FAO PLACE SME GRANT FACILITY 2026: APPLY FOR UP TO USD 15,000 TO GROW YOUR AGRIBUSINESS IN KENYA

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya can now apply for the PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026, an initiative designed to support businesses developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock production, and enhance pastoral livelihoods.

The grant programme is part of the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) Programme, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Successful applicants can receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, along with business development support, mentorship, and technical advisory services to help expand their businesses and improve their impact within Kenya's livestock sector.

Applications close on 7 August 2026.

• Programme Name: PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026
• Programme: Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE)
• Implemented By: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Funded By: European Union
• Programme Type: SME Matching Grant
• Grant Amount: USD 5,000 – USD 15,000
• Eligible Country: Kenya
• Target Counties: Mandera, Narok, Kajiado, Turkana, and West Pokot
• Target Applicants: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility was established to strengthen climate-resilient livestock and pastoral value chains by supporting small businesses that play an important role in Kenya's agricultural economy.

The programme focuses on helping SMEs improve productivity, expand their operations, access new markets, and add value to livestock products while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Unlike traditional grants that only provide funding, the PLACE SME Grant Facility combines financial support with mentorship and business advisory services, giving entrepreneurs both the capital and the knowledge needed to grow their businesses successfully.

Successful applicants may receive a matching grant of between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000.

A matching grant means that the programme will contribute part of the investment cost, while the business is expected to contribute the remaining amount. Under this programme, successful applicants must provide at least 25% of the total investment cost in cash.

For example, if your proposed investment costs USD 20,000, your business must contribute a minimum of USD 5,000, while the grant can cover the remaining eligible amount.

The grant is open to legally registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Kenya that provide innovative solutions supporting climate adaptation within the livestock and pastoral sectors.

Businesses must be operating in, or directly serving, at least one of the following PLACE target counties:

• Mandera
• Narok
• Kajiado
• Turkana
• West Pokot

The programme particularly encourages applications from youth-led and women-led enterprises.

Businesses should operate within, or directly support, one or more of the following livestock value chains:

• Milk and dairy products
• Red meat processing and trade
• Live animal trade
• Fodder production, processing, and supply
• Honey and apiculture products
• Agroforestry

Eligible businesses may also provide services such as:

• Veterinary and livestock services
• Agricultural input supply
• Product aggregation
• Processing
• Storage
• Logistics
• Quality assurance
• Market distribution

Grant funding can be used for productive investments that improve business operations and strengthen livestock value chains.

Eligible investments include:

• Machinery, equipment, and production tools
• Processing, storage, and aggregation facilities
• Quality improvement and compliance equipment
• Transport assets linked to livestock value chains
• Climate-smart agricultural technologies
• Digital systems for traceability and business management
• Value addition technologies that improve agricultural products

These investments are expected to help businesses become more productive, competitive, and resilient to climate-related challenges.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive a range of Business Development Services aimed at helping them grow sustainable businesses.

This support includes:

• Business mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial training.
• Technical advisory services.
• Guidance on improving business performance.
• Support to maximize the impact of the funded investment.

These services are designed to ensure that businesses not only receive funding but also develop the skills needed to achieve long-term growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered in Kenya.
• Operate in or directly serve one or more of the PLACE target counties.
• Employ fewer than 20 full-time staff.
• Have an annual turnover below USD 100,000.
• Operate within an eligible livestock or pastoral value chain.
• Commit to providing a minimum 25% cash contribution toward the proposed investment.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The strength and feasibility of the business model.
• Technical and financial viability of the proposed investment.
• Potential to create employment and improve local livelihoods.
• Contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Support for women and youth participation.
• Alignment with the objectives of the PLACE Programme and eligible value chains.

Shortlisted applicants may also be contacted by FAO to provide additional information or participate in a verification visit before final grant awards are made.

Interested applicants should:

1. Complete the official Grant Application Form.
2. Prepare and attach all required supporting documents.
3. Ensure your business meets all eligibility requirements.
4. Submit your application before 7 August 2026.

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJzVBaZERRL-jBlIZ8_UGBic60GPMy8FTqZsBYy0UpAD7VaQ/viewform

Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Kenyan SMEs working within the livestock and pastoral sectors to access both funding and business development support. Beyond providing grants of up to USD 15,000, the programme equips businesses with mentorship, technical expertise, and practical guidance to help them grow sustainably and improve their impact on local communities.

