Expressions of Interest (EoIs) are now open for DFAT’s Business Partnerships Platform (BPP). As announced on 31 August 2015 at the launch of the Ministerial Statement on engaging the private sector in aid and development ‘Creating Shared Value Through Partnership’ the BPP is a new platform that will support partnerships between DFAT and businesses on investments in developing countries that deliver a combined social and commercial return. The BPP includes support from DFAT’s Gender Equality Fund, and EoIs that focus on improving economic and social outcomes for women through business are strongly encouraged.
The BPP will co-invest between $100,000 and $500,000 with organisations who wish to explore, pilot or expand commercial opportunities that also create development impact in DFAT priority countries and sectors. Funds provided must be matched at least 1:1 with investment by the business.
EoIs will ideally be made by businesses working with NGOs or community organisations, however, this does not exclude businesses or NGO’s undertaking commercial development from participating. Flexibility is at the core of the BPP and the application process is designed to accommodate a variety of partnership models.
EoIs will be accepted until Friday 18th December 2015. Further information on the application process, including guidelines and a list of priority countries and sectors for potential partnerships, is available here.