GPSCP II

Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness
Programme Phase II

The Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Program II (GPSCP II) is a bilateral initiative between the Government of Switzerland and the Government of Ghana. The Program is being implemented jointly by NIRAS International Consulting and Proforest. The Program is based in Accra but reaches all oil palm and cashew processing regions of Ghana. GPSCP II aims at improving the enabling environment for the cashew and oil palm sectors as well as contributing to increased productivity and competitiveness in the private sector active in the two value-chains.

The Development Partnership with the Private Sector (DPP) is a matching grant facility under GPSCP II supporting small, medium enterprises (SMEs) and associations in the cashew and oil palm value chains to improve processing, markets linkages, business and product development, and skills development. The DPP under the GPSCP II now invites duly qualified processing SMEs and Associations in the cashew and oil palm value chains, to submit proposals for projects demonstrating:

Women owned or led businesses and enterprises with female or vulnerable youth dominated workforce as well as persons living with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

1. Eligible Applicants

To apply, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:

Eligibility criteriaRequirement per each category at Concept Note Stage
Large SMEsSmall/ innovative SMEsAssociations
RevenueMin revenue (GHS 300,000)Min revenue (GHS 150,000)Positive
No. of yrs in operation335
Formalized /RegistrationNational registration (RGD)National registration (RGD)Articles of Association, including name of elected or appointed executives
Latest Audited Accounts (Financial Statements)2 years2 years
(Management Report)		2 years
(Management Report)

management_report_template.docx

2. Eligible Activities

The grant support is provided/can cover for training, business development services, market access facilitation, capacity building, standardization and certification, product development and technology and efficiency enhancing equipment. However, applicants must provide own contributions to match the grant funding in the following arrangement:

WINDOWSGrant sizeEquipment own-contributionServices Own-contribution
Large SMEs
(SME 1)		max. GHS 3 million50% contribution to total project cost in cash.30% contribution to be in cash (training facilities and logistics cost for participation of staff).
Small/innovative SMEs
(SME 2)		max. GHS 500,00020% contribution to be in cash, 30% contribution to be in cash or in-kind.10% contribution to be in cash, 20% contribution to be in cash or in-kind (training facilities and logistics cost for participation of staff).
Associationsmax. GHS 500,00050% contribution to be in-kind30% contribution to be in-kind (training facilities and logistics cost – vehicles, fuel, meeting rooms and staff time).

3. Application Process

The application process consists of two stages:

Submission of Concept Note:

The first step involves submission of a concept note, providing a general outline of the proposed project. Submitted concept notes will be checked for eligibility and scored for relevance against specific criteria (see Annex 1) to create a shortlist. The concept note has to be submitted in the format specified below under “Concept Note – Application Form”.

Development of Full Proposal:

In the second stage, successful applicants will be invited to develop a detailed full proposal based on their concept note. Project proposal format will be provided to applicants that successfully passed the first stage of the process.

Evaluation

Both the concept note and the full proposal will be evaluated against the defined criteria outlined in Annex 1.

Submission Deadline:

Concept Notes must be submitted no later than Friday 11th July 2025. For further information on the submission process, please see Section 6 in the Concept Note Application Form.

To assist the applicants of Call 2 and provide a space for Q&A, the Program will organize a Webinar for interested SMEs/Associations, in approximately 7-10 working days from the launch of the Call.

4. Webinar

Join our Informative Webinar Session on the 2nd Call for Proposals for DPP

What you will be Learning

  • How to apply for the DPP matching grant
  • Eligibility Criteria and funding support areas
  • Tips for submitting a successful concept note
  • Live Questions and Answer with the GPSCP II programme team

Who Should Attend

  • Agribusiness in cashew and oil palm value chain
  • Associations, cooperatives, and processors
  • Women and youth-led enterprise encouraged

1st Webinar

Wednesday 4 June, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM GMT

Join here via this Meeting Link

QR CODE FOR THE TEAMS MEETING (4TH June 2025)

2nd Webinar

Wednesday 18 June, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM GMT

Join here via this Meeting Link

QR CODE FOR THE TEAMS MEETING (18TH June 2025)

3rd Webinar

Wednesday 2 July, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM GMT

Join here via this Meeting Link

QR CODE FOR THE TEAMS MEETING (3RD July 2025)

Annex 1: Evaluation Criteria for Concept Notes and Full Proposals

The table below outlines the evaluation criteria for Concept Notes and Full Proposals. The definition questions are going to be used by the evaluators to assess your project proposal.

CriteriaDefinition Questions
Technical and Financial Viability and Feasibility
  • Is the project idea clearly outlined, and does it link to program objective?

  • Is the project reflecting the company or associations mandate?

  • What is the estimated return on investment? Is the return sufficiently estimated (nr or trained vs funds used)?

  • Is the project part of the existing business plan or has a new business plan been developed around the project?

  • Are technical specifications on equipment or certifications clearly presented and justified?

  • Can the project be realistically implemented with current and proposed human and financial resources?

  • Are there any legal constraints or compliance issues which may impact on the project, and which are not addressed under risks.
Budget
  • Is the budget sufficient to achieve the objective of the project?

  • Is there a balance between equipment, training and other activities? Do the different items complement each other?

  • Is the project idea cost effective in terms of proposed equipment specifications, suppliers and consultants?

  • Do the applicant/promoter have other sources of funding to complement the grant support?
Time
  • Is the proposed timeline feasible or realistic?

  • Can the project realistically be implemented within the Program period?
Market
  • Is there a market demand for the proposed project outcome? Is the demand documented?

  • Does the proposal include clear provision for market access requirements?

  • Does the project clearly describe how it will lead to increase in trade volumes? Is the logic clearly documented?

  • Will the project create an additional market for the system actors?

  • Will the project support market linkages that promote profitability along the value chain?

  • Does the project include approaches that are potentially replicable by others or scalable?
Jobs /Skill Development
  • How many jobs will the project generate?

  • For whom are the jobs generated? Women and marginalized groups? Does the project do this in an innovative way?

  • Will the project result in the upskilling of existing or new staff? Can the skills be transferred?

  • Will the project include exposure to new/advanced technology?

  • Is it feasible that jobs are retained/increased even if equipment may lead to operational efficiency?
Public good
Environmental and social
  • Does the project ensure sound environmental and social practices?

  • Will marginalized groups benefit from the project? Is this impact documented?

  • Does the project promote female leadership?

  • Does the project address female employment?

  • Does the project promote environmental sustainability by reducing negative impacts (waste and pollution) on the environment? Is this documented? Does the project do this in an innovative way?

  • Does the project contribute to efficient use of natural resources?

  • Does the project contribute to the enhancement of public safety e.g. reduce risks for public health