U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY Burkina, Economic Section
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Call for Proposals – EB Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (POWER)
Funding Opportunity Title: EB Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (POWER)
Funding Opportunity Number: BF-NOFO-20EB01
Deadline for Applications: February 13, 2020
CFDA Number: 19.029 – Economic Support Fund
Total Amount Available: $15,000
Maximum for Each Award: $1000- $15,000
Number of Awards Available: 1-3
EB Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (POWER)
The Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB) is pleased to announce the third Call for Proposals for POWER – Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise – an EB-led program that supports the goals of the U.S. government’s Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative. EB invites posts to submit program proposals that will advance women’s economic empowerment. Competitive proposals should articulate how the initiative will engage the U.S. private sector and entrepreneurs to strengthen professional networks, improve business environments, and foster trade and investments to support women’s economic participation.
Proposals for activities taking place between March and September 2020.
Program description
Through POWER, EB works with the private sector and overseas missions to establish professional networks and promote global business environments that support women’s economic empowerment. Women entrepreneurs are an emerging market force and an important source of innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Strong professional networks and partnerships can help women to overcome obstacles and advance their business interests (https://www.state.gov/womens-economic-empowerment/ <https://www.state.gov/womens-economic-empowerment/> ). EB launched POWER in early 2019 by convening U.S. women business owners and industry experts to identify and discuss challenges related to women’s economic empowerment. As part of the POWER initiative, EB is seeking projects and events that will support women entrepreneurs and business leaders in advancing their business interests and activities between the United States and other nations. A list of 2019 projects can be found at: https://www.state.gov/2019-2020-power-project-pipeline/ <https://www.state.gov/2019-2020-power-project-pipeline/> . These activities will contribute to the overall advancement of U.S. economic interests, align with the National Security Strategy, and support the White House’s W-GDP initiative. W-GDP seeks to economically empower 50 million women across the developing world by 2025, and in doing so, boost growth and increase peace and stability for all.
Program requirements and goals
Proposals should range in cost from $1,000 to $15,000. EB funds can be used towards expenses for services provided to the Department, such as rental costs and printing services, or to cover travel costs for expert non-USG speakers. Please see paragraphs 8-10 for funding details. We will also consider funding requests for other travel expenses where the traveler is providing a direct service to the U.S. government.
Proposals are encouraged to explore ways to leverage resources through cooperative efforts and partnerships with local private sector entities (e.g., local American Chambers of Commerce member companies) and other U.S. agencies in your region. Proposals that describe a sound approach to measuring outcomes and metrics will have a stronger chance of approval.
EB can provide funding to support post-led POWER projects that advance women’s economic empowerment. Such projects could include hosting business exchange seminars, conferences, and speaker events, among other possible applications. We also encourage posts to submit proposals for projects that do not require EB funding but are relevant to the goals of the POWER initiative. Such projects can utilize POWER’s engagement with the private sector for additional collaboration. Projects should develop innovative approaches to advance one or more of the following objectives:
a) Establish networks to facilitate increased business activities, trade, commercial promotion, and investment, particularly for American businesses and American women-led businesses.
b) Facilitate access to resources and training on procurement processes.
c) Advocate for business and regulatory environments that support women’s entrepreneurship, economic participation and women’s advancement to leadership roles.
d) Promote access to business development resources, including access to credit, and knowledge sharing that facilitates business activities
Timeline:
- Proposals should be received by February 13, 2020
- Selection of awardees February 20
- Projects should take place between March 1 and September 30, 2020
How are projects approved?
An Embassy committee will meet upon receipts of applications and select the winning proposals.
How to apply?
See attached application form.
What is the deadline for application?
All applications must be received by the close of business (5pm) on February 13, 2020 at the U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou SCAC (Service CAC) or electronically to email address provided below.
IMPORTANT
Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform and an active SAM registration (www.SAM.gov). The
Application Package:
To apply, please complete a project narrative and budget as outlined in the form found here. Send the completed form to amembouaga@state.gov , with “ Econ Section EB Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (POWER)” in the subject line. We will notify you upon receipt of your application.
