Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and other economic actors will be able to benefit from up to 80,000 dollars in financing for circular economy initiatives in Havana.
This is a call launched days ago by the Cuban capital’s authorities in alliance with international agencies, which focuses on the management of the paper and cardboard value chain and will be valid until January 10, 2025.
It seeks to “strengthen and develop the capacities of the actors in the economic framework of Havana; as well as promoting the social inclusion of women, youth and people with disabilities in initiatives that support management.”
The project is promoted by the Havana government together with the Delegation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and its implementation is in charge of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
Participants and commitments
The call is open to MSMEs, agricultural and livestock cooperatives, self-employed workers and local development projects based in the Cuban capital, as well as community initiatives or projects.
According to the call, these actors must be “committed to the application of a value chain approach based on circular economy principles in the process of managing paper and cardboard waste in Havana, or who could contribute to solutions from the local and community space regarding the management of these wastes.”
The selected organizations will be able to access training spaces, technical support for the development of their projects and the strengthening of technological capacities through the acquisition of supplies and equipment necessary to implement the proposed initiative.
Budget amounts
The budget amount for each initiative must not exceed 80,000 US dollars (USD). This includes 15% of the operating costs related to the import of equipment and materials, if applicable.
The money will not be delivered directly to the managers of each initiative. Instead, the required resources will be delivered, in accordance with what is defined in the work plan, procurement plan and the budget agreed for the project.
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Selection and application criteria
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Among the criteria for the selection of the initiatives, the sustainability of the project, the business plan and its feasibility study that demonstrates its economic-financial viability will be taken into account.
Likewise, it will be observed whether the undertaking promotes the use of renewable energies (photovoltaic, wind or others) and applies energy efficiency practices (use of technological equipment that consumes less energy and is aligned with energy efficiency standards).
The local impact of the initiative will also be considered, as well as how it connects with local and municipal development priorities, as well as whether it promotes the articulation of links with other productive actors and local services and whether it is a female-led undertaking or led by young people under 35 years of age.
Owners of MSMEs and other actors and projects interested in participating can consult the terms of reference and apply through an online form.
Meanwhile, to clarify doubts and make inquiries about the process, the organizers also provided a link.
