The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have announced the successful partnerships for Round 1 of the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), and Round 2 has now opened for applications.

As announced in 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, a member of the Shared Value Project, and businesses on investments in developing countries that deliver a combined social and commercial return.

BPP Round 1 Partnerships announced

Over 180 applications were submitted in Round 1. This strong response demonstrates the strong interest from business and investors in partnering with DFAT on aid and development.

Ten partnerships were successful, proposing strong commercial and social returns in line with Australia’s development priorities. Successful partnerships are located in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal and Kenya, across a range of sectors including; agribusiness, financial services, small enterprise development, off grid energy, health and women’s economic empowerment.

BPP Round 2  is now open

Round 2 of the BPP is now open and will close on 7 October 2016. As with Round 1, applicants will need to demonstrate strong commercial and social impacts from the proposed activities. Australian and international organisations are eligible to apply. These organisations may be businesses, non-government organisations/not-for-profits and other types of organisations, including as consortia. The majority of successful Round 1 proposals were from multi-sector consortia, and this approach is also being encouraged for Round 2. Applicants from the first round are encouraged to reapply if their proposal meets the criteria for Round 2.

Further information on Round 2, including guidelines, selection criteria and application instructions, can be found here.