Images of Tonia at work in projects


I help clients design and deliver strategies that work.

SoVenture provides independent strategic advisory to multilateral organisations, bilateral programmes, implementing partners and selected mission-driven organisations. I help the NGOs, BSOs, sector associations, networks, innovation hubs and SME programmes they support build stronger institutions, more sustainable services and more resilient business models.

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 as part of broader organisational 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).

SME Strengthening & Private Sector Development

For programmes and organisations supporting SME competitiveness, market access, business growth and entrepreneurship in emerging and transition markets.

This work covers:

  • Value proposition development and market positioning
  • Business model assessment and growth strategy
  • Service design and monetisation for sector associations and SME support organisations
  • SME coaching and advisory within donor-funded or institutional support programmes

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

Access to Finance & Financial Sustainability

For programmes and organisations that need to strengthen financial capability, funding readiness, revenue models or pathways toward financial independence.

This work covers:

  • Funding readiness and financial capability programmes for SMEs and entrepreneurs
  • Revenue model and financial sustainability advisory for NGOs, BSOs, hubs and social enterprises
  • Resource mobilisation and funder engagement support for business support organisations and networks
  • Microloan, savings and financial inclusion model design, where linked to broader entrepreneurship support

Recent examples: IDB Access to Financing Challenge (117 women-led SMEs across 22 countries in 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).

Own initiative: Mineke Foundation entrepreneurship and financial inclusion model, combining coaching, savings and microloans for women and youth in Liberia.

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 NGOs, hubs and mission-driven organisations
  • Resource mobilisation and funding readiness training
  • E-learning module development
  • Cohort-based advisory programmes
  • 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.