Deadline: 11-Jun-23
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) under the project ‘Catalyzing Women’s Entrepreneurship’ (CWE), funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, and implemented by ESCAP.
The objective is to partner and provide grant funding for the following theme in four of the Catalysing Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) programme’s focus countries Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and Viet Nam.
Increasing the resilience of women-led micro and small enterprises to climate change impacts.
The proposals submitted should provide innovative approaches to supporting women’s entrepreneurs in any or multiple of the four countries to increase the resilience of women-led micro and small enterprises, to adapt their business models and ways of working to the context of climate change.
Scope of the Work
- This Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) is designed to support the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation in Bangladesh, Cambodia,Nepal and / or Viet Nam. As part of this project, the applicants are expected to increase the resilience of women-led micro and small enterprises to climate change impacts through localized climate finance.
- As part of the agreement, the applicants might undertake a range of activities including but not limited to these:
- Provision of funds for sustainable forms of adaptation for female microentrepreneurs
- Business development for women entrepreneurs in green technology solutions to adapt and mitigate the impact of climate change.
- Increasing women entrepreneurs’ ability to access finance for climate-related projects.
- Training and mentoring for women entrepreneurs in designing sustainable forms of adaptation for women-owned and led businesses.
- Establishing women entrepreneurs’ networks focusing on climate adaptation and resilience or alternative mechanisms
Funding Information
- Applicants may request up to US$40,000 per proposal.
- Project Implementation Timeline: 15 July 2023 to 31 March 2024, or any shorter timeframe proposed within these dates.
Target and Customers
- The project activities should focus on interventions that will increase the resilience of women-led micro and small enterprises to climate change impacts by improving access to finance, promoting sustainable practices, and providing training and capacity-building opportunities in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and / or Viet Nam.
Target Countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and Viet Nam.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are open to all organizations which hold a not-for-profit status in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and/or Viet Nam. A proof of the organization’s not-for-profit status will be required as part of the application process. Applications are also open to other UN, government and multilateral entities, who have the skills and expertise in developing similar initiatives
- Minimum qualification criteria
- Applications are open to all organizations which hold a not-for-profit status provided that the applicant demonstrate prior experience and capability of proposed staff members of the team. Not-for-profit lead organizations may partner with private sector institution(s) to implement activities if appropriate. A proof of the lead organization’s not-for-profit status will be required as part of the application process. Applications are also open to other UN entities, government and multilateral organizations who have the skills and expertise in developing similar initiatives.
- Have proven understanding of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and/or Viet Nam and can legally operate in the targeted countries mentioned.
- The application submission must be complete and received before the application deadline.
- Additional requirements and for applicants
- Previous experience in the area of expertise proposed.
- Other General Requirements or Preferences:
- Confirmed human resources to cover all planned/required activities;
- Commitment and ability to provide on-site resources (e.g., staff, consultants) as needed;
- Experience working with women (entrepreneurs) at the local level;
- Experience working with international organisations and understanding of the challenges of working with them is preferred;
- Current presence in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and/or Viet Nam,
- Previous experience implementing similar programmes in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and/or Viet Nam.
For more information, visit ESCAP.