World Bank - Prize

The World Bank is pleased to announce TWO exciting opportunities for
Lao Entrepreneurs, Especially Women:
2012 STEPS Young Entrepreneur Marketplace Competition and
Mekong Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge
STEPS, Supporting Talent Entrepreneurial Potential and Success, and MWEC, Mekong Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge, are sister projects working in Lao PDR to empower
entrepreneurs, in particular women. STEPS targets young entrepreneurs who have plans to start or expand a micro business while MWEC will work with established women led
small medium enterprises (SMEs) who want to grow their business.
Accepting applications from Vientiane (Province and Capital),
Luang Prabang, Champasack and Savannakhet Provinces
Application Deadline is August 13, 2012!
(Applicants are encouraged to apply to only one program)

Have an idea to start a micro business or want to expand a newly formed
micro enterprise?
The World Bank Vientiane Office, AusAID and the Young Entrepreneurs Association of
Laos (YEAL) are excited to announce the second annual
‘2012 STEPS Young Entrepreneur
Market Place Competition’
Eligibility:
Young entrepreneurs, especially women, under the age of 35 who have ideas to start or expand a
micro business. Competition is open to all sectors. Individuals or groups can apply.
Benefits:
Short-listed candidates will receive,
 10-day certified basic business training (including support to develop a business plan)
 One-year free membership to YEAL
A group of Finalists will be selected to,
 Showcase business idea at Marketplace Exhibition
 Receive mentorship support from YEAL
 Access microcredit loans from banks
Winners will be announced at the Marketplace Exhibition and awarded up to
US$5,000 seed grant!
Apply Now!
To see the full call or obtain an application form, visit one of our mobile application
workshops (schedule coming soon!); the World Bank Vientiane Office; Lao Youth Union
or YEAL office nearest you; go online to www.worldbank.org/la or visit www.facebook.
com/pages/Laosteps-Entrepreneurs. Questions, call: 020-55216962; 020-76651271.

Do you already have an SME and are looking to grow and expand?
infoDev and Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC) with support from the Small and
Medium Sized Enterprise Promotion Development Office (SMEPDO) are excited to
announce the
‘Mekong Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge’
Eligibility:
Lao women, regardless of age, who own or manage an established SME with growth potential
and are eager to grow/improve their business.
Benefits:
 Up to US$10,000 prize per selected business for improving and expanding businesses
 3-Day Innovation, Competitiveness and Creativity Workshop focusing on innovation
development, entrepreneurship, and business proposal training.
 One-on-one support and professional coaching from EMC, an established international
standards business consulting firm.
 Seminars and workshops providing exposure to leading industry experts and networking
opportunities.
 Peer learning training focusing on such topics as marketing, resource management, and
budgeting led by an expert facilitator.
Apply Now!
For more information and an application form, please visit www.mweclaos.org , go to our
Facebook page www.facebook.com/MWECLaos or call us at
021-219 875.