SME Challenge Fund for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Economic Development in Nepal

Development and implementation of an SME Challenge Fund to strengthen gender-equitable and climate-resilient economic development in Nepal: This includes the design and launch of the fund (Work Package 1), identifying high-potential SMEs to scale agricultural products and services, establishing clear eligibility and evaluation criteria, a robust application management system, and promotion in English and Nepali. Furthermore, conducting bootcamps and assessments for 100 shortlisted SMEs to strengthen communication and pitching skills (Work Package 2), selecting the top 40 SMEs. Organizing a pitching competition for the 40 selected SMEs (Work Package 3), where an expert jury selects the top 25 SMEs for milestone-based disbursements through subcontracts and customized business development and investment readiness support. Provision of tailored business development services, networking opportunities, and guidance to the 25 selected SMEs over an 18-month period (Work Package 4), including business advisory, access to finance, market access, supply chain management, training, coaching, and mentoring. Finally, establishing and implementing a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Communication, and Knowledge Management system (Work Package 5) to track results and impacts, including milestone monitoring and tracking outcome and impact indicators such as climate adaptation, income increases, job creation, and scalability of solutions.

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