If your enterprise is developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock value chains, or support pastoral livelihoods, this grant could provide the resources needed to scale your business. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the 7 August 2026 deadline.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya can now apply for the PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026, an initiative designed to support businesses developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock production, and enhance pastoral livelihoods.

The grant programme is part of the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) Programme, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Successful applicants can receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, along with business development support, mentorship, and technical advisory services to help expand their businesses and improve their impact within Kenya's livestock sector.

Applications close on 7 August 2026.

• Programme Name: PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026
• Programme: Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE)
• Implemented By: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Funded By: European Union
• Programme Type: SME Matching Grant
• Grant Amount: USD 5,000 – USD 15,000
• Eligible Country: Kenya
• Target Counties: Mandera, Narok, Kajiado, Turkana, and West Pokot
• Target Applicants: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility was established to strengthen climate-resilient livestock and pastoral value chains by supporting small businesses that play an important role in Kenya's agricultural economy.

The programme focuses on helping SMEs improve productivity, expand their operations, access new markets, and add value to livestock products while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Unlike traditional grants that only provide funding, the PLACE SME Grant Facility combines financial support with mentorship and business advisory services, giving entrepreneurs both the capital and the knowledge needed to grow their businesses successfully.

Successful applicants may receive a matching grant of between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000.

A matching grant means that the programme will contribute part of the investment cost, while the business is expected to contribute the remaining amount. Under this programme, successful applicants must provide at least 25% of the total investment cost in cash.

For example, if your proposed investment costs USD 20,000, your business must contribute a minimum of USD 5,000, while the grant can cover the remaining eligible amount.

The grant is open to legally registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Kenya that provide innovative solutions supporting climate adaptation within the livestock and pastoral sectors.

Businesses must be operating in, or directly serving, at least one of the following PLACE target counties:

• Mandera
• Narok
• Kajiado
• Turkana
• West Pokot

The programme particularly encourages applications from youth-led and women-led enterprises.

Businesses should operate within, or directly support, one or more of the following livestock value chains:

• Milk and dairy products
• Red meat processing and trade
• Live animal trade
• Fodder production, processing, and supply
• Honey and apiculture products
• Agroforestry

Eligible businesses may also provide services such as:

• Veterinary and livestock services
• Agricultural input supply
• Product aggregation
• Processing
• Storage
• Logistics
• Quality assurance
• Market distribution

Grant funding can be used for productive investments that improve business operations and strengthen livestock value chains.

Eligible investments include:

• Machinery, equipment, and production tools
• Processing, storage, and aggregation facilities
• Quality improvement and compliance equipment
• Transport assets linked to livestock value chains
• Climate-smart agricultural technologies
• Digital systems for traceability and business management
• Value addition technologies that improve agricultural products

These investments are expected to help businesses become more productive, competitive, and resilient to climate-related challenges.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive a range of Business Development Services aimed at helping them grow sustainable businesses.

This support includes:

• Business mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial training.
• Technical advisory services.
• Guidance on improving business performance.
• Support to maximize the impact of the funded investment.

These services are designed to ensure that businesses not only receive funding but also develop the skills needed to achieve long-term growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered in Kenya.
• Operate in or directly serve one or more of the PLACE target counties.
• Employ fewer than 20 full-time staff.
• Have an annual turnover below USD 100,000.
• Operate within an eligible livestock or pastoral value chain.
• Commit to providing a minimum 25% cash contribution toward the proposed investment.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The strength and feasibility of the business model.
• Technical and financial viability of the proposed investment.
• Potential to create employment and improve local livelihoods.
• Contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Support for women and youth participation.
• Alignment with the objectives of the PLACE Programme and eligible value chains.

Shortlisted applicants may also be contacted by FAO to provide additional information or participate in a verification visit before final grant awards are made.

Interested applicants should:

1. Complete the official Grant Application Form.
2. Prepare and attach all required supporting documents.
3. Ensure your business meets all eligibility requirements.
4. Submit your application before 7 August 2026.

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJzVBaZERRL-jBlIZ8_UGBic60GPMy8FTqZsBYy0UpAD7VaQ/viewform

Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Kenyan SMEs working within the livestock and pastoral sectors to access both funding and business development support. Beyond providing grants of up to USD 15,000, the programme equips businesses with mentorship, technical expertise, and practical guidance to help them grow sustainably and improve their impact on local communities.

