Terms of Reference (ToR) - Provide entrepreneurship training, including support in the development of business plans and access to technology and technical know-how

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Provide entrepreneurship training, including support in the development of business plans and access to technology and technical know-how 

Background

Established in 2001, ISET-Nepal is a catalytic Think Tank specializing in policy research and piloting initiatives at the ground level. It conducts interdisciplinary studies, pilots’ activities, implements programs and facilitates policy dialogues addressing social and environmental challenges. It conducts interdisciplinary research and piloting and engages in interactions concerning various critical areas, including environmental issues, water resources, technology, politics, and societal dynamics. ISET-Nepal generates empirical evidence to inform policies across five key themes: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Changing Rural-Urban Continuum, Climate, Water, Ecosystem, Food and Livelihood Interdependence, Energy System and Management, and Public-Sector Governance. By enhancing knowledge and capacities, ISET-Nepal strives to foster a society capable of effectively managing these challenges.

Project Overview

ISET Nepal, with support from DCA Nepal, is implementing an urban Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project called "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions–Making Cities Resilient (NEXUS-Plus)" in the Changunarayan Municipality. This initiative aims to promote resilient and sustainable urban growth in an area prone to multiple disasters due to rapid urbanization, hilly terrain, fragile geology, and climate change impacts. Changunarayan Municipality has been advancing in disaster preparedness and management but requires external support in terms of knowledge and resources.

The project targets vulnerable populations, including low-and middle-income groups, women, marginalized communities, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Implemented between 2021 and 2022, the project "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions" aims to reduce vulnerability to recurrent disasters in Changunarayan Municipality. The initiative has garnered interest from the municipality and its residents due to the tangible benefits observed. It has supported green enterprises in enhancing resilience amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, promoting sustainable livelihood practices. Moreover, the project has influenced local policies to enhance disaster resilience within the city.

Looking ahead, this year’s project aims to scale up activities for institutionalization, livelihood support, and capacity building through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure urban resilience. ISET-Nepal, a few years back, in 2009, carried out a study to understand the vulnerability of the population in Nepal and developed a scenario on disaster risk reduction. Nepal government developed the disaster information and management system in the name of The Bipad Portal, is a crucial platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in Nepal. Designed as a bottom-up approach, it empowers local governments to actively participate in data collection, management, and utilization.

Context

A business plan is a written document that outlines the goals of a business, the strategies to achieve those goals, and the steps needed to succeed. It includes details such as the type of products or services offered, the target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans.

In entrepreneurship, a business plan plays an important role. It acts as a roadmap for the entrepreneur, helping them stay focused, organized, and goal-oriented. It gives a clear direction on how to start, manage, and grow the business. A well-prepared business plan also helps in identifying potential challenges in advance and preparing solutions for them.

Moreover, a business plan is very important when seeking financial support from investors, banks, or other supporting organizations. It shows that the entrepreneur is serious, has done their homework, and has a clear vision for the business. For women-led enterprises and small community businesses, having a business plan increases confidence, builds credibility, and improves their chances of long-term success.

In short, a business plan is not just a document, it is a powerful tool that supports planning, decision-making, and growth in entrepreneurship

CONTRACT PURPOSE AND EXPECTED RESULTS

Provide entrepreneurship training, including support in the development of business plans and access to technology and technical know-how 

Local Context

ISET Nepal is committed to promoting green women-led enterprises across Changunarayan Municipality, aiming not only to strengthen women’s livelihoods but also to enhance their leadership roles within the community. As part of this effort, entrepreneurship training will be provided in Ward No. 2, 3, 6, and 8 of Changunarayan Municipality. This training will include support in developing practical business plans, gaining access to appropriate technologies, and building the technical know-how required to manage and grow their enterprises effectively.

