Deadline: 15-May-22
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) seeks proposals to foster entrepreneurial activity in Iraq utilizing innovative solutions to economic challenges.
The project should include better leveraging and reenergizing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement discussions to unlock Iraq’s economic potential and open the door to new markets, investment, and business opportunities for Iraqi businesses.
Proposed activities will establish pathways to growth for Iraqi Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding sources of investment beyond donor-subsidized startup capital and increase access to finance to catalyze growth.
Objectives
A successful project will:
- Identify and recommend legislation to the Government of Iraq to promote the MSME sector.
- Identify and recommend revisions to banking regulations to provide access to credit for establishing MSMEs.
- Leverage the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to unlock new markets, investment, and business opportunities for Iraqi businesses.
- Support lenders or investors to develop new financial products and services.
- Support MSMEs to inform and understand the regulatory environment to take advantage of benefits of government reforms and finance opportunities; promote the growth of diverse businesses and new sectors; and develop partnerships between the public and private sector
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000
- Estimated Initial Award Ceiling: $500,000
- Estimated Award Floor: $500,000
- Estimated Length of Project Period: 3 Years
Eligible Activities
Project activities shall include:
- Identifying legislation targeting business growth barriers and proposing legislation reform with a network of stakeholders
- Building and promoting business collaboration between the public and private sectors, including U.S. and other businesses, multinational corporations, local incubators, government agencies, universities, mentors, trainers, and/or other financial sponsors Mentoring and apprenticeship provided to MSMEs on access to finance
Project Beneficiaries
Project beneficiaries shall include:
- Women, minority and youth-owned MSMEs;
- Public and private sector lenders, including banks, non-traditional lenders, or investors; and
- Private-sector MSMEs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. or foreign
- Non-profit organizations;
- For-profit organizations;
- Small and Medium-sized businesses with function and regional experience in the areas of entrepreneurship and communication and financial technology in the MENA region.
- To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:
- Have demonstrable previous experience working in the MENA region. This should be addressed within the project narrative section of your application.
- Meet ALL of the registration requirements.
- Demonstrate the ability to engage the Government of Iraq.
- Demonstrate experience working in the MENA region.
- Demonstrate ability to form relationships/partnerships with MENA-based technology organizations and premier U.S. private sector entities to ensure that all project activities can be implemented effectively and efficiently
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338612