VBCF Benefits Private Sector and the Poor

The GBP 7 million Vietnam Business Challenge Fund (VBCF), capitalised by UK Department for International Development and managed by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, will be launched in Hanoi on November 28.

 

VBCF offers up to 49 percent funding for business proposals that deliver both commercial benefits for the private sector and developmental benefits for poor people. For the business side, proposals must offer a clear, commercially viable and profitable business model. For the development side, the proposals must assist the low income population in terms of job creation, income improvements or the availability of more affordable goods and services.

 

VBCF will provide business mentoring support and award non-reimbursable funding of selected proposal budgets to companies operating in Vietnam through competitive calls for relevant business proposals that will benefit the poor, be commercially sustainable and replicable in the long run. 

 

Funding is available for up to US$ 800,000 per project for proposals in three sectors - agriculture, low-carbon growth, and infrastructure and basic services. The eligibility conditions, selection process and application form are available at http://www.vbcf.org.vn. The deadline for the 1st round proposal submission is 5PM, 28 January, 2013.