Expression of Interest (EOI) for Service Providers to implement 

SME Loop (B-Loop) for additional 225 Entrepreneurs

PN: 20.2105.3-001

Cosoft No: 83434060

1. Background of Employment Promotion Programme (EPP) IV

The EPP IV co-funded by European Union (EU) and German International Cooperation Sierra Leone (GIZ-SL) has as its overall goal “promotion of youth employment through local economic development and vocational training”to be implemented over a period spanning August 2020 to April 2024. In order to achieve this goal, EPP works through the private sector and in particular micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.  

2. Districts / areas of implementation 

The programme is being implemented with a key focus on three districts where GIZ-SL operates, namely: Koinadugu, Kailahun and Kono. The interventions for the private sector development (PSD) can be extended to other districts as deemed necessary by the programme. Consequently, interested service providers should be prepared to work in other districts not mentioned in this EOI.

3. Our strategy / approach

PSD is one of the work areas within EPP IV and is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that at least 1140 MSMEs are capacitated within the life cycle of the current programme using a methodology known as “SME Business Training and Coaching Loop” (SME-Loop) also known as B-Loop in Sierra Leone. 

4. Purpose of consultancy

EPP IV is requesting service providers to build the capacity of 225 micro-entrepreneurs (50% of whom are women) who need business skills improvement in order to operate profitably. This is done through basic business entrepreneurial training, coaching and help facilitate access to financial services to develop and sustainably operate their businesses. 

5. Specific objectives
6. To deliver business training for selected MSMEs in the three geographical zones
7. To develop individualized coaching plans for entrepreneurs 
8. To provide business coaching/mentoring for entrepreneurs 
9. To facilitate access to financial services to MSMEs by providing assistance to interested entrepreneurs in securing financial services from financial institutions in their respective districts.  
10. To provide basic administrative support to entrepreneurs before and during training sessions
11. To report on tangible results achieved by MSMEs as a result of the training / coaching and its contribution to the accomplishment of the objectives of EPP IV. 
12. To set targets and monitor progress along the achievements of the training and coaching of beneficiaries.

There are three geographical zones of implementation under this offer. Each zone covers a district of EPP IV: Zone 1: Kailahun; Zone 2: Kono and Zone 3: Koinadugu and Falaba. The table below describe the distribution:

Zone/Lot no.	District	Number of targeted batches (each comprising 25 MSME)
1	Kailahun	3
2	Kono	3
3	Koinadugu and Falaba	3
Total MSMEs	225 (9 batches)

Interested service providers (SPs) are at liberty to apply for at most 2 lots. They will have to specify in their EOI the zones/Lots they wish to work. Given that all three districts must be covered, EPP IV management will allocate zones accordingly based on outcome of the technical and financial proposal. 

6. Timeframe

Several business training and coaching sessions in batches of maximum twenty-five (25) entrepreneurs will be conducted until the end of September 2023.  

• Eligibility / Expertise / Documents to be submitted

• The Service Provider gives poof of good standing, commercial qualification, payment of taxes and social benefits: Clearance certificate of NRA and NASSIT
• The Service Provider is based and registered in Sierra Leone: Certificate of Business Registration
• The Service Provider should have minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the tasks outlined in the objects of work and in the targeted areas in Sierra Leone and show a wide understanding of the topic: A brief company profile that details the experience in delivering similar tasks

• Submission of Expressions of Interest

Service providers should submit their “Expression of Interest” in a plain sealed envelope in the Tender Box situated at the GIZ Country Office Reception –32d Wilkinson Road, Freetown not later than 23^rd  March 2023, 5:00 PM local time, clearly marked with “EoI B-Loop – COSOFT NUMBER- 83434060”

Only shortlisted SPs will be contacted with detailed Terms of Reference and tender documentation for submission of technical and financial bids.