Improving Local Economic Activities
Via Business Development
Services Program
About The Project
We have partnered with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation for the Subnational Governance Program (SNGP) Phase II! As part of this initiative, we are dedicated to facilitating Business Development Services (BDS) to the municipalities of Bhimeshwor, Damak, and Waling, spanning three provinces in Nepal through Entrepreneurial Growth Hubs (EGH).
Local Governments(LGs) of these municipalities have collaborated with us , and local Chambers of Commerce to provide Business Development Services (BDS) for high-growth potential Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the municipalities.
Rationale
An important factor to the SMEs growth is closely linked with the Local Government’s ability to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem at a municipal level. To build such an entrepreneurial ecosystem at a municipal level, LGs need to facilitate capacity building services; services such as business planning, financial management, marketing and branding, technology adoption, and legal and regulatory compliance. This can be achieved through a collaborative effort between BDS providers and LGs, with the former providing the necessary expertise and support to the latter to build a conducive environment for SME growth.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to identify and collaborate with SMEs showing high-growth potential in these areas, helping fuel local growth, fortify the private sector, and cultivate a thriving local entrepreneurial culture.
Our Vision
With a focus on local production and resource mobilization, the project aims to nurture a bottom-up approach that empowers local enterprises and uplifts the community at large.
Objectives of Project
- Provide business development services to fifteen(15) high-growth potential enterprises through the growth hub in each municipality, ensuring inclusion of entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, and emphasizing Gender Inclusion, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the three municipalities
- Empower the Local Government to be capable in offering business development services, ensuring long-term success of this initiative, even after the exit of Invest & Infra
- Provide evidence-based advisory services and policy recommendation to the local governments, aiming to enhance the legal and regulatory environment for entrepreneurial development and foster local economic growth
What are the Business Development Services (BDS)?
Business Development Services (BDS) include a variety of management and technical support for enterprises. The goal of BDS is to address the specific needs and challenges of enterprises, promoting their growth and sustainability. BDS will be provided through workshops (either physical or virtual) in Entrepreneurial Growth Hub, mentorships and networking sessions.
Develop or refine business and financial plans and strategies for growth
Guidance on accessing alternative financing from diverse legal sources
Advice on legal compliance and local enterprise-related laws and regulations
Marketing and branding support to improve the visibility of enterprises both locally and beyond your municipality
Guidance on adopting the newest technology to expand your business
Networking opportunities with value chain experts and other entrepreneurs
Comprehensive capacity development for attracting external investment
FAQs
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bhimeshwor Municipality, Damak Municipality, and Waling Municipality are eligible to take part in this program.
Maximum of five enterprises will be selected in each municipality to receive business development services (BDS). In total, 15 high-growth enterprises will be selected.
- Enterprises should have operational experience of at least 1 year
- Enterprises must be registered with the municipality or associated wards.
(Note : During the selection process, preference will be given to enterprises led by women entrepreneurs, individuals from marginalized communities, those with disabilities, or engaged in the production of environmentally friendly and sustainable products. )
Interested enterprises can get an application form from the ward offices and local chambers of commerce within the municipalities, complete the form, and submit their applications at the respective offices. Alternatively, enterprises may also submit their applications online through the provided link. – https://forms.gle/Lb9Zxf6jzkELMW1L9
The selection process involves a jury committee assessing applications based on criteria such as municipal registration, operational experience, growth and problem assessment, and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations.
No, there are no fees for applying to this program.
No, selected entrepreneurs will not have to pay any program fees if they get selected in this program. The program is supported by The Asia Foundation, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Invest & Infra, and the municipalities and chambers of commerce of Bhimeshwor, Damak, and Waling.
All our BDS will be provided through Entreprenurial Growth Hub that will be established with support of Local Governments. These services will be provided through workshops, (either physical or virtual), mentorships and networking sessions
No, selected entrepreneurs will not receive grants, financial aids, loans, or investments under this program. The focus is on building their capacity to attract external investments and financial assistance for their self-sustaining growth.
The program, after the selection of 15 entrepreneurs, will run for six months until July 2024.
In Partnership with
