Business Support Services - 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 business support trainings to equip beneficiaries with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their business operations, ensuring sustainable growth, improved efficiency, and competitive advantage.

The business support trainings will be organized for all ARYAF beneficiaries, operating in food processing, local hospitality, tourism, restaurant industry, eco-tourism, and Agri-tourism within the West Bekaa, Zahle, and South Mount Lebanon.

Scope of work:The service provider will be responsible for delivering the below modules:

1. Financial Management and Accounting: Provide comprehensive training on effective financial management, including budgeting, cash flow management and basic accounting principles, to ensure accurate financial reporting and strategic resource allocation.
2. Human Resources Training: Equip participants with skills in effective hiring practices, employee management, performance evaluation, and fostering a positive workplace culture, aimed at supporting business growth and retention of skilled employees.
3. Sales and New Business Development: Enhance participants’ ability to increase sales volume, maintain strong customer relationships, and secure repeat business through effective customer relationship management techniques.
4. Food safety and hygiene:  Ensure participants understand and implement best practices in food safety and hygiene, thereby ensuring compliance with health regulations and promoting customer trust.
5. Digital Marketing Strategies/ Social Media Marketing and Engagement: Train participants to leverage social media platforms for effective business promotion, customer engagement, brand awareness, content creation, analytics, SEO, and advertising, thereby expanding their market reach.
6. Supply Chain Management and Product Optimization:  Improve participants’ efficiency in supply chain management, focusing on supplier relationships, inventory management, logistics optimization, and quality control. Additionally, integrate sustainable practices into operations to promote eco-friendliness and cost reduction.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Practices: Educate participants on sustainable business practices, emphasizing the reduction of environmental impact and obtaining relevant certifications, to enhance corporate responsibility and long-term viability.  

Event and logistics

The service provider should be responsible for providing a series of 7 online sessions covering all 7 modules for 40 to 60 participants. Each module will span over a period of 4 hours.  

Deliverables and outputs:

The following deliverables will be required as part of the Business Support Services Trainings:

• The service provider should provide a detailed project proposal outlining the scope, objectives, methodology and timeline for the workshops.
• The service provider should provide all course materials, including training tools, resources, handouts, presentations, and relevant case studies that can be used to sustain the learning outcomes of the beneficiaries.
• The service provider should provide practical exercises and simulations, to enable beneficiaries to effectively apply the acquired knowledge and skills.

Service Provider’s qualifications:

To deliver the business support sessions for ARYAF Berytech beneficiaries, it is imperative that the selected service provider meet the following criteria:

• In-depth subject Knowledge: The trainers should have a deep understanding of the respective modules including Financial Management and Accounting, Human Resources, Sales and New Business Development, Food Safety and Hygiene, Digital Marketing Strategies, Supply Chain Management and Product Optimization, and Sustainability and Environmental Practices.
• Industry-Specific Familiarity: Trainers should be familiar with the specific industries or sectors targeted by the ARYAF Program and possess knowledge of industry-specific challenges, trends, and best practices.
• Teaching competence: While formal teaching qualifications are not obligatory, trainers should demonstrate the necessary skills and experience for delivering effective training sessions.  This may include the ability to:
  • Communicate information clearly and concisely.
  • Engage with diverse learners and diverse audiences.
  • Adapt to different learning styles and needs.
• Relevant practical experience: Trainers should have relevant practical experience in their respective fields, such as:
  • Financial Management: Experience in managing finances, budgeting, and accounting.
  • Human Resources: Experience in hiring, employee management, and performance evaluation.
  • Sales and Business Development: Proven track record in increasing sales and managing customer relationships.
  • Food Safety and Hygiene: Experience in implementing food safety and hygiene practices.
  • Digital Marketing: Experience in using social media and digital marketing tools effectively.
  • Supply Chain Management: Experience in managing supply chains, logistics, and quality control.
  • Sustainability: Experience in implementing sustainable business practices and obtaining relevant certifications.

These qualifications ensure that trainers can provide high-quality, relevant, and practical support to ARYAF Berytech beneficiaries, helping them to achieve their business objectives effectively.

Timeline and Application

• The service provider is expected to start his/her sessions no later than June 24^th 2024, which makes the first day of the session series and will extend for 7 consecutive weeks: 1 module/week.
• The session/s will be held online, with a duration of 4 hours per module.

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.