Call for a Dutch or Belgian Hosting Organization – EuroMed Clusters Forward – CCM1
Posted on December 12, 2024
Overview
Context & Background
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 EU clusters/ support organizations to design and deliver capacity to strengthen the Cluster’s internal and external fundraising capacities, in line with the aim of promoting niche technology products and outsourcing services, and participation in events and exhibitions.
Support will be given to the Cluster manager and 2 staff members from the Palestinian Cluster in the ICT sector for 4 months virtually and in the host country.
Cluster background information:
The Cluster was established some 25 years ago and has almost 200 members. Important focus points of the Cluster are generating ICT jobs for firms working for international companies and developing the potential of the ICT startup cluster. The cluster is primarily (but not exclusively) interested in the Middle East market.
The CCM will equip the cluster with the skills and capacity to:
Strengthen the fundraising strategy of the cluster and support them in securing long-term funding sources for the organization itself. Connect the members of the cluster to new funding channels and introduce them to new investment models. Create the fundaments for establishing a new unit within the organization aimed at facilitating access to capital, investment and business opportunities for the members.
Scope of work
The Host will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive series of workshops, trainings consultancy services, site visits, facilitating the attendance to fairs/exhibitions (if any). The Mission is divided into 4 main components:
Component 1: funding the cluster organization
Benchmark funding strategies of similar cluster organizations. Formulate recommendations for new funding strategies. Develop an implementation plan for the proposed funding strategy. Provide step-by-step guidelines, timelines, and resource requirements for integration into current operations.
*Component 2: funding for cluster members
Provide an overview of funding opportunities for the internationalization of ICT companies from Palestine. Develop training materials how the Cluster can support their members to access these fundings
Component 3: develop a funding support unit
Identify and compare funding support units in similar organizations. Propose recommendations for funding support activities (organizational design, actual activities, business model). Develop an implementation plan for the proposed support unit. Provide step-by-step guidelines, timelines, and resource requirements for integration into current operations.
Component 4: Travel mission:
Organize and implement the travel mission of up to 3 cluster staff/members to the host country for a maximum of 4 nights/5 days, Visas Cost of the Palestinian cluster should be included in the budget.
Expected Deliverables
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, benchmarking studies and visits for 4 months.
Attendance: attendancesheet of the visitor to different activities.
Travel mission: booking and invoices of flight tickets, accommodation, and other costs of all travelling participants.
Implementation plan: concerning the funding strategy for the own organization
Implementation plan: concerning the funding strategy for the cluster members.
Implementation plan: concerning a funding support unit.
Visit reports: report on the visits organized and their outcomes.
Activity report: for participating in an exhibition/fair.
Final report: sessions given and final outcomes of the CCM submitted to Berytech.
Timeline:
The CCM will be implemented from the beginning of February 2025 until the end of May 2025. The travel mission of up to 3 cluster staff/members to the host country shall occur within the mission timeline. The final report should be delivered by
June 15th , 2025 at the latest.
Qualifications
Cluster or Host organization in the ICT sector, based in Belgium or Netherland. Experience in securing grants, fundraising, or financial assistance and management. Familiarity with public and private funding sources. Track record in supporting entrepreneurial activities, startups, and developing innovation ecosystems. Background in providing business support services, such as strategy, governance, business models and market research. Broad knowledge of ICT trends.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your proposal (technical and financial), agenda of activities, along with your resume and work/ project portfolio by email to: procurement@berytech.org before
January 22, 2025, BoD with the subject: Cluster Connect Mission – Batch 2 – CCM1. The Application should include:
Technical proposal describing the methodology, content and timeline of the mission including travel mission details. Financial proposal describing the costs incurred in preparing and providing the mission, including the costs of the travel ticket and accommodation of the cluster staff in the Host country. The financial proposal shall be quoted in
EURO. Every component should have an allocated budget. CVs of the individuals involved in the mission.
The shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Mid-January 2025.
Berytech is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, valuing diversity and ethical conduct as keys to our collective success.