If your enterprise is developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock value chains, or support pastoral livelihoods, this grant could provide the resources needed to scale your business. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the 7 August 2026 deadline.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya can now apply for the PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026, an initiative designed to support businesses developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock production, and enhance pastoral livelihoods.

The grant programme is part of the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) Programme, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Successful applicants can receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, along with business development support, mentorship, and technical advisory services to help expand their businesses and improve their impact within Kenya's livestock sector.

Applications close on 7 August 2026.

• Programme Name: PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026
• Programme: Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE)
• Implemented By: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Funded By: European Union
• Programme Type: SME Matching Grant
• Grant Amount: USD 5,000 – USD 15,000
• Eligible Country: Kenya
• Target Counties: Mandera, Narok, Kajiado, Turkana, and West Pokot
• Target Applicants: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility was established to strengthen climate-resilient livestock and pastoral value chains by supporting small businesses that play an important role in Kenya's agricultural economy.

The programme focuses on helping SMEs improve productivity, expand their operations, access new markets, and add value to livestock products while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Unlike traditional grants that only provide funding, the PLACE SME Grant Facility combines financial support with mentorship and business advisory services, giving entrepreneurs both the capital and the knowledge needed to grow their businesses successfully.

Successful applicants may receive a matching grant of between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000.

A matching grant means that the programme will contribute part of the investment cost, while the business is expected to contribute the remaining amount. Under this programme, successful applicants must provide at least 25% of the total investment cost in cash.

For example, if your proposed investment costs USD 20,000, your business must contribute a minimum of USD 5,000, while the grant can cover the remaining eligible amount.

The grant is open to legally registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Kenya that provide innovative solutions supporting climate adaptation within the livestock and pastoral sectors.

Businesses must be operating in, or directly serving, at least one of the following PLACE target counties:

• Mandera
• Narok
• Kajiado
• Turkana
• West Pokot

The programme particularly encourages applications from youth-led and women-led enterprises.

Businesses should operate within, or directly support, one or more of the following livestock value chains:

• Milk and dairy products
• Red meat processing and trade
• Live animal trade
• Fodder production, processing, and supply
• Honey and apiculture products
• Agroforestry

Eligible businesses may also provide services such as:

• Veterinary and livestock services
• Agricultural input supply
• Product aggregation
• Processing
• Storage
• Logistics
• Quality assurance
• Market distribution

Grant funding can be used for productive investments that improve business operations and strengthen livestock value chains.

Eligible investments include:

• Machinery, equipment, and production tools
• Processing, storage, and aggregation facilities
• Quality improvement and compliance equipment
• Transport assets linked to livestock value chains
• Climate-smart agricultural technologies
• Digital systems for traceability and business management
• Value addition technologies that improve agricultural products

These investments are expected to help businesses become more productive, competitive, and resilient to climate-related challenges.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive a range of Business Development Services aimed at helping them grow sustainable businesses.

This support includes:

• Business mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial training.
• Technical advisory services.
• Guidance on improving business performance.
• Support to maximize the impact of the funded investment.

These services are designed to ensure that businesses not only receive funding but also develop the skills needed to achieve long-term growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered in Kenya.
• Operate in or directly serve one or more of the PLACE target counties.
• Employ fewer than 20 full-time staff.
• Have an annual turnover below USD 100,000.
• Operate within an eligible livestock or pastoral value chain.
• Commit to providing a minimum 25% cash contribution toward the proposed investment.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The strength and feasibility of the business model.
• Technical and financial viability of the proposed investment.
• Potential to create employment and improve local livelihoods.
• Contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Support for women and youth participation.
• Alignment with the objectives of the PLACE Programme and eligible value chains.

Shortlisted applicants may also be contacted by FAO to provide additional information or participate in a verification visit before final grant awards are made.

Interested applicants should:

1. Complete the official Grant Application Form.
2. Prepare and attach all required supporting documents.
3. Ensure your business meets all eligibility requirements.
4. Submit your application before 7 August 2026.

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJzVBaZERRL-jBlIZ8_UGBic60GPMy8FTqZsBYy0UpAD7VaQ/viewform

Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Kenyan SMEs working within the livestock and pastoral sectors to access both funding and business development support. Beyond providing grants of up to USD 15,000, the programme equips businesses with mentorship, technical expertise, and practical guidance to help them grow sustainably and improve their impact on local communities.

If your enterprise is developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock value chains, or support pastoral livelihoods, this grant could provide the resources needed to scale your business. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the 7 August 2026 deadline.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya can now apply for the PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026, an initiative designed to support businesses developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock production, and enhance pastoral livelihoods.

