Call for Proposal for Implementing Partnership - Green Forward Programme

SPARK with the support of the European Commission is looking for an implementing partner for the Green Forward Programme which aims to strengthen business support organisations (BSOs) to act as ecosystem enablers, bridging the gap between policy and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) toward a green and inclusive economy. The action supports innovative green business models and building collaboration between stakeholders to enable the transition to sustainability. It supports innovative green business models and fosters collaboration among stakeholders.

Outcome 1: Strengthened local and regional networks of actors involved in the promotion of an inclusive green economy.

Activities & Indicators for Lebanon (outcome 1)

• A1.1 Enhancing the networking capacity of business support organisations on green economy transition and opportunities
  • • 1 international conference will be organised to support knowledge exchange between public and private stakeholders, experts and organisations from the EU and the Southern Neighbourhood: 10 MoU and/or partnership agreements will be signed during the event.

• A1.2 Workshops to encourage peer learning and partnerships. 
  • • 6 in-person workshops and roundtable meetings will be organised to provide opportunities for 4 BSOs staff to exchange knowledge with their peers and leaders from the region and the EU
    • Smaller groups of BSOs’ staff members will form and lead Peer Pods, which will meet regularly in between workshops/meetings to share insights, reflect on experiences, and deepen their learning. Pods will create peer coaching networks, offering a safe space for learners to both support and challenge each other and gain technical knowledge and skills

• A1.3 Training programme for BSOs and innovation enablers.
  • • Staff from the 4 supported BSOs will be offered individual support with action-oriented coaching, mentoring, and tailor-made short training programmes based  on the insights, outputs and needs emerging from A1.1 and A1.2

Outcome 2:  Increased stakeholders’ and BSOs’ awareness and capacity to promote green and circular economy practices in the region, at micro, meso and macro levels.

Activities & Indicators for Lebanon (outcome 2)

• A2.1 Green Business Training Academy for BSOs
  • • 3 BSOs will take part in The Green Business Training Academy, which will deliver a comprehensive technical assistance program. This program will provide training and advisory services to the 3 BSOs on supporting green businesses and promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production practices. The Academy curriculum will be tailored to the needs of participating BSOs, combining theoretical modules with practical case studies and hands-on activities.
    • 30 SMEs will practise a toolbox that will developed throughout the program by Spark
• A2.2 Awareness raising campaign
  • • The Lebanese partner will participate in the awareness-raising campaign that Spark will develop throughout the program
• A2.4 Establishing partner working groups between micro and macro ecosystem actors
  • • An annual working group will be created to include 21** public and private stakeholders at national and regional levels (including the 3 BSOs supported through the Academy). This group will create spaces for exchange and discussion, allowing businesses to advocate for solutions to the challenges they face in shifting to greener and more inclusive business models.
    • The Lebanese partner’s working groups will develop 1 policy recommendation to adapt laws and regulations.

**These 21 could include Ministries of industry, innovation and entrepreneurship and Ministries of environment in the target countries as well as European policy stakeholders. Within the region, different policy stakeholders possess different levels of sensitivity and understanding of the potential of the business ecosystem to influence, and at the same time benefit from, the green economy transition.

Target Group:

The action targets the following groups:

• 4 BSOs* improved their capacity to become active ecosystem players and enable innovation
• 3 BSOs trained to deliver business support around green and circular economy  
• 30 SMEs to practise a toolbox that will developed throughout the program by Spark
• 21 Policy and decision-makers (public & private stakeholders) including the 3 BSOs of trained participated in the networking working group.
• Economic players reached via traditional and online media, and social networks