Call for Expression of Interest: 3rd Round of Business Development Services (BDS) Support to Renewable Energy (RE) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda
Introduction
Energising Development (EnDev) partnership is a joint impact-oriented global programme facilitating self-sustaining markets for modern energy solutions, financed by four donor countries. It cooperates with governments, NGOs, and the private sector in over 20 partner countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In Uganda, the EnDev Programme is implemented by GIZ, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). GIZ EnDev Uganda, facilitates access to modern energy services for households, social institutions, and small and medium enterprises through market development for improved cook stoves (ICS) and solar photo-voltaic (PV), including fostering a conducive enabling environment.
EnDev Uganda is offering an exciting opportunity for Business Development Services (BDS) support through targeted mentorship, training, and coaching in thematic areas that promote key business processes and operations to interested enterprises in the solar and cooking sectors in Uganda.
With lessons from the 1st and 2nd phases of the BDS in 2021 and 2023 respectively, and taking recommendations from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the following thematic areas shall be of focus during this 3rd BDS phase:
ü Strategic Planning and
Management
ü Financial Planning and Management
ü Strategic Marketing and Distribution
Plans
ü Operations (including Risk
and Change Management)
ü Human Resource Management and Organisational Structures
ü Investment Readiness and Resource Mobilisation Strategies
ü Climate Finance Awareness and Points of Entry
The target is to support selected solar and cooking SMEs during the business development services support, with a focus on comprehensive or refresher trainings on the core BDS areas as listed above. The scale up support will ensure that more SMEs get skills to grow their business and the renewable energy subsector in general.
Business Development Support to be Offered
Successful applicants will receive tailored business development training, coaching, co-creation, and mentoring with the view of fostering sound business practices in the solar and cooking sectors in Uganda.
Eligible SMEs/ Applicants
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the solar and clean cooking sectors in Uganda.
With clear justification and demonstration of additionality, beneficiaries in the first and second phases of the BDS may apply to participate in the third phase BDS trainings.
Eligibility Criteria
The interested applicants must be solar or cooking energy SMEs that are legally registered and have been operational in Uganda for at least three (3) years and can demonstrate the following.
- Fully registered companies with valid legal documents (Refer to application form)
- Willingness and commitment to avail company financial, strategic and management data for assessment and analysis to the BDS consultant. Strict rules and guidelines on confidentiality of sensitive company information will be adhered to. Non-disclosure agreements will be signed between the BDS consultant and the participating SMEs.
- Willingness to host teams from the BDS consultant and from EnDev Uganda as required and where applicable to your premises during the duration of the trainings.
- Willingness to commit pertinent members of their staff to fully participate in the BDS training activities.
- Motivational statement on the status of the business, operational gaps, and anticipated impact of receiving the BDS trainings
Application procedure
- Please fill in the provided Expression of Interest (EOI) application form and submit it to: ivan.taremwa@giz.de and jackie.nandawula@giz.de, indicating in the subject line “EOI for Participation in Business Development Services Support 2024-2025”
- Request for clarification/questions regarding this call should be sent to ivan.taremwa@giz.de and jackie.nandawula@giz.de indicating in the subject line “Request for Clarification: EOI for Participation in Business Development Services Support 2024-2025” byWednesday 6th November 2024 4pm EAT.
- The deadline for submission of applications is Wednesday 13th November 2024, 4pm EAT
- Late submissions shall not be considered.
