From 14th March 2018, the 2nd public call for project proposals for the Local Competitiveness Facility (LCF) has been launched in the 4 pilot Districts: Gakenke, Gisagara, Nyagatare, Rutsiro). LCF is a matched grant fund for private sector development, implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency and supported by Enabel (formerly known as BTC). LCF is a pilot project, which funds projects proposed by partnerships between companies and cooperatives. The aim is to develop these businesses, the value-chain they are active in and create employment and local economic development in one of the 4 pilot Districts. The 1st call for proposals was launched in November 2016 and received 500 project proposals. 36 projects were then selected and are currently being funded. Projects on LCF target related to the promotion of value chain integration in economic sectors of Agri-business, Handcraft, Tourism and ICT.  In a kick-off meeting (of this second call) gathering around 70 residents of Kigembe, Nyanza and Kibirizi Sectors at Nyaruteja Business Centre, Gisagara, target groups including business doers, namely representatives of SMEs, PSF, local NGOs, cooperatives, and TVET centers met LODA and Gisagara District officials to get briefed on guidelines of the second LCF competition.  On 15th March 2108 (the 2nd day of the campaign), around 200 people from Save and Gishubi Sectors gathered at Save Business Center to also get briefed on how to access LCF funding. After an explanatory exposé by Mr. AHIMANISHYIZE Janvier and Mrs. UWAMWIZA Julie, participants took the floor the express their concerns.  “How many project applications are expected to get the funds as per your plan?”  and “What if one is willing to apply but is not knowledgeable in project elaboration?” asked one Nyiramayira Appollonie, member of a tailoring cooperative. She was told that “All projects which shall meet the selection criteria can get funded given there is no limited number of projects to be funded per District. Moreover, Business Development Advisors (BDAs) operating at Sector level or eventually District BDEU staff will be assisting all candidates with limited internet/computer literacy but wishing to apply”. “Is a start-up company allowed to be part of this project application competition to get funded just after registering?” asked Mr. KUBWIMANA Jean Pierre, BDA of Save Sector. “Start-up companies are allowed to be part of this competition, provided they partner with more experienced and officially registered companies, TVET centers or cooperatives”, replied Mr. NYILIMANZI Vincent, BDEU Director at Gisagara District. The Executive Secretary of Save Sector, Mr. KIMONYO Innocent advised participants to diligently prepare their projects and not to be late in submitting their applications. He encouraged winners of the 1st Call and potential winners of the 2nd one to prove better performance in local economic development activities, to be honest and transparent vis-à-vis the management of the acquired funds, and avoid being pursued in justice for embezzling the funds. The submission of Expression of Interest is supposed to start from 19th March to 6th April 2018. More information on LCF project competition can be found on the website of LCF: <link http: www.lcf.rw _blank>www.lcf.rw