Deadline: 20-Jul-25
The U.S. Embassy Kathmandu Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State has announced an open competition to implement a program to foster greater commercial ties between the United States and Nepal.
This program aims to support economic growth in Nepal by creating market opportunities for U.S. businesses and investors, strengthening connections between U.S. and Nepali businesses, encouraging a more informed Nepali consumer base for U.S. products and business opportunities. The program will also foster entrepreneurship skills and startup ecosystem, offering employment opportunities to discourage outmigration.
Objectives
- The program will have the following objectives:
- Expand the presence and visibility of U.S. companies and technologies in Nepals digital, creative, and tourism sectors.
- Equip Nepali entrepreneurs and creators with practical tools, skills, and platforms to grow sustainable businesses linked to the U.S. market.
- Foster an environment of innovation, ethical branding, and economic development rooted in American commercial values.
Funding Information
- Awards may range from a minimum of $5000 to a maximum of $25,000 (pending funding availability).
- Length of performance period 6-12 months
Project Audiences
- Emerging entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, potential buyers of U.S. goods, influencers, mountain climbers, U.S. businesses, U.S. diaspora, USG alumni, business journalists, CEOs of larger businesses, industry leaders, policymakers, and government officials.
- Geographic Location: Nepal
- Age Group: 18-45
Eligible Activities
- Applicants may address up to two of the following activities in their proposal:
- Activity 1: Establish a program that connects high-performing Nepali content creators with U.S.-affiliated brands operating in Nepal. Within 12 months, this initiative should result in improved quality and quantity of paid collaboration campaigns between creators and these brands.
- Activity 2: Host at least three structured virtual or in-person consultations or roundtables between Nepali digital creators and representatives from U.S. technology platforms (e.g., social media, cybersecurity). The goal is for at least 50% of participating creators to secure direct monetization access or formal partnerships with these platforms.
- Activity 3: Deliver three practical workshops and create a digital resource hub promoting U.S.-supported fintech tools, payment systems, and e-commerce platforms tailored for Nepali content creators and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Success will be measured by at least 80% of participants integrating these tools into their operations, as indicated by post-program surveys and adoption metrics.
- Activity 4: Organize a high-profile marketing summit featuring a mix of U.S. branding experts/firms and prominent regional marketing professionals. The summit will promote collaboration between U.S. and Nepali brands by sharing strategies, ethics, and tools for storytelling and data-driven branding. It should result in at least three post-event collaborations or the development of brand innovation toolkits.
- Activity 5: Convene a U.S.Nepal outdoor leadership and sustainable tourism conference, featuring 23 U.S. mountaineers or outdoor brand representatives alongside leading Nepali tourism professionals. The conference will produce a jointly developed roadmap or partnership plan aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism and enhancing Sherpa leadership roles in the sector.
- Activity 6: Launch an AI and Innovation dialogue series with a minimum of four sessions, bringing together U.S. and Nepali experts in artificial intelligence, digital tools, and startup development. The initiative will support at least 20 entrepreneurs in designing or refining AI- driven products, with a target of 30% of them presenting to U.S.-linked innovation platforms or accelerators.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Fully registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and educational institutions, partnering with Nepal-registered organizations.
Ineligibility Criteria
- Projects relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support
- Construction projects;
- Projects that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
- Scientific research or surveys;
- Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
- Projects that duplicate existing projects;
- Illegal activities
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Nepal.