The grant programme is part of the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) Programme, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Successful applicants can receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, along with business development support, mentorship, and technical advisory services to help expand their businesses and improve their impact within Kenya's livestock sector.

Applications close on 7 August 2026.

• Programme Name: PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026
• Programme: Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE)
• Implemented By: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Funded By: European Union
• Programme Type: SME Matching Grant
• Grant Amount: USD 5,000 – USD 15,000
• Eligible Country: Kenya
• Target Counties: Mandera, Narok, Kajiado, Turkana, and West Pokot
• Target Applicants: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility was established to strengthen climate-resilient livestock and pastoral value chains by supporting small businesses that play an important role in Kenya's agricultural economy.

The programme focuses on helping SMEs improve productivity, expand their operations, access new markets, and add value to livestock products while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Unlike traditional grants that only provide funding, the PLACE SME Grant Facility combines financial support with mentorship and business advisory services, giving entrepreneurs both the capital and the knowledge needed to grow their businesses successfully.

Successful applicants may receive a matching grant of between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000.

A matching grant means that the programme will contribute part of the investment cost, while the business is expected to contribute the remaining amount. Under this programme, successful applicants must provide at least 25% of the total investment cost in cash.

For example, if your proposed investment costs USD 20,000, your business must contribute a minimum of USD 5,000, while the grant can cover the remaining eligible amount.

The grant is open to legally registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Kenya that provide innovative solutions supporting climate adaptation within the livestock and pastoral sectors.

Businesses must be operating in, or directly serving, at least one of the following PLACE target counties:

• Mandera
• Narok
• Kajiado
• Turkana
• West Pokot

The programme particularly encourages applications from youth-led and women-led enterprises.

Businesses should operate within, or directly support, one or more of the following livestock value chains:

• Milk and dairy products
• Red meat processing and trade
• Live animal trade
• Fodder production, processing, and supply
• Honey and apiculture products
• Agroforestry

Eligible businesses may also provide services such as:

• Veterinary and livestock services
• Agricultural input supply
• Product aggregation
• Processing
• Storage
• Logistics
• Quality assurance
• Market distribution

Grant funding can be used for productive investments that improve business operations and strengthen livestock value chains.

Eligible investments include:

• Machinery, equipment, and production tools
• Processing, storage, and aggregation facilities
• Quality improvement and compliance equipment
• Transport assets linked to livestock value chains
• Climate-smart agricultural technologies
• Digital systems for traceability and business management
• Value addition technologies that improve agricultural products

These investments are expected to help businesses become more productive, competitive, and resilient to climate-related challenges.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive a range of Business Development Services aimed at helping them grow sustainable businesses.

This support includes:

• Business mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial training.
• Technical advisory services.
• Guidance on improving business performance.
• Support to maximize the impact of the funded investment.

These services are designed to ensure that businesses not only receive funding but also develop the skills needed to achieve long-term growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered in Kenya.
• Operate in or directly serve one or more of the PLACE target counties.
• Employ fewer than 20 full-time staff.
• Have an annual turnover below USD 100,000.
• Operate within an eligible livestock or pastoral value chain.
• Commit to providing a minimum 25% cash contribution toward the proposed investment.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The strength and feasibility of the business model.
• Technical and financial viability of the proposed investment.
• Potential to create employment and improve local livelihoods.
• Contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Support for women and youth participation.
• Alignment with the objectives of the PLACE Programme and eligible value chains.

Shortlisted applicants may also be contacted by FAO to provide additional information or participate in a verification visit before final grant awards are made.

Interested applicants should:

1. Complete the official Grant Application Form.
2. Prepare and attach all required supporting documents.
3. Ensure your business meets all eligibility requirements.
4. Submit your application before 7 August 2026.

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJzVBaZERRL-jBlIZ8_UGBic60GPMy8FTqZsBYy0UpAD7VaQ/viewform

Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Kenyan SMEs working within the livestock and pastoral sectors to access both funding and business development support. Beyond providing grants of up to USD 15,000, the programme equips businesses with mentorship, technical expertise, and practical guidance to help them grow sustainably and improve their impact on local communities.

If your enterprise is developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock value chains, or support pastoral livelihoods, this grant could provide the resources needed to scale your business. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the 7 August 2026 deadline.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya can now apply for the PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026, an initiative designed to support businesses developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock production, and enhance pastoral livelihoods.