The training program will primarily focus on five established women-led enterprises: Milijuli Cotton Bags, Bhingu Pickle, Srijansil Women Group, Basuki Bamboo Handicraft Pvt Ltd., and Nagarkot Homestay. All of these enterprises have already prepared their own business plans and are actively applying them in their work. ISET Nepal will continue to support these groups by helping them regularly update and review their plans, ensuring their businesses remain sustainable, resilient, and responsive to market needs

Objective

The main objective of a business plan is:

To provide a clear roadmap for starting, managing, and growing a business by outlining goals, strategies, market understanding, financial planning, and operational processes.

In simple terms, it helps the entrepreneur stay focused, make informed decisions, and attract support or investment by showing a clear and realistic plan for success

Scope

At the local level, a business plan plays a vital role in shaping small-scale and community-based enterprises. Its scope is wide and practical:

1. Guiding Local Entrepreneurs:

A business plan provides a clear path for individuals and groups who want to start or expand a business within their own community. It helps turn local ideas into structured, income-generating activities.

2. Utilizing Local Resources:

Many communities have unused or underused resources like land, local produce, or traditional skills. A business plan helps identify these resources and shows how they can be used effectively for business.

3. Encouraging Women and Youth Involvement:

At the local level, women and youth often face barriers to starting businesses. With the support of a business plan, they can confidently present their ideas, access training, and seek funding or government support.

4. Accessing Municipal Grants and Support Programs:

Local governments often provide financial or technical support for small businesses. A business plan is often a required document for applying to these local programs.

5. Improving Market Access:

A business plan helps entrepreneurs understand local markets and think beyond their immediate area, such as selling in nearby towns or on online platforms. It supports planning for packaging, pricing, and promotion.

6. Strengthening Cooperative and Group Enterprises:

Many small businesses are formed as groups or cooperatives. A shared business plan helps align the group’s goals, clarify roles, and build stronger, more accountable teamwork.

7.  Promoting Sustainable and Green Businesses:

Local-level businesses are increasingly encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices. A business plan helps ensure that the enterprise remains sustainable both economically and environmentally.

In summary, at the local level, the scope of a business plan is not just limited to making profits; it supports livelihood, empowerment, resource use, and community development. It is a valuable tool for building stronger, more resilient local economies.

Deliverables After Providing Business Plan Training

1. Individual or Group Business Plans Developed:

Each participant or group completes a draft or final version of their own business plan, tailored to their enterprise idea. If already having business plan, update this plan in 2026. 

2. Improved Understanding of Business Concepts:

Participants gain basic knowledge of key business components, such as market analysis, product costing, pricing, budgeting, and marketing.

3. Enterprise Idea Refined and Strengthened:

Business ideas are reviewed, refined, and made more realistic and feasible based on training inputs and feedback.

4. Financial Planning Skills Improved:

Participants learn how to create simple income-expense statements, estimate profit/loss, and calculate startup costs.

5. Increased Confidence to Seek Support:

Trainees are better prepared to approach cooperatives, banks, municipalities, or NGOs for loans, grants, or technical support.

6. Action Plan for Starting or Scaling the Business:

Each trainee or group prepares a basic timeline and step-by-step plan to implement their business idea in the coming weeks or months.

7. Linkage with Local Government or Partner Agencies:

Where possible, participants are connected with municipal offices, cooperatives, or supporting NGOs for further guidance and support.

8. Training Report with Attendance and Evaluation:

A detailed report is prepared, including attendance, summary of sessions delivered, photos, feedback from participants, and overall evaluation of the training.

These deliverables help ensure that the training has practical outcomes and supports the long-term success of the participants’ entrepreneurial journey

Qualifications

• Must have at least a Master's degree in any Business studies/ MBA in Finance
• Must have prior experience working in the Business Plan sector for at least  5 years.
• Must have experience in the Business Plant and its related sector.
• Good knowledge of the Business Plan at the local level
• Must have access to Changunaryan Municipality for creating an enabling environment.

Applicants are required to carefully review the attached documents: the RFQ Sheet and the Proposal Submission Form.

• The Proposal Submission Form must be fully completed, and applicants must sign on each page.
• The RFQ Sheet must be reviewed and signed (signature only required).

Links:

RFP-BCP

Proposal Submission Form