Intent to Bid - WS420940106 - FORSA - Market linkage Consultancy for SMEs

Purpose / Project Description:

FORSA II SME support program aims to support 30 small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the agro-food production sector and is located in Bekaa and South areas, to facilitate sustainable and up-scalable domestic and international linkages. For this purpose, Mercy Corps is looking for consulting companies and experts in business planning and marketing to LINK the selected SMEs with potential business partners such as distributors, retailers, buyers, etc… who are located outside and inside Lebanon. The main purpose of these linkages between selected SMEs and distributors is to establish sustainable connections and closeout deals between both parties (the focus will be on exporting outside Lebanon).

Required tasks from the service provider:

The service provider will receive detailed pre-assessments of the selected SMEs and is entitled, but not limited to, the following:

• Conduct initial meetings with the SME owners to clarify any matter in the pre-assessments
• Analyze the data received, assess potential markets, and provide recommendations
• Provide Mercy Corps Team and the SMEs with categories of potential markets based on market need, ease of access, barriers to entry, customer reach and purchasing power
• Conduct and Provide Mercy Corps Team and SMEs with a thorough mapping of the different export channels (intermediaries, distributors, wholesalers, e-commerce) present locally and in the targeted markets
• Draft an export strategy plan in accordance with the goals and objectives of the SME, and build the capacities of the SMEs to conduct their own market research and pivot their operations according to the changing context, providing the necessary tools and coaching
• Brief the owner around the process map of exporting to ensure safe export and compliance with the rules and regulations of the targeted market
• Assist the SME in pivoting their products to be compliant with the rules and regulations of the targeted market taking into account quality control requirements, labeling, certifications needed, nutrition facts, proper testing, etc…
• Shortlist potential business partners and provide the data to the SME as well as assist the SME in linking with these partners
• Assist the SME to negotiate with the potential partners on an international or domestic level
• Ensure diversification among the potential partners since some SMEs might export under their own label, others are interested in selling as white or private label and some are interested in the local market but the priority will be towards exporting
• Ensure the closing of the deals between the parties with proof of contract
• Assist the owner in issuing the legal documents, incoterms, and finalizing contracts
• Follow up with the SME on the delivery and export process of the above mentioned deals
• Develop an infographic pocket guide to include the main export guidelines and information hubs, export actors and worldwide regulators of the global exporting activity so that SMEs can refer back to it when doing their own research