Elevating business development services for lasting impact in the Global South
Benchmarking, in-depth workshops, collaborative mentoring.
A New Support Program for BDS Providers
Despite their potential, many small and growing businesses (SGBs) in the Global South face significant barriers to sustainable growth. Without evidence-based approaches, business development service (BDS) providers, such as accelerators and incubators, struggle to deliver impactful and scalable solutions. This results in missed opportunities for local economic development and limits entrepreneurial success.
The SCALE framework, developed by the Argidius Foundation, was designed to fill this gap by transforming how business development services (BDS) effectively support SGBs. The SCALE acronym covers five dimensions of effective BDS support, including:
S: Select the right enterprises
C: Charging enterprises improves performance
A: Address problems (we learn best by problem solving)
L: Learn by evaluating enterprise performance
E: Lead by Example (improve your own organization to better serve enterprises)
Expanding Impact: SCALE 360
In partnership with the Argidius Foundation, ANDE hosted SCALE 101 workshops in 10 countries. These events provided BDS providers with invaluable insights, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback and generating strong demand for deeper engagement.
Building on this success, ANDE has extended the partnership for 2025, introducing a comprehensive support program to BDS providers called SCALE 360.
Elevate your BDS game with SCALE 360
The SCALE framework and tools unpack best practices for effective BDS programming. Leveraging insights from the Global Accelerator Learning Initiative (GALI) and cutting-edge academic research, SCALE (Select, Charging, Address, Learning, Lead by Example) equips BDS providers with actionable, evidence-based principles designed to unlock SGBs growth.
The SCALE 360 program brings together cohorts of selected participants for an immersive learning journey which will provide detailed guidance on applying the SCALE 360 principles, designed in collaboration with local ANDE members and partners.
What participants can expect:
Evaluate and improve your existing approaches through an assessment which allows you to benchmark your practices against peers.
Gain practical insights and tools through expert-led sessions on topics such as rigorous selection, charging participants fees, impact measurement, and building engaging program content.
Collaborate and learn from fellow professionals who face common challenges and learn about solutions tested by other BDS providers.
Whether you’re launching a new BDS initiative or refining an established program, SCALE offers tailored strategies to ensure effectiveness. SCALE 360 will be offered in ANDE Chapters across the globe. With applications opening soon, seize the chance to be part of this transformative initiative.
Tentative dates:
- Africa: Senegal (May-July), South Africa (Jun-Jul), Zambia (TBD)
- Asia: Cambodia (May-Jul), Philippines (Jul-Sep), India (Apr-Jun)
- Latin America: Colombia (May-Jul)
Who are we looking for?
ANDE will accept up to two participants from selected organizations, and at least one should have decision-making authority for their BDS programming. A second team member can join at a 50% discount.
For ANDE Members: 50 USD
For Non-ANDE Members: 100 USD
Note: Attendance is limited to two participants per organization, with the second attendee eligible for a 50% discount.
📅 Application Deadline: 31 March 2025
Take the first step toward revolutionizing SGB growth. With SCALE’s evidence-based principles, you’ll have the tools to enhance your impact, support local economies, and create lasting change.
Applications will open beginning in March.
ANDE SCALE 360 Info Session will provide an overview of the program, its offerings, and how BDS providers can benefit from tailored support, resources, and peer learning opportunities.