Matchmaking Activity - ARYAF

Context & Background

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and the company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.  

About ARYAF PROJECT

ARYAF serves Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises operating in food processing, local hospitality, tourism, the restaurant industry, eco-tourism, and agri-tourism within west Bekaa, Zahle and South Mount Lebanon.  

The program aims to empower sixty MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) to increase their sales volume, implement a business continuity plan, and provide training to their staff, including youth, women, and disabled individuals. The program is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Berytech, within the framework of Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities and Small and Medium Enterprises project (ACE). 

Objective 

Berytech, through ARYAF Project, is seeking a qualified service provider to deliver matchmaking services that aim to connect ARYAF's beneficiaries, operating in the food processing sector within the West Bekaa, Zahle, and South Mount Lebanon, with potential exporters and distributors and traders, as well as offer guidance and assistance for their joint initiatives. This joint initiative will help beneficiaries in expanding their sales through the facilitation of connections with suitable buyers.

The service provider is expected to possess an extensive range of network buyers, assisting them in securing deals and organizing roundtable discussions to foster idea sharing that can be translated into actionable steps, enhancing partnerships development, and expanding business activities for SMEs and buyers.

Scope of work:

The service provider will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Identifying and engaging potential export partners and distributors for up to 40 ARYAF beneficiaries.
2. Organizing a matchmaking event and activities to foster connections between beneficiaries and potential buyers.
3. Providing a platform for beneficiaries to showcase their products and engage with prospective buyers.
4. Collecting and managing market data to empower beneficiaries in making well informed decisions.

Event and logistics

The service provider should be responsible for:

1. Providing a meeting room or venue that accommodates around 40 SMEs and at least 7 matchmaking tables.
2. The matchmaking event should be held at a suitable venue in a central location, with all necessary equipment and facilities, in addition to catering cold sandwiches/small bites, coffee, and refreshments for up to 60 people.
3. Providing at least 7 potential buyers and distributors to meet ARYAF beneficiaries.

Deliverables and outputs:

The Service provider is expected to deliver the following:

• A detailed matchmaking plan outlining the strategy and activities needed to connect beneficiaries with potential exporters and distributors.
• Organize one matchmaking event with relevant buyers for up to 40 SMEs. It is required to have at least 2 matchmaking meetings for each beneficiary participating.
• Provide a database of potential export partners and distributors.
• Elaborate market data reports to aid beneficiaries in their informed decision-making process.

Service Provider’s qualifications:

The service provider should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in matchmaking services, particularly in the food processing sector.
• Proven experience in opening world markets to Lebanese agrifood businesses.
• A wide network of potential small, medium, and large buyers, exporters, and distributors
• Expertise in data collection and analysis related to market trends and opportunities.
• Strong negotiation and deal-making capabilities.
• An understanding of the local and international food industry.

Timeline and Application

• The matchmaking event should occur in the month of June.  

Candidates should submit the following documents:

• Technical (maximum two pages) describing the methodology to conduct the work based on the content suggested in the section: “Scope of Work, Outputs and Deliverables” elaborating it further.
• Profile and project references (maximum two pages): A brief explanation of the service provider’(s) background should be submitted (CVs shall be included as annex) along with project references on the topic.

Financial Proposal describing the expected remuneration and the proposed timeframe of the intervention.