INVITATION

TechnoServe invites eligible applicants in the Horticulture sub-sector to submit expression of interest for Catalytic Grant Fund sub-award established by H4G program.

About TechnoServe:

TechnoServe is an international not for profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. Founded in 1968, the organization develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital, and markets. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.
Project Description:

Horticulture 4 Growth (H4G), an Initiative of the Agricultural Commercialization Clusters (ACCs), is a 5-year program being jointly implemented in Ethiopia by TechnoServe and the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to accelerate the transformation of Ethiopia’s horticulture sub-sector by leveraging the power of the private sector. We believe a strengthened horticulture market system underpinned by a strong private sector will enable Ethiopian small-scale producers to earn higher, more stable incomes and increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in rural and urban areas.

H4G Catalytic Grant Fund:

The H4G program has established a Catalytic Grant Fund to incentivize and support diverse market system actors to try new and more inclusive ways of doing business that meet market needs and strengthen the performance of the overall horticulture market system. 
$15K to $150K grant will be provided to successful grant applicants based on how well applications meet pre-set criteria. Grantees are required to match at least 1:1 and encouraged to use the grant for technical assistance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a legally registered Ethiopian entity, private enterprise, firm, cooperatives; or demonstrate a commitment to formally register after establishment with the applicable Government of Ethiopia registration entities if not already registered; or be Ethiopian national; 
• Submit a full application responding to all requirements and conditions; 
• Be prepared to undergo an independent financial review or audit
• Commit to the necessary contribution depending on the beneficiary and grant type 
• Demonstrate ability and willingness to learn how to maintain business, financial, and technical records, either manually or electronically
• Complete and pass a site-visit and pre-award assessment

We welcome applications from fruit and vegetable exporters, processors, input/ service providers, large retailers or large-scale cooperating traders or wholesalers. Interested applicants that meet the eligibility criteria can fill in basic organization information and expected use of fund.

Kindly use the following link to the H4G Catalytic Grant Fund website for online application: www.technoserve.org/h4g-catalytic-grant-fund/ 

Only applicants who pass the pre-screening will be requested to submit a detailed application proposal.

Guiding Principles for Selection of Applicants:   

Principle 1: increases total purchase and sales of fruits and vegetables (thus SHF income) while being: 

• Gender inclusive 
• Regenerative 
• Enhancing food system

Principle 2: increases consumption of fruit and vegetable by tackling the main barriers to consumption 
Principle 3: is commercially rigorous and low risk (large existing business with strong balance sheet.

For further inquiry, email to H4G@tns.org  or call at +251 71 149 2749
Deadline for application: May 31, 2023