RFP/BW/AP/2025/00007
1. Background
AP is a global initiative of the AKDN in Central and South Asia, which follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation to develop more formal structures to catalyze enterprises in emerging marketing and areas where economic opportunities remain insufficient. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory to start-ups and small and growing 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 supports innovative business ideas as part of its incubation programs. It aims to enable aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to develop effective business models, marketing and sales strategies, practical and sound financial models and forecasts of the company’s future financial performance, and design persuasive and impactful pitch decks.
- Program Overview
Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is launching an Advanced Incubation Program specifically designed for established tech startups operating in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral (GBC). The program is structured to provide targeted support that addresses the scaling needs of high-potential startups through focused advisory, mentoring, and practical learning sessions. Over the course of one-month, selected startups will engage in both in-person and online modules designed to refine their business models, strengthen financial forecasting, and sharpen their sales and investor readiness.
- Program Context
Despite a growing number of tech startups emerging in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, many continue to face challenges in scaling due to limited exposure to advanced business tools, investor access, and specialized mentorship. This program responds to that gap by offering tailored support in key areas such as product development, financial modelling and forecasting, digital marketing and sales strategies, AI-driven business applications, and investor relations management. The goal is to help these startups evolve into investable, growth-ready enterprises that can compete in national and international markets.
These TORs are supported under the BEST4WEER project which aims to improve women’s social and economic empowerment during the process of COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding in Gilgit-Baltistan province and the Chitral district in Pakistan.
4. About the Position
The consultant/consulting firm will design and deliver a 2-day in-person training session on Digital Product ideation, development, sales, and legal considerations. The training must be practical, interactive, and context-specific to the realities of startups in GBC.
5. Scope of Work
The consultant will:
- Design and facilitate two full-day, in-person training sessions for early to growth-stage tech startups.
- Provide actionable frameworks, tools, and case studies.
- Facilitate exercises that enable participants to apply learnings directly to their products and businesses.
Day 1: September 25, 2025 (tentative)
Customer Journey Mapping & Digital Product Ideation
- Identifying pain points that can be addressed through digital solutions
- Mapping customer journeys for digital interaction
- MVP development and validation using the Lean Startup approach
- Rapid prototyping and incorporating user feedback loops
Tech Stack & Product Development Road mapping
- Selecting the right tech stack for the product/service
- Hiring and collaborating with developers, freelancers, or tech agencies
- Agile development and sprint planning
- Building a product roadmap with version control
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop customer-centric product concepts
- Build an MVP validation plan
- Understand how to plan and manage tech development strategically
Day 2: September 26, 2025 (tentative)
Sales Strategy for Digital Products
- B2B vs. B2C digital sales strategies
- Designing a high-converting digital sales funnel
- Lead generation through content, SEO, email, and performance marketing
- Effective use of sales CRM tools
Legal and IP Considerations for Tech Products
- Protecting IP (copyrights, trademarks, software licenses)
- Data privacy and compliance (especially for apps and platforms)
- Drafting contracts for software development and partnerships
Learning Outcomes:
- Create a tailored sales funnel for digital products
- Apply lead generation and conversion techniques
- Understand legal/IP frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to tech startups
6. Deliverables
- Develop detailed content and session plans at least one week prior to the workshop.
- Deliver 2 in-person, full-day training sessions in Gilgit.
- Collect, review and submit a product development roadmap for each business that can be integrated to its growth plan.
- Submit a post-activity report summarizing sessions delivered, key learnings, and recommendations for follow-up support.
7. Qualifications and Experience
Educational Background
- Degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology Management, or a related field.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience in startup advisory, product development, or incubation/acceleration.
- Demonstrated expertise in product ideation, tech stack planning, digital sales strategy, and/or IP compliance.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Lean Startup methodologies, product road mapping, and digital sales tools.
- Strong understanding of SaaS, platform models, and tech-enabled services.
Other Competencies
- Practical facilitation skills with the ability to contextualize global frameworks to local realities.
8. Contract Duration
- 25–26 September 2025 (2 consecutive in-person days) Tentative dates
9. Location
- Gilgit City, Gilgit-Baltistan
10. Payment Terms
- 50% upon content submission
- 50% upon delivery of both training days and submission of activity report
11. Reporting Line
- Business Sustainability and Outreach Lead, Accelerate Prosperity
12. Proposal Submission Requirements
Technical Proposal:
- Cover letter, technical proposal, and profile (individual or firm) with CVs of key resource persons
- Evidence of prior similar engagements
Financial Proposal:
- Detailed budget inclusive of travel and taxes, signed and stamped on the financial proposal format attached.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Technical expertise and experience (60%)
- Financial competitiveness (40%)
13) Submission Guidelines
For any queries, you may contact the Procurement Unit via email no later than 18th September 2025 at: Procurement_appk@akdn.org.
You are kindly requested to send your proposal via email with the subject title ‘Procurement of Consultant/Consulting firm for SME sessions for product development, latest by 21st September 2025, to the following email address: Procurement_appk@akdn.org.
