UNCDF in partnership with the European Union under the 11th EDF and the Government of Uganda under the Office of the Prime Minister is implementing a four year Programme referred to as the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU). The general objective of the Programme is to consolidate stability in Northern Uganda, eradicate poverty and under-nutrition and strengthen the foundations for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. The programme will benefit 33 districts in Northern Uganda with a total population of 7 million. With respect to this call, UNCDF is focusing on improving access to finance for SMEs engaged in agricultural value addition through a dedicated facility for business development services and blended finance.

How to Apply for START Facility Support

The following instructions are critical for applicants planning to submit their proposals under the START facility.

1. Application forms must be submitted using the Call for Proposal Submission Form. The Submission Form (Word version) will be available for download by interested companies on PSFU and UNCDF websites www.psfuganda.org.ug and www.uncdf.org. Applicants should strictly adhere to the format of the application form and fill in the paragraphs and the pages required in order.
2. Applicants should provide budget and all other figures in Uganda Shilling and if possible as round figures.
3. Application forms must be completed carefully to ensure all the required information is provided. Submission of incomplete information is an automatic ground for rejection of the proposal.
4. The word submission form must be submitted in their original format (Word) to the two email addresses: cfpstart@psfuganda.org.ug and cfp.start@uncdf.org with the subject line “START APPLICATION.”
5. Any supporting documentation must be submitted as separate documents to the same email address.
6. Only one application form per entity and per proposal will be accepted.
7. Any significant errors or any major inconsistency in the submission forms may lead to the rejection of the proposal.

Language of proposal: Proposals must be submitted in English

Deadline for submission: The deadline for submission of project proposals is 30^th September 2019.

Please note: Applicants who do not submit the word submission template in its original format within the deadline will not be considered, and successful applicants will be contacted after the deadline.

Please, do not delete any section of the application form even if it’s not applicable to your project.

Successful long-listing: START Team will endeavor to inform Successful and Unsuccessful applicants for the long-listing by 15^th November 2019. Those applicants who will not have been contacted by then should consider their proposals unsuccessful.

Successful shortlisting: START Team will endeavor to inform Successful and Unsuccessful applicants for the shortlisting by 31^st December 2019. Those applicants who will not have been contacted by then should consider their proposals unsuccessful.

Inquiries: For additional inquiring about the application process please send your inquiry to the two emails: cfpstart@psfuganda.org.ug and cfp.start@uncdf.org with the subject “INQUIRY”.

Acknowledgement of receipt: START will acknowledge receipt of your email by replying to the email address from which the application was sent. Please ensure that you receive the acknowledgement receipt after submission of your proposal.

Caution to Applicants: No Applicant should accept to pay any fees/commission to any individual/consultant to the extent that they will be assisted to get approval under the START Facility.

Mr. Deus Tirwakunda – deus.tirwakunda@uncdf.org
Mr. Daniel Kisekka - dkisekka@psfuganda.org.ug