The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 46 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

UNCDF is looking for a registered entities in Sierra Leone to provide enterpreunerial, financial literacy, business management training services to 10,000 enterpreneurs and aspiring enterpreneurs, of which 80% women and 50% youth in Western Region of Sierra Leone, notably the capital Freetown (Western Urban Area), surrounding communities (Western Rural Area) and the three border districts of Kambia, Kailahun, and Peujuhun.

Specifically, the project seeks to support women and youth owned MSMEs with a suite of skills and knowledge to increase their access to financial services and ultimately bring them into the formal economy.

UNCDF will provide a grant (and technical assistance if agreed) and sign a performance-based agreement (PBA) with the selected applicant. UNCDF’s contribution will go up to 100,000 USD.

Applicants may apply independently or in a consortium, provided that the consortium has a pre-established partnership prior to when this request for applications was issued.

Inquiries to this RFA may be submitted by email to uncdf.rfa@uncdf.org

All applications must be submitted by 23:59 pm EST on 1 March 2021 to uncdf.rfa@uncdf.org