MONROVIA–The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB)–MANCO Technical Support Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening Liberia’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), supporting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Liberians.
The program was officially launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh as part of the government’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient private-sector economy.
The initiative is particularly focused on supporting young people, women, existing MSMEs, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the technical knowledge and practical assistance needed to establish, manage, and expand sustainable businesses.
Speaking during the launch, the Ministry emphasized that access to financing alone is not enough to guarantee the survival and growth of businesses.
According to the Ministry, many Liberian entrepreneurs continue to face challenges in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, record keeping, product development, digitalization, business formalization, and access to markets.
The YEIB–MANCO Technical Support Program is therefore designed to provide targeted assistance to eligible MSMEs to help address these challenges and improve their overall business capacity.
Through the program, participating businesses are expected to receive practical support aimed at improving competitiveness, productivity, management capacity, and long-term sustainability.
The Ministry said the initiative is intended to help entrepreneurs transition from businesses focused primarily on survival to enterprises capable of achieving sustainable growth and creating employment.
It further noted that stronger Liberian-owned businesses can play a significant role in driving job creation, innovation, local production, wealth creation, and inclusive economic development.
As part of the launch, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that the call for applications for MSME technical assistance is now open.
The Ministry is encouraging eligible entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that the technical support should be viewed not simply as a short-term benefit, but as an opportunity to acquire knowledge and strengthen the foundations of their businesses.
The assistance is expected to help entrepreneurs improve their operations, increase competitiveness, and better position their businesses for long-term growth.
Interested MSMEs are being encouraged to obtain information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s official communication channels.
The launch of the YEIB–MANCO program is also aligned with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly its focus on expanding economic opportunities, empowering young people and women, strengthening the private sector, creating decent jobs, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The Ministry said it remains committed to creating an enabling environment in which Liberian entrepreneurs can establish and grow businesses capable of contributing meaningfully to the national economy.
The launch of the program comes as the government continues to place greater emphasis on private-sector development and entrepreneurship as key components of Liberia’s economic transformation.
The Ministry believes that providing entrepreneurs with the right combination of technical knowledge, business support, and access to opportunities can help build stronger enterprises and contribute to sustainable economic development across Liberia.
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