Services

Tonia Dabwe - at work in projects in the Netherlands and abroad


I help clients design and deliver strategies that work.

SoVenture provides independent strategic advisory to multilateral organisations, bilateral programmes and implementing partners, helping the NGOs, BSOs, sector associations, networks, innovation hubs and SMEs they support to build stronger institutions and more sustainable businesses.

I work across four areas. Each engagement is tailored to context and designed to leave organisations with practical tools and genuine ownership, not dependence on an external consultant.

Clients include ITC, IDB, Spring Impact and Dutch government agencies. I work in English, French, Spanish and Dutch.

Institutional Strengthening, Governance & Strategy

For NGOs, BSOs, sector associations, regional networks and innovation hubs at critical junctures: navigating restructuring, scaling, reducing funder dependency, or preparing for a new phase of development.

This work covers:

  • Organisational diagnostics and institutional reviews
  • Strategy development and operationalisation
  • Governance frameworks, SOPs and leadership succession planning
  • Financial sustainability assessment and income generation strategy
  • Roadmaps with SMART objectives, KPIs and prioritised actions

Recent examples: ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network - strategic vision and governance framework (ITC: Cambodia and Laos), National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria - institutional positioning and monetisation (ITC/UK Trade Partnerships).

Private Sector Development & SME Strengthening

For programmes supporting SME competitiveness, market access and sustainable business growth in emerging markets.

This work covers:

  • Value proposition development and market positioning
  • Business model assessment and growth strategy
  • Monetisation of EUDR services for producers and sector associations
  • SME business coaching and advisory

Recent examples: IDB ConnectAmericas coaching programme - women-led companies across seven Latin American countries, NACOFTAN EUDR service design (ITC/Nigeria).

Access to Finance & Financial Sustainability

For programmes that improve financial capability, funding readiness and access to capital and for organisations building practical pathways toward financial independence.

This work covers:

  • Financial capability and funding readiness programmes for SMEs and entrepreneurs
  • Grant writing and resource mobilisation support for BSOs and hubs
  • Microloan and savings scheme design and implementation
  • Financial sustainability modelling for NGOs, BSOs and social enterprises

Recent examples: IDB Access to Financing Challenge - 117 women-led SMEs across 22 countries (Latin America and the Caribbean), grant writing advisory support for women-led BSOs and hubs in Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon and South Africa (ITC/GIZ SheTrades).

Capacity Building & Training

Practical, results-oriented learning programmes designed for the real constraints and real decisions that participants face. No generic frameworks.

This work covers:

  • Training design and delivery for BSOs, hubs, NGOs and SMEs
  • Financial sustainability and monetisation workshops for civil society organisations
  • Resource mobilisation and funding readiness training
  • E-learning module development
  • Cohort-based advisory programmes
  • Executive coaching and leadership advisory for senior organisational leaders

Recent examples: Business modelling and financial sustainability training for 29 innovation hubs (ITC/KOICA READY Salone, Sierra Leone), resource mobilisation training for tech hubs (ITC/NTF V, Ghana), Access to Financing Challenge (IDB, 22 countries).

Curious whether there's a fit?

Let’s talk about how I can support your team, strengthen your systems, or help co-create long-term solutions.

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