[Rwanda] IWPR Grant Awards for Rwanda Creative Industries

"We were always looking for someone who would invest in us and grow with us," grantee says.

After the biggest applications round yet, the Rwanda Creative Hub has announced 13 new grant awards.

Launched a year ago, the Rwanda Creative Hub serves as an accelerator for businesses in media, ICT and the arts. Its mission is to help Rwandan start-ups grow into thriving businesses that generate income and employment opportunities.

Grantees receive seed funding of up to 20,000 US dollars, office space and equipment, plus mentoring to help them make the most of their businesses.

The latest round was extremely competitive, with 175 applications received. This is the third round of grant awards by the Creative Hub, and brings the total number of awards to 27.

One of the winners this time is Huza Press, a publishing house that promotes Rwandan authors.

"Usually a publishing house is an idea that is associated with big budgets," said Louise Umutoni of Huza Press. "Lots of people did not think we could make it by starting with a limited budget and growing from there. We were always looking for someone who believed in humble beginnings, who would invest in us and grow with us. To us, that someone is Rwanda Creative Hub, and from here we can give local writers a platform to share their inspiration."

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