CFPs: Capacity Building Support for 100 Women-Led SMEs (Sierra Leone)

The United Nations Development Programme is seeking a partner to deliver training, mentorship, and business development services to 100 women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone under the EWASME Project. The initiative focuses on strengthening the rice value chain by improving capacity, finance access, and market linkages. The selected organization can receive up to USD 97,000 to implement activities over 12 months.

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme invites proposals from qualified organizations to support women-led SMEs under the Empowering West African Women’s SMEs (EWASME) Project.

The initiative targets enterprise development in the rice value chain in Sierra Leone through structured capacity building, technical assistance, and market support.

Key Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen technical and business capacity of SMEs
• Improve access to finance and investment
• Enhance market access and competitiveness
• Support formalization and scaling of women-led enterprises
• Build sustainable rice value chains

Programme Focus: Rice Value Chain Development

Target Area

• Post-production stages (processing, packaging, distribution)

Key Interventions

• Business development services (BDS)
• Technical training and advisory
• Financial readiness and pitch support
• Market linkages and partnerships

Funding Details

• Maximum budget: USD 97,000
• Project duration: Up to 12 months
• Coverage: Single geographic area in Sierra Leone

Role of the Selected Organization

The selected partner will act as the lead implementation agency.

Core Responsibilities

1. Capacity Building

• Deliver structured training programs
• Conduct workshops and learning sessions
• Develop tailored business curricula

2. Mentorship and Technical Support

• Provide ongoing mentorship
• Conduct enterprise diagnostics
• Develop customized growth plans

3. SME Selection and Support

• Oversee transparent selection of 100 SMEs
• Ensure alignment with eligibility criteria
• Support project onboarding

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track SME progress and performance
• Document results and lessons learned
• Submit reports to stakeholders

5. Financial and Market Linkages

• Facilitate access to finance
• Connect SMEs with investors
• Support grant utilization

6. Partnerships and Outreach

• Engage donors and stakeholders
• Promote the programme
• Build strategic collaborations

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative:

• Empowers women entrepreneurs economically
• Strengthens food security systems
• Builds resilient agricultural value chains
• Promotes inclusive economic growth

It directly supports women transitioning from informal to structured businesses.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants (Organizations)

Applicants must:

• Be legally registered organizations
• Have experience in SME development
• Demonstrate expertise in agriculture or value chains
• Show strong project management capacity

Target Beneficiaries (SMEs)

Selected SMEs must:

• Be women-led or women-owned
• Be registered businesses
• Meet criteria under the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative
• Operate within the rice value chain

How the Programme Works

Implementation Model

1. Selection of implementing partner
2. Identification and onboarding of 100 SMEs
3. Delivery of training and mentorship
4. Development of growth and investment plans
5. Market and financial linkages
6. Monitoring and evaluation

Expected Outcomes

• Improved SME productivity and profitability
• Increased access to finance
• Stronger market integration
• Sustainable enterprise growth

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review eligibility and scope
2. Develop a proposal including:
   • Implementation plan
   • Budget (≤ USD 97,000)
   • Monitoring framework
3. Highlight:
   • Experience with SMEs
   • Gender-focused programming
   • Value chain expertise
4. Submit proposal to United Nations Development Programme

What to Emphasize

• Proven track record in business development services
• Strong local presence in Sierra Leone
• Ability to deliver measurable impact
• Partnerships with financial institutions

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Include a clear SME support methodology
• Demonstrate gender-inclusive approaches
• Provide realistic timelines and milestones
• Show strong monitoring and evaluation plans
• Highlight collaboration with stakeholders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague implementation strategy
• Weak monitoring framework
• Lack of gender focus
• Unrealistic budget allocation
• Limited experience in SME development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the funding organization?

The United Nations Development Programme.

2. What is the funding amount?

Up to USD 97,000.

3. How long is the project?

Up to 12 months.

4. Who should apply?

Qualified organizations with SME and capacity-building experience.

5. Who benefits from the project?

100 women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone.

6. What sector is targeted?

The rice value chain.

7. What support will SMEs receive?

Training, mentorship, financial access, and market linkages.

Conclusion

The United Nations Development Programme EWASME Project presents a strategic opportunity to empower women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone.

By combining capacity building, financial access, and market integration, the initiative aims to create sustainable, scalable businesses and strengthen the agricultural economy.