agri-business such as food oil processing and fish farming to healthcare and IT service providers.
 
Rob Smith, president of EarthWise Ventures, said, "We're very excited to be listed among the finalists.  We believe that making it this far in the selection process is a strong validation of our business plan, which has as its ultimate goal the revitalization of transportation infrastructure in Uganda and nearby countries."
 
Anthony Esenu, who will oversee the day-to-day operations of the ferry on Lake Victoria, added:  "This business will not only directly provide jobs, but it will also give thousands of other people greater opportunities for commerce."
 
The ADM is funded jointly by USAID, The Western Union Company, and the Western Union Foundation, as well as through Western Union Agent Giving Circles featuring Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) in Africa and Irv Barr Management in the United States.