[color=#42a6c6][size=3][font=Arial]About the challenge: [/font][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]With Lebanon facing one of its toughest crises in 2021, the Food System Challenge aims to support Lebanese SMEs working across the agri-food value chain to sustain and improve local food production, transformation, and consumption.[/font][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]The Food System Challenge is implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech through support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).[/font][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Apply now if your business or cooperative has an innovative and impactful idea to address these challenges:[/font][/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Access to Energy[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Access to Raw Material[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Import Substitution[/font][/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#42a6c6][size=3][font=Arial]The Food System Challenge Offers:[/font][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Your business or cooperative will benefit from a tailored package of business development services, technical assistance, and financial support to achieve long term growth.[/font][/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Your business will undergo a transformational journey of 6 months or more, with clear milestones and objectives set from the start.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]For this round of applications, 10 SMEs and Cooperatives will be selected to benefit from a tailored package of support.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Your business will receive a package of business services, technical assistance, cash and in-kind grants, with a total value of up to 100,000$.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#42a6c6][size=3][font=Arial]The Challenges:[/font][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]The Food System Challenge is looking for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Cooperatives which have solutions that address the core challenges affecting the food system as listed below. SMEs and Cooperatives that will be selected to join our program will receive business, technical, cash and in-kind support so that they can scale their operations and develop their ideas.[/font][/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Access to energy, fuel, and gasoline[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Access to raw materials[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Import substitution[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Other challenges[/font][/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#42a6c6][size=3][font=Arial]Who Can Apply:[/font][/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Legally registered businesses and cooperatives.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Already established SMEs with minimum 10 employees.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Agri-food or agriculture cooperatives.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Businesses/cooperatives working in agricultural production, food transformation, food marketing and consumption.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Businesses/cooperatives with a solid business idea addressing the food system challenges.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]This includes but is not limited to: Input suppliers, Registered farmer organizations, Collection centers, Transporters, Storage centers, Processors, Distributors, Wholesalers, Exporters & Importers, Retailers and Agri-food cooperatives.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#42a6c6][size=3][font=Arial]Selection Criteria:[/font][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Your business idea should show:[/font][/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Feasibility: Show us you are able to implement your idea.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Innovation: Your idea has elements of introducing new technology, a new approach, or a new process that can have an impact.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Scalability: Your idea should be scalable and benefit a wider community of individuals, farmers, or agri-food businesses.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Your solution must be cost effective with an expected high return on investment.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [size=2][font=Arial][color=#42a6c6]Additional points will be given to:[/color][/font][/size] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]Women-led businesses or cooperatives, applicants empowering women, or applicants employing women and youth.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2][font=Arial]At least 10% of the selected applicants will be cooperatives.[/font][/size][/color][/li] [/ul]