Call for a Dutch hosting organization/cluster to support and host a Morrocan cluster

About Berytech:

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and 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 Euromed Clusters Forward:

ECF is a 4-year project that aims at establishing and improving clusters legal policies, strengthening clusters capacity & regional cooperation, and strengthening regional value chains. Berytech is the implementing partner of ECF in Lebanon, that is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Anima Investment Network with 3 implementing partners and 9 affiliates from the Euromed region.

About Cluster Connect Mission (CCM):

Cluster Connect is a short-term exchange activity between clusters and support organizations from similar or different industrial ecosystems. It involves twinning, matchmaking and knowledge sharing activities, and peer learning between a South Mediterranean cluster – the Visitor and a host organization from South Mediterranean and European countries – the Host.

We are seeking well established Dutch clusters and business support organizations in Netherlands to design and deliver capacity building and consultancy services for accessing adequate funding channels, engage the Moroccan cluster in partnership opportunities and reinforce its capacity for a smooth green transition.

Support will be given to the cluster president, director, and cluster project manager from the Moroccan Cluster in the cosmetics sector for 3 months virtually and in the Netherlands.

Cluster background information:

This cluster (Visitor) was established in 2012 and consists of 55 members from SMEs, industries, applied research centers, universities, and state institutions. The Cluster is certified by the Ministry of Industry as part of its support program for the creation and development of industrial clusters. The main force of action of the Cluster is networking which generates the signing of partnerships with different types of national and international structures. This dynamic makes it possible to strengthen the innovation capacity of all members, actors of the Moroccan cosmetics and agri-food ecosystem.

The CCM will equip the cluster with the skills and capacity to:

• Access adequate funding channels for the cluster to sustain its operations, provide essential support for the cluster members enabling them to compete effectively in the market.
• Develop a strategy on green transition to better support their members in becoming sustainable and empower green and circular innovations within the cosmetics field.
• Establish connections with international funding agencies to better finance their operations, improve the quality of services, and introduce new initiatives and projects to the cluster’s activities.

The Host will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive series of workshops, training, site visits, events, and consultancy services. Based on a needs assessment conducted with the Visitor, the TOR is divided into 3 main components:

Component 1 – Green transition and sustainability:

• Benchmark on green regulations and formulate guidelines specific to the Agrifood field. This involves studying existing environmental standards, identifying gaps, and recommending sustainable practices.
• Propose recommendation for new technologies, green raw materials, and circular processes that align with sustainability goals, improving efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops to build the capacity of internal teams on circular processes, green laws, and the utilization of new technologies. Ensure that relevant stakeholders are equipped to implement and sustain the recommended practices.
• Develop a comprehensive implementation plan for the proposed circular processes, green laws, and technology adoption. Provide step-by-step guidelines, timelines, and resource requirements for seamless integration into current operations.

Component 2 – Access To Finance:

• Build a Sustainable Financial Model by conducting a thorough analysis of the cluster's financial structure and develop a sustainable financial model that aligns with the cluster's goals and objectives.
• Assess the cluster's current readiness for investment and develop an investment readiness model that showcases the cluster's potential, strengths, and attractiveness to potential investors.
• Identify and recommend suitable funding channels that align with the cluster's financial needs, considering options such as grants, loans, partnerships, international funding agencies and other financial instruments.
• Develop and conduct training sessions to enhance the financial management skills of cluster members, ensuring effective use of the financial model.

Component 3 – Travel mission:

• Organize and implement the travel mission of up to 3 cluster staff/members to the Netherlands for a maximum of 5 days.
• Organize and facilitate site visits to tech centers, technological parks… (preferably supporting the agrifood sector).

• Support materials: templates, presentation, and resources for participants to use during and after the workshops.
• Agenda: for activities of each of the 4 components including virtual and in-person training, workshops, consultancy services, stakeholders’ meetings, and visits for 3 months.
• Attendance: attendance sheet of the visitor to different activities.
• Travel mission: booking and invoices of flight tickets, accommodation, and other costs of all travelling participants.
• Sustainability Model: The guiding principles, key concepts, and the overall approach to sustainability adopted by the cluster.
• Green transition report: describing the training conducted and the priorities and services identified.
• Investment Pitch Development Report: Outlines the development of a compelling investment pitch, including key messages and supporting material.
• Site visits report: report on the visits organized and their outcomes.
• Final report: sessions given and final outcomes of the CCM submitted to Berytech.

• The CCM will be implemented from the beginning of April until the end of June 2024.
• The travel mission of up to 3 cluster staff/members to Netherlands shall occur within the mission timeline.
• The final report should be delivered by July 15^th, 2024, at the latest.

• Dutch Cluster and Business support organizations with background in supporting the cosmetics industry in Netherlands.
• Background in providing consultancy services, such as access to finance and green transition.
• Track record in supporting the green transition and sustainability of SMEs.
• Experience in developing and implementing sustainability programs. Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainable business practices.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs to build the capacity of cluster members in financial management and sustainable practices.
• Familiarity and knowledge in the cosmetics sector, as well as their financial implications and integration into projects.