TOR

Consultancy Firm Venture+

BACKGROUND

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a part of new global initiative of the AKDN in Central and South Asia, which follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board to develop more formal structures to catalyse enterprises within AKDN’s main area development programs, where economic opportunities remain insufficient. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory to startups and businesses, AP complements broader employment-related programs of AKF and draws significantly on technical expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), and coordinates efforts with the AKDN’s financial institutions, the University of Central Asia and many other national partners.

AP’s approach combines financial and non-financial support, recognising that standalone business development services and traditional bank financing are inadequate to catalyse start-ups, grow small firms, and deliver job creation in fragile and emerging markets, particularly for marginalized groups in rural areas. The overall theory of change is that with improved business models, investment readiness along with tailored financing bundled with commercial and B2B linkages driven by the private sector, the supported businesses will be equipped to unlock private sector investments, sales, and growth, leading to increased incomes and job creation.

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Accelerate Prosperity has a portfolio of startups and small and growing businesses (SGBs) working in different sectors across Pakistan. We require a consulting firm to provide business and financial intelligence services for selected AP businesses to help them track their finances easily, get access to real-time insights that enable data-driven decision-making, and monitor the health of their business. This should be carried out through a mix of technology as well as human engagement, accounting support, tailored training and advisory. The purpose of engaging a consulting firm and/or consultant (subject matter expert) is to;

  1. To equip entrepreneurs with specialized knowledge and insights and prepare them to attract investments effectively.
  2. To help existing entrepreneurs scrutinize their business solutions from a technical standpoint and advise on their commercial viability.

DELIVERABLES

The required outputs for this engagement include: 

  1. One-on-one technical advisory to be given to entrepreneurs.
  2. Provide sector specific data along with the current trends in the operating sector.
  3. Scrutinise the existing business models of businesses and provide advice through critical analysis of the solution and the overall, business model.
  4. Provide insights on commercial viability of solutions specifically in the context of the targeted market.
  5. To provide inputs about the viability of the business to the judges during the demo day.

 

 

TIMELINE

  • The advisory will include up to 4-6 weeks of engagement with the last day being the business pitch day. The consulting firm and/or individual consultant may be asked to provide post program support to AP.
  • Tentative dates March 20th – May 5th

The consulting firm (should be able to provide at least 2 subject-matter experts) or an individual consultant (subject-matter expert) is required to follow the below mentioned steps:

  1. Upto 20 businesses will be assigned for one-on-one technical advisory.
  2. The experts will network with businesses for up to 4 weeks

KEY CAPACITIES REQUIRED

  • At least 8- 10 years of experience in mentoring startups regarding financial and business acumen and decision making
  • Experience conducting market analysis and feasibilities for various businesses working in sectors such as but not limited to E-commerce, Climate and Sustainability, Health, and Agriculture
  • Understanding and relevant experience in raising investments for early-stage businesses, business planning, financial modelling, and conducting valuations.
  • Established networks with relevant stakeholders

MODE OF SERVICE

Hybrid

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

  • 1stinstallment

Complete delivery of one-on-one advisory and business assessment of selected businesses.

  • 2nd Installment

Submission of completed activity report. The activity report should include details of the one-on-one engagement with each business and provide recommendations to AP on business models with investment potential.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit the following to apply:

  • Technical proposal with detailed profile, relevant experience and methodology. Detailed profiles of implementing team (CVs of industry/sector experts).
  • Financial bid against the stated deliverables with detailed cost breakdown by each item, inclusive of all costs including travel and accommodation and applicable taxes as per law.

DEADLINE:

March 15th, 2024

MODE OF SUBMISSION

Please email your complete profiles and financial bids (inclusive of all taxes and costs) at procurement_appk@akdn.org

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