Strengthening the Southern Neighbourhood green business ecos...

About SPARK

SPARK is a Netherlands-based INGO with projects that open pathways for young people, particularly women and refugees, to study, work and grow their own businesses in fragile communities. SPARK’s mission is to” develop higher education and entrepreneurship so that ambitious people can lead their post-conflict societies into prosperity.” The vision of SPARK is to be “a leader within the niche of higher (vocational) education, entrepreneurship and MSME development in fragile and conflict-affected states.” With over 25 years of experience, SPARK has become an expert in key cross-sector services that create pathways to employment for potential entrepreneurs in fragile and conflict-affected regions. 

Summary:

The programme aims to strengthen business support organisations (BSOs) to act as ecosystem enablers, bridging the gap between policy and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) toward a green and inclusive economy. The action supports innovative green business models and building collaboration between stakeholders to enable the transition to sustainability. It supports innovative green business models and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. This will be achieved through two main outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Strengthened capacity of regional networks of existing business support organisations and related associations
• Outcome 2: Strengthened knowledge and capacity of BSOs and related associations in the Southern Neighbourhood region in green business and Sustainable Consumption and Production

 Outputs and Deliverables:

Outcome 1: Strengthened local and regional networks of actors involved in the promotion of an inclusive green economy.

Activities & Indicators for Palestine (outcome 1)

• A1.1 Enhancing the networking capacity of business support organisations on green economy transition and opportunities

• 1 international conference will be organised to support knowledge exchange between public and private stakeholders, experts and organisations from the EU and the Southern Neighbourhood: 10 MoU and/or partnership agreements will be signed during the event. 

• A1.2 Workshops to encourage peer learning and partnerships. 

• 6 in-person workshops and roundtable meetings will be organised to provide opportunities for 4 BSOs staff to exchange knowledge with their peers and leaders from the region and the EU
• Smaller groups of BSOs’ staff members will form and lead Peer Pods, which will meet regularly in between workshops/meetings to share insights, reflect on experiences, and deepen their learning. Pods will create peer coaching networks, offering a safe space for learners to both support and challenge each other and gain technical knowledge and skills

• A1.3 Training programme for BSOs and innovation enablers.

• Staff from the 4 supported BSOs will be offered individual support with action-oriented coaching, mentoring, and tailor-made short training programmes based  on the insights, outputs and needs emerging from A1.1 and A1.2

Outcome 2:  Increased stakeholders’ and BSOs’ awareness and capacity to promote green and circular economy practices in the region, at micro, meso and macro levels.

Activities & Indicators for Palestine (outcome 2)

• A2.1 Green Business Training Academy for BSOs

• 3 BSOs will take part in The Green Business Training Academy, which will deliver a comprehensive technical assistance program. This program will provide training and advisory services to the 3 BSOs on supporting green businesses and promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production practices. The Academy curriculum will be tailored to the needs of participating BSOs, combining theoretical modules with practical case studies and hands-on activities.
• 30 SMEs will practise a toolbox that will developed throughout the program by Spark 

• A2.2 Awareness raising campaign
  • The Palestinian partner will participate in the awareness-raising campaign that Spark will develop throughout the program
• A2.4 Establishing partner working groups between micro and macro ecosystem actors
  • An annual working group will be created to include 21** public and private stakeholders at national and regional levels (including the 3 BSOs supported through the Academy). This group will create spaces for exchange and discussion, allowing businesses to advocate for solutions to the challenges they face in shifting to greener and more inclusive business models. 
  • The Palestinian partner’s working groups will develop 1 policy recommendation to adapt laws and regulations.

How to Apply:
To apply, please send us a full proposal explaining the methodology for the
activities mentioned in the outcome annex, along with a full budget including the
co-funding part. You can find the templates below:

ToR link: https://drive.google.com/file

Proposal template:  https://docs.google.com/document/

Budget template: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/

To know more about the application process and evaluation criterias, https://docs.google.com/document/

Apply here: [email protected]