The grant programme is part of the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) Programme, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Successful applicants can receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, along with business development support, mentorship, and technical advisory services to help expand their businesses and improve their impact within Kenya's livestock sector.

Applications close on 7 August 2026.

• Programme Name: PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026
• Programme: Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE)
• Implemented By: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Funded By: European Union
• Programme Type: SME Matching Grant
• Grant Amount: USD 5,000 – USD 15,000
• Eligible Country: Kenya
• Target Counties: Mandera, Narok, Kajiado, Turkana, and West Pokot
• Target Applicants: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility was established to strengthen climate-resilient livestock and pastoral value chains by supporting small businesses that play an important role in Kenya's agricultural economy.

The programme focuses on helping SMEs improve productivity, expand their operations, access new markets, and add value to livestock products while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Unlike traditional grants that only provide funding, the PLACE SME Grant Facility combines financial support with mentorship and business advisory services, giving entrepreneurs both the capital and the knowledge needed to grow their businesses successfully.

Successful applicants may receive a matching grant of between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000.

A matching grant means that the programme will contribute part of the investment cost, while the business is expected to contribute the remaining amount. Under this programme, successful applicants must provide at least 25% of the total investment cost in cash.

For example, if your proposed investment costs USD 20,000, your business must contribute a minimum of USD 5,000, while the grant can cover the remaining eligible amount.

The grant is open to legally registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Kenya that provide innovative solutions supporting climate adaptation within the livestock and pastoral sectors.

Businesses must be operating in, or directly serving, at least one of the following PLACE target counties:

• Mandera
• Narok
• Kajiado
• Turkana
• West Pokot

The programme particularly encourages applications from youth-led and women-led enterprises.

Businesses should operate within, or directly support, one or more of the following livestock value chains:

• Milk and dairy products
• Red meat processing and trade
• Live animal trade
• Fodder production, processing, and supply
• Honey and apiculture products
• Agroforestry

Eligible businesses may also provide services such as:

• Veterinary and livestock services
• Agricultural input supply
• Product aggregation
• Processing
• Storage
• Logistics
• Quality assurance
• Market distribution

Grant funding can be used for productive investments that improve business operations and strengthen livestock value chains.

Eligible investments include:

• Machinery, equipment, and production tools
• Processing, storage, and aggregation facilities
• Quality improvement and compliance equipment
• Transport assets linked to livestock value chains
• Climate-smart agricultural technologies
• Digital systems for traceability and business management
• Value addition technologies that improve agricultural products

These investments are expected to help businesses become more productive, competitive, and resilient to climate-related challenges.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive a range of Business Development Services aimed at helping them grow sustainable businesses.

This support includes:

• Business mentorship.
• Entrepreneurial training.
• Technical advisory services.
• Guidance on improving business performance.
• Support to maximize the impact of the funded investment.

These services are designed to ensure that businesses not only receive funding but also develop the skills needed to achieve long-term growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered in Kenya.
• Operate in or directly serve one or more of the PLACE target counties.
• Employ fewer than 20 full-time staff.
• Have an annual turnover below USD 100,000.
• Operate within an eligible livestock or pastoral value chain.
• Commit to providing a minimum 25% cash contribution toward the proposed investment.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The strength and feasibility of the business model.
• Technical and financial viability of the proposed investment.
• Potential to create employment and improve local livelihoods.
• Contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Support for women and youth participation.
• Alignment with the objectives of the PLACE Programme and eligible value chains.

Shortlisted applicants may also be contacted by FAO to provide additional information or participate in a verification visit before final grant awards are made.

Interested applicants should:

1. Complete the official Grant Application Form.
2. Prepare and attach all required supporting documents.
3. Ensure your business meets all eligibility requirements.
4. Submit your application before 7 August 2026.

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJzVBaZERRL-jBlIZ8_UGBic60GPMy8FTqZsBYy0UpAD7VaQ/viewform

Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

The PLACE SME Grant Facility 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Kenyan SMEs working within the livestock and pastoral sectors to access both funding and business development support. Beyond providing grants of up to USD 15,000, the programme equips businesses with mentorship, technical expertise, and practical guidance to help them grow sustainably and improve their impact on local communities.

If your enterprise is developing innovative solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve livestock value chains, or support pastoral livelihoods, this grant could provide the resources needed to scale your business. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the 7 August 2026 deadline.