Business Development Services Support to Renewable Energy SMEs in Uganda (3rd Round)

Energising Development (EnDev) partnership is a joint impact-oriented global programme facilitating self-sustaining markets for modern energy solutions, financed by four donor countries. It cooperates with governments, NGOs, and the private sector in over 20 partner countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In Uganda, the EnDev Programme is implemented by GIZ, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). GIZ EnDev Uganda, facilitates access to modern energy services for households, social institutions, and small and medium enterprises through market development for improved cook stoves (ICS) and solar photo-voltaic (PV), including fostering a conducive enabling environment.

Themes

• With lessons from the 1st and 2nd phases of the BDS in 2021 and 2023 respectively, and taking recommendations from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the following thematic areas shall be of focus during this 3rd BDS phase:
  • Strategic Planning and Management
  • Financial Planning and Management
  • Strategic Marketing and Distribution Plans
  • Operations (including Risk and Change Management)
  • Human Resource Management and Organisational Structures
  • Investment Readiness and Resource Mobilisation Strategies
  • Climate Finance Awareness and Points of Entry
• The target is to support selected solar and cooking SMEs during the business development services support, with a focus on comprehensive or refresher trainings on the core BDS areas as listed above. The scale up support will ensure that more SMEs get skills to grow their business and the renewable energy subsector in general.

Benefits

• Successful applicants will receive tailored business development training, coaching, co-creation, and mentoring with the view of fostering sound business practices in the solar and cooking sectors in Uganda.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible SMEs/ Applicants:
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the solar and clean cooking sectors in Uganda.
  • With clear justification and demonstration of additionality, beneficiaries in the first and second phases of the BDS may apply to participate in the third phase BDS trainings.
• The interested applicants must be solar or cooking energy SMEs that are legally registered and have been operational in Uganda for at least three (3) years and can demonstrate the following:
  • Fully registered companies with valid legal documents (Refer to application form)
  • Willingness and commitment to avail company financial, strategic and management data for assessment and analysis to the BDS consultant. Strict rules and guidelines on confidentiality of sensitive company information will be adhered to. Non-disclosure agreements will be signed between the BDS consultant and the participating SMEs.
  • Willingness to host teams from the BDS consultant and from EnDev Uganda as required and where applicable to your premises during the duration of the trainings.
  • Willingness to commit pertinent members of their staff to fully participate in the BDS training activities.
  • Motivational statement on the status of the business, operational gaps, and anticipated impact of receiving the BDS trainings.

For more information, visit EnDev.