The main objective of SEDP is to build and scale social enterprises by using a mix of grants and concessional returnable capital. The grant will be used primarily for capacity building of the enterprises and the communities they impact.

SEDP aims to surface several such successful Social Enterprises in all the SAARC countries which, along with the efforts of other prominent supporters of social enterprises and inclusive businesses, will raise the awareness of governments, donors, business community and international development organizations about the largely untapped potential of Social Enterprises to provide effective and efficient services to the BoP.

SEDP also aims to enable the Social enterprises operating in more than one SAARC country and/or looking to replicate business models (from SAARC country to another); and /or engaged in intra-religion trade activities.

Who can apply?

• All registered non-profits, for-profits and hybrid organizations with innovative models, which are on the pathoffinancialsustainabilityandprovide products, solutions or increase livelihood opportunities for under-served and poor communities.
• Only social enterprises registered and operating in the SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).
• Organizations led by women and working for the women empowerment are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Only social enterprises registered and operating in the SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).
• All registerednon-profit,for-profitsandhybrid organizations with innovative models which are on the path offinancialsustainabilityandprovideproducts, solutions or increase livelihood opportunities for underserved and poor communities.
• Social enterprises operating in the areas of healthcare,renewable energy and agribusiness.
• Social enterprises must have been operational for at least two years with demonstrable track record in the area the social enterprise is applying for funding.
• Those entities which are in adverse notice or comments of any regulator or any other funding agency would not be eligible for the SDF funding

Evaluation and selection process:

Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts, investors, donors, and people from the development and social enterprise community based on the following criteria*:

• Impact on the poor. Social enterprises must have a clear and measurable social impact on the population they aim to assist.
• Demonstrated results. Social enterprises must be able to demonstrate at least proof of concept of their model with measurable results.
• Operational readiness. Social enterprises must demonstrate an ability to implement their proposed project supported by a realistic financial and implementation plan.
• Potential for growth. Social enterprises must show the potential to scale up its operations and impact a larger population.
• Sustainability. SEDP grant money will act as a pathway to financial self-sufficiency, and therefore projects must demonstrate the ability to operate beyond SEDP funding period (business plan and scalable business model).

For more information, contact the CEO, SDF Secretariat at : 3rd Floor, BDBL Building, Norzin Lam, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan; Tel.# +975-2-321152/53; Fax # +975-2-321150/321203; Email: ceo@sdfsec.org; or info@sdfsec.org

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