UNDP seeks to identify entrepreneurs that are driving changes towards climate adaptation in Cambodia.

How to apply or nominate ventures for the GSIV programme?

1.  Call for applications:  Download HERE the call for applications describing the details of the programme and the eligibility criteria.    

2.   Application / nomination form: To apply directly or to nominate impact ventures click HERE and fill in the online form. Applications / nominations should be submitted only in English.  

Deadline: extended until 5 January 2024 – 11:59 p.m. (GMT+7) Cambodia
 

Important: Enterprises can apply directly by filling in the online form. Third-party organizations can also nominate enterprises. Nominators are entities that have, or had in the past, a working relationship with the nominated enterprise.  This might include – but not be limited to - accelerators, impact funds, family offices, international organizations, non-profits, development banks, governments, IGOs and NGOs, among others.  We encourage third-party nominators to complete the nomination form in cooperation with the nominated venture, in order to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. 

Confidentiality clause: UNDP guarantees that information about every submission will be treated in strict confidence. Only UNDP staff working on the Cambodia GSIV programme and involved in the selection process will have access to the information provided. Electronic copies may be retained by UNDP for the sole purpose of satisfying legal and/or data protection requirements.

What is the GSIV programme about?  

The Growth Stage Impact Ventures (GSIV) programme aims to identify through a highly competitive process enterprises that have developed at-scale products and services that contribute to the SDGs while achieving commercial success and are committed to embed impact considerations into decision-making. By showcasing and supporting these ventures, UNDP aims to bring forward evidence of the existence of pipelines of investable ventures that can advance the transition to SDG-aligned investment in developing countries. 

The Cambodia GSIV takes defines a mechanism to identify and support specific ventures operating in Climate Adaptation, and more specifically, in the priority investment sectors coming out of the Cambodia SDG Investor Map which is a market intelligence tool designed to help private investors (funds, financiers, corporations) identify investment opportunities areas and business models that advance the SDGs. The programme similarly builds on Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) actions for climate adaptation.

The programme aims to uncover potential investable pipeline to advancing the climate adaption in Cambodia and provide support to finalists in the adoption of the SDG Impact Standards for Enterprises, strengthening their organizational practices to measure and manage impact. 

What are the eligibility criteria?  

1. Geographic criteria: This call for applications aims to promote the development of the private sector in Cambodia. Only ventures with substantial operations in Cambodia, with a management team and workforce primarily based in Cambodia and providing products and services mostly in Cambodia and other ASEAN countries, are eligible.  

2. Business model criteria: Eligible ventures, which should be seeking partners (technical, financial, or other) to grow, will be evaluated according to a business model criteria covering their impact, financial record, investment, innovation, team profile and scalability.  The criteria are listed in detail in the Call for Nominations document at the top of this page.  

3. Thematic criteria: The overarching theme of the call for applications is climate adaptation. The business model of the enterprises must contribute in one way or another to climate adaptation in Cambodia.

The UNFCCC defines adaptation as adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects. It refers to changes in processes, practices, and structures to moderate potential damage or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change.  

The call for application is addressed to enterprises operating in one of the five sectors identified through the SDG Investor Map and climate adaptation actions of the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of Cambodia: Food & Agriculture, Infrastructure, Green Construction & buildings, Education, Renewable Energy and Healthcare.

What are the benefits for selected ventures? 

Ventures selected as finalists will receive capacity building in SDG impact standards and impact measurement & management practices. Additionally, finalists will be given exposure and will be invited to pitch their solution during an investor convening event in March 2024. This will be an occasion to meet the local and international investor community and discuss partnerships and investment opportunities. 

"The GSIV programme truly enables entrepreneurs to access networks of investors, corporate and institutional partners to build support systems to scale into new markets. Our participation as finalist has enhanced our brand and improved our SDG-aligned practices." 

 

-CEO of Powerstove (Nigeria), GSIV finalist 2021 

Third parties nominating ventures to the GSIV will be acknowledged on UNDP website and will be invited to attend exclusive events and investor convenings organized by UNDP. 

FAQs

Q: I am the founder and CEO of a company, can I nominate my enterprise to the 2023 Cambodia GSIV programme?

A: Yes, direct application from enterprises are accepted. You can submit your application by filling in the online form here. 

Q:  How do I get nominated for 2023 Cambodia GSIV programme?

A: Through third-party nominators. These are entities that have, or had in the past, a working relationship with the nominated enterprise. Nominators include, but are not limited to accelerators, impact funds, family offices, international organizations, development banks, governments, and NGOs.

Q: Are all impact ventures and social enterprises eligible for the 2023 Cambodia GSIV?

A: Ventures with substantial operations in Cambodia and whose business model, good and/or services address or contribute to climate adaptation in the following sectors are eligible to apply or to be nominated: Food and Agriculture, Infrastructure, green construction and buildings, Education, Healthcare and Renewable Energy. Moreover, additional criteria will be considered. Please consult the terms of reference of the call for applications here for more details about the eligibility criteria.

Q: Does UNDP provide a cash prize for the 2023 Cambodia GSIV finalists?

A: No, UNDP does not provide a cash prize to the finalist ventures. However, the finalists will benefit from various UNDP capacity building activities and training programmes, access and exposure to UNDP's network of impact investors, corporates and technical assistance providers, and will be invited to pitch their business idea during an investor event organized by UNDP. 

Enquiries

For additional details, please contact thida.tieng@undp.org and mialy.nomenjanahary@undp.org