Private Sector Partnership Opportunities in Solomon Islands: Request for Applications
Through this Request for Applications (RFA), the Feed the Future Market Systems and Partnerships (MSP) Solomon Islands Partnership Facility, managed by DAI on behalf of USAID/Philippines, is offering opportunities for co-investment with private sector actors working in or sourcing from the agriculture sector in Malaita Province. Cocoa, coconut and kava are priority sectors and concepts which include these subsectors will be prioritized.
To apply, begin by registering online at the DAI online grants platform and explore the RFA and other key materials.
MSP seeks to channel firm resources, expertise, technology and influence to contribute toward one or more of the following objectives:
- Solomon Islands’ economic competitiveness and social inclusiveness through development of the agriculture sector, in particular the cocoa, coconut and kava subsectors
- Processing and value addition opportunities in the agriculture sector, which bring additional income to smallholder farming households and expanded opportunities to farmer groups
- Trade relationships with regional and international end markets to foster and sustain increased production and trade from Solomon Islands
Summary
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Available grant funding and type |
MSP grants will range between $25,000 and $500,000 per activity. Applicants must contribute a cash investment to the activity equal to or greater to 25% of the value of MSP’s grant. |
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Period of performance |
Partnership grants will be implemented over no more than a 24-month period with an anticipated start date in June 2022. |
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Eligible applicants |
Financial institutions, investors, businesses, business service organizations, industry/sector organizations, trade or other private sector associations with legal registration in Solomon Islands (if the applicant is sourcing from Solomon Islands only, the export partner must be legally registered in Solomon Islands). Nonprofit organizations or other entities which are not market-based businesses selling products or services to local, regional or international markets are not eligible for this partnership facility. |
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Eligible activities |
Eligible activities include novel ideas and innovative business models which source agricultural products, especially cocoa, coconut and kava, from Malaita Province. Applicants are encouraged to identify end markets and buyers to which they are currently supplying or will target in their new activities. |
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Application process |
To apply, begin by registering online at the DAI online grants platform (www.mspgrants.com/registration). Submitted applications will be evaluated according to the criteria below, if considered complete based on the requirements in the full APS.
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Application evaluation criteria |
Proposed Business Concept: A new or expanded business concept that is feasible, viable and innovative and provides a market-based solution to an identified business challenge aligned with core business goals. Business concepts include a supply chain or marketing model, a product or service offering, etc. Development Impact (Result): The specific, measurable and significant impact on MSP USAID target populations (e.g., smallholder suppliers, bottom of the pyramid (BOP) consumers and small and growing businesses) and contribution to industry-wide concerns/growth the applicant seeks to directly achieve through the proposed partnership — aligned with the objectives of the Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods and Environment (SI-SCALE) Partnership Facility. Sustainability: The strategy for the business concept to successfully continue without additional donor assistance beyond the life of the MSP partnership. Scale: The potential pathway to scale — when the investment or approach will expand or scale — and by how much. Funding Justification: The justification of why the applicant cannot execute the proposed concept on their own, without MSP’s participation. |
Issuance of this announcement does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of DAI, nor does it commit DAI to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of applications. Further, DAI reserves the right to reject or approve any or all submitted applications.
Contacts
Submit questions to: [email protected]
Submit applications to: Applications must be uploaded to www.mspgrants.com/solomonislands
General inquiries: [email protected]
The MSP Activity is advancing learning and good practice in market systems development and private sector engagement within USAID, USAID partners and market actors. For more information, access to technical resources and opportunities to engage, visit www.agrilinks.org/msp.
