As development finance institutions take on a bigger role in funding global development, attention is growing not only on how they invest — but also how they support those investments to succeed. For Norfund, the Norwegian DFI, that work happens through its business support program.
Business Support is a technical assistance, or TA, facility that provides grant funding for projects designed to help portfolio companies grow more sustainably, reach underserved markets, or address specific operational challenges. The support is delivered by third-party providers, jointly selected with the investee, and can range from feasibility studies to supply chain strengthening or local community engagement efforts.
In a recent Devex Pro Live conversation, Marianne Jønsberg, the senior manager for business support at Norfund, explained how the institution structures and deploys grant funding for TA — and what organizations interested in partnering with Norfund should keep in mind.