Second IAP call for proposals
Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) challenges the private sector to develop innovative products, services and business models that can contribute to the fight against poverty and climate change.
Who can apply and what does IAP offer?
Innovation Against Poverty (IAP) is now opening a second call for proposals, and the deadline for submission is 15 May 2020. Selected applicants will be offered grants between € 50,000 to € 200,000 (not exceeding a maximum of 49% of the total required investment), and free tailor-made advisory services in developing and rolling out the inclusive business idea (see diagram below). You are eligible for this opportunity if you are a private company duly registered and operational in either Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda or Zambia, with an innovative inclusive business idea in agriculture, WASH, and/or renewable energy sector. All ICT based innovations should be applied to one of the three main sectors (it is not a stand-alone focal sector).
The non-financial support will be tailored-made to selected companies through rigorous needs assessment at the initial stage, to enhance and efficiently achieve the targets of each inclusive business initiative. In addition, IAP will select and train a number of local consultants that will be available to support the businesses on a fee for services basis.
What is IAP?
Innovations Against Poverty is a specialised fund that challenges private sector companies to innovate products, services, and business models that bring developmental benefits for the low-income population and commercial benefits to the companies themselves while paying specific attention to gender and environmental sustainability. Through their inclusive business idea, private sectors contribute to fight against poverty, unlock entrepreneurial potential and fuel sustainable development by engaging low-income people as innovators, entrepreneurs, producers, suppliers, distributors, and consumers. IAP is funded by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and managed by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in partnership with BoP Innovation Center and Inclusive Business Sweden.
Private sector development has proven to be a real catalyst of change when it comes to creating the opportunity for low-income people to lift themselves out of poverty. Additionally, low-income markets represent a large business opportunity: the four billion people living on less than $8 USD a day constitute a global consumer market with a shared purchasing power valued at 5 trillion USD. The low-income population provides the potential to increase labour, supplier and distribution channels that can support expanded production and market supply. This offers significant scope for entrepreneurship and private sector development to make a positive impact on low-income people’s quality of life.
How to apply?
The IAP application process is organised around three phases: submission of a concept note and if shortlisted, face-to-face pitch, followed by submission of a full business plan. Applications will be rigorously assessed by internal and external experts. Start the process by registering yourself in the online application portal that runs through IAP website and submit a concept note between 3 April and 15 May 2020. To learn more, please visit the IAP website and download application guidelines, leaflet and application form. Take the challenge, make the change!