Nepal in Business (NiB) — an initiative of UK International Development has invited applications from MSMEs based in Madhesh, Karnali and Lumbini provinces for its matching grant scheme.
The initiative will provide a grant contribution up to £100,000 to competent MSMEs while the selected MSMEs will also have to chip in matching contributions. The program focuses on MSMEs engaged in key industrial sectors, such as:
- Agro-processing [Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), essential oils, spices, etc.]
- Light manufacturing (natural fibres)
- Information Technology (IT products and service)
- Tourism (wellness and spiritual tourism)
Further, the funding initiative will be mainly focused on MSMEs based in Madhesh, Karnali and Lumbini provinces. Additionally, MSME’s in the industrial corridors such as Dhangadhi-Atariya, Pokhara-Bhairahawa and Itahari-Biratnagar are also eligible for grants.
The NiB program has laid out the following criterias for eligibility:
- Officially registered employing 50-250 staffs (Small enterprise with growth potential are considered)
- At least 2 years of audited account from licensed auditor
- Tax clearance, license renewed, never blacklisted and other legal requirements
- Business goals should be linked with social development, job creation and sustainability.
MSMEs meeting the criteria can fill the application and submit it before 18th May 2025.
The program is implemented by DAI Global UK and aims to foster job opportunities in Nepal by supporting its budding MSMEs, which face different constraints in accessing capital, knowledge and network required for their growth and development.
