1. Organization Background

iDE (International Development Enterprises) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty. With over 40 years of experience, iDE is a pioneer in market-based development. Our work within agriculture, sanitation, climate change resilience, and gender equality stands out because we don’t simply provide handouts. Instead, iDE believes in powering small-scale entrepreneurs and building robust market ecosystems that lay the groundwork for low-income and marginalized people to prosper on their own terms. iDE has almost 1,300 global staff and offices in 10 countries across Africa, Asia, and Central America.

iDE established its first country program in Bangladesh in 1983. Today, it’s the longest-standing NGO specializing in market systems in Bangladesh. Our diverse portfolio spans across agricultural markets, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); renewable energy; and climate-smart technologies.

2. Project Background

The "Uddokta – Empowering Entrepreneurs" project, funded by Chevron and implemented by iDE under the Chevron Bangladesh Partnership Initiative (BPI), aims to enhance the financial stability and capital reserves of 53 targeted VDO cooperatives in Sylhet Sadar and Nabiganj Upazilas. By fostering business intelligence, financial discipline, and proactive engagement among cooperative members, Uddokta Phase II seeks to catalyze sustainable economic growth and resilience. Initiatives have included the development of business plans aligned with market demands, capacity-building in profitable trades such as beef fattening and garment manufacturing, and targeted nutritional interventions in collaboration with Latter-day Saint Charities. This holistic approach underpins our commitment to transforming the economic landscape of rural Sylhet through innovative and sustainable market-driven solutions.
The core objective of Uddokta Phase II is to empower these cooperatives to initiate and expand their business ventures, thereby fostering economic growth and sustainability. The project is dedicated to improving the financial resilience of VDO Cooperatives by introducing innovative business models, strengthening financial practices, and enhancing overall cooperative capacity. This strategic approach aims to ensure that interventions are not only effective but also enduring.

Since the beginning of 2024, Uddokta Phase II has made considerable progress, establishing a foundation for dynamic and sustainable interventions. Notable achievements include the development and integration of business plans for VDO-cooperatives that align with emerging market demands and operational sustainability. These cooperatives have ventured into profitable trades such as beef fattening and small-scale garment manufacturing, expected to significantly improve local economic development.

In addition to business development, the project has conducted training programs, markedly improving the skills and engagement of cooperative members. These sessions have equipped members with the necessary skills to manage and expand their business ventures effectively. The project has supported 53 VDO-cooperatives and 60 women sales agents, achieving significant results through innovative business models and strategic co-investments.

Uddokta Phase II builds on the learnings of the previous project phase and seeks to scale and replicate effective business models across new cooperatives and regions. This phase integrates improved market linkage strategies and technological tools to enhance the business competencies of the cooperatives. A context-specific strategy of partnering with local governments, technical experts, and financial institutions ensures a collaborative development approach that addresses economic, social, and technical challenges comprehensively.

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The proposals should be submitted by: 11.59 pm BST on Monday, 12 August 2024.