The UNDP GEF-Small Grant Programme announces the 2023 "call for proposals" to award small grants of up to $50,000 under its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Support Initiative to qualified organizations to build and enhance the capacities of potential and established MSMEs operating in the environment and natural resource sector of Ghana to thrive as successful and independent businesses. 

The organizations wishing to apply for the implementation of the SGP MSME initiative will be expected to provide courses in the areas stated below and to have a deep understanding of the relevant free trade agreements in the respective country:

1. Essentials of Business Planning including but not limited to: 

• Business model and strategy (market analysis, competition, strengths and weaknesses of the participants, business plan development).

• Basic accounting and finance. 

2.  Understanding marketing and customers including but not limited to: 

• Marketing mix (Four P’s: product, price, placement, and promotion)

• General marketing techniques

• Digital/Social Media Marketing Customer Experience

• Ethical marketing principles

3.        Online Sales including but not limited to: 

• E-commerce (for national/in-country and international sales)

• Cyber security best practices and tools

4. Cross-Border Trade including but not limited to: 

• Packaging and product quality requirements for specific markets (depending on Business-to-Business (B2B) or Business-to-Consumer (B2C))

• Import/Export requirements

• Accessing new markets

• Customs procedures/cross-border trading requirements

• Opportunities under relevant free trade agreements (e.g., African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), etc.).

The applicant will then compile a plan of action to provide capacity development to (i) potential MSMEs and (ii) established MSMEs to enhance their ability to thrive as successful and independent businesses in Ghana. 

Download the Call for Application Document to apply.