Deadline: 4 October 2019
As part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) “Catalyzing Women’s Entrepreneurship” project, ESCAP has launched a Request for Applications.
Funding Goal
ESCAP seeks to partner and provide grant funding for:
- The establishment of a women enterprise impact investment fund.
- To expand an existing impact investment fund to specifically focus on women enterprises in the Asia-Pacific Region.
ESCAP’s call for applications asks applicants to take a gender lens investing approach, meaning investing with the specific intent to create a positive impact on women. The impact investment fund should specifically focus on supporting women enterprises. This can be in the form of investing in enterprises which are majority owned by women (51%), managed by a woman, majority of the board members are women, and/or supporting enterprises which support, empower and develop the capacities of women.
Benefits
Successful applications will receive:
- Up to US$ 1.3 million in grant funding
- Technical assistance
- Support for applicants requiring regulatory approval
Targeted Countries
- Targeted Countries for the Impact Investment Fund are:
- It is highly desired that applicants strive to launch the fund in all 6 of the target countries, or in target countries covering all 3 regions. Applicants with investor networks open to investing in one or more of the above six countries, will be prioritized in the selection process.
- While the above countries are the priority target countries, consideration will be given to applications focused on the additional countries below:
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are open to all organizations which hold a not-for-profit status. 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.
- Other requirements and qualifications
- Previous experience with impact investment funds, in the context of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Have a strong network of investors willing to invest in a women enterprise impact investment fund.
- Existing investor capital or institutional capital to support the initiation of the fund.
- Confirmed human resources to cover all planned/required activities.
- Current presence in the Asia-Pacific region preferred.
- Previous experience in targeted countries preferred.
- Experience working with financial institutions, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, impact investors, donors, guarantee funds and/or stock exchanges.
- Experience working with international organisations and understanding of the challenges of working with them preferred.
- Commitment and ability to provide on-site resources (e.g. staff, consultants) as needed.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2mfYIpk