Call for Proposals: Blue Accelerator Program for MSMEs in Alotau, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea

The 'Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis' joint programme of UNDP/UNCDF in Papua New Guinea is pleased to invite expressions of interest from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Alotau, Milne Bay to participate in a 'Blue Accelerator' program.

June 10, 2025

The program aims to provide technical assistance and early-stage grant finance and/or concessional loan products to businesses interested in expanding their reef-positive operations to create more transformative livelihoods, particularly for women and marginalized groups. The Blue Accelerator will take place over a period of 8 months starting in July 2025 and will involve tailored mentoring for each of the five businesses selected.

The Blue Accelerator Program is part of the second cohort of the Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility (BE-EIF), a financing window hosted within the National Biodiversity and Climate Fund (BCF). This program seeks to support and accelerate the growth of MSMEs in the sustainable blue economy sector, particularly those that contribute positively to coral reef conservation and promote sustainable development. The aim is to transform local blue livelihoods, boost incomes, conservation and unlock private capital by demonstrating the viability of conservation and reef-first enterprise models.

Objectives of the funding call:

To support 5 MSMEs in Alotau, Milne Bay, to expand their reef-positive operations and create more transformative livelihoods, particularly for women, youths, and marginalized groups.
To promote sustainable development and reef-positive livelihoods in Alotau, Milne Bay, through the growth of MSMEs in the blue economy sector.
To provide technical assistance and early-stage grant finance and/or concessional loan products to selected MSMEs to support their growth.

Strategic Approach:

This call for proposals is only eligible to enterprises which have an impact on the marine resources of Alotau, Milne Bay. To demonstrate the viability of the blue sector, the program will seek to select and finance businesses which encompass the entire investment readiness stage, from micro to enterprise level. Eligible solutions must have the potential to provide transformative livelihoods for women and youths.

The Program:

Successful participants of the Blue Accelerator Program will need to undergo transformative scaling processes under the guidance of carefully selected mentors and training programs. Grants to participants will only be made upon successful completion of scoped business plans, to be developed in the first stage of the selection process.
Afterwards, tailored support will be provided for each business, for example through workshops or national mentorship. Although the total number of in-person days required to be dedicated to the Accelerator is limited, support will also be provided remotely, ensuring that enterprises are supported in achieving their business plans.

Eligibility Criteria:

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based in Alotau, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
Composition of founders having or led by at least 1 woman, or their solutions/business empower women (with strong evidence)
MSMEs with operations that contribute positively to marine conservation and promote sustainable development, such as through reducing threats to coral reefs or mangroves.
Operational experience of at least six months, with product or service with technical and economic feasibility and market presence
MSMEs that are interested in expanding their operations to create more transformative livelihoods, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
Have proof of the ability to generate financial returns and potentially receive loans in their present form or in the near future.
MSMEs that are willing to commit to participating in the Blue Accelerator program and working towards the objectives of the 'Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis' joint program of UNDP/UNCDF in Papua New Guinea, including potentially scaling their solution to other places in PNG.

Application Procedure:

There will be a two-stage application process:

Stage 1:
Interested MSMEs should submit an expression of interest (EOI) to participate in the Blue Accelerator program. Complete and submit the eligibility form and business scaling strategy through the form available online here. Please ensure your completed application is submitted by 24 June 2025, late applications will not be considered. The application includes:

A brief description of the MSME and its operations.
An explanation of how the MSME contributes positively to reef conservation and promotes sustainable development.
A description of the proposed expansion of operations and how it will create more transformative livelihoods, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
A commitment to participate in the Blue Accelerator program and work towards the objectives of the 'Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis' joint program of UNDP/UNCDF in Papua New Guinea.

Stage 2:
Successful applicants will be long-listed, and prospectuses will be developed to ensure that the business ideas are feasible and within the environment and social safeguards of the program limits. At this stage, applicants will be supported by the training facility to submit a full proposal, which will be evaluated by a selection committee.

The link to apply is here: Application form Blue Accelerator Program for MSMEs in Alotau, Milne Bay

For more information, please contact elsie.simeon@undp.org