The Business Partnerships Platform has been established to enable businesses to partner with DFAT on investments that deliver a combined social and financial return on investment. The platform will enable DFAT to increase the number of its private sector partners, leveraging the experience and ability of business to address intractable development challenges.
The platform will assist businesses to invest in projects in developing countries with a social and commercial return by enabling them to benefit from DFAT’s:
Convening, brokering and influencing abilities in partner countries
Deep knowledge of the business, political and regulatory environment in the developing countries where Australia’s aid program operates
Support in creating a more attractive business operating environment through our broader policy reform and governance programs.
Business Partnerships for Gender Equality
Business Partnerships that are designed to improve development outcomes for women are particularly encouraged. All applications will be required to demonstrate a consideration of gender issues. Applications that are specifically designed to improve development outcomes for women (e.g. through health, social programs or targeted employment) will be eligible for additional consideration through the Business Partnerships for Gender Equality.
Eligibility and how to apply
Any business seeking to enhance its social and/or commercial impact in the countries identified below is eligible to apply. Applications are invited from Australian, global and foreign businesses of all sizes. A partnership will only be progressed with organisations that are able to satisfy the requirements of DFAT’s Baseline Due Diligence Process. These requirements include:
registration with a business or other recognized registration/accreditation body;
established financial history;
not listed on the World Bank, ADB, Attorney General or other sanction lists; and
other background or reputational checks.
Proposals must demonstrate that the proposed activities will achieve impact in the sectors identified for the relevant country.
Selection process and contracting
Proposals will be assessed in a two-stage process: initial expressions of interest will be short-listed (in conjunction with the relevant DFAT program area), with short-listed applicants invited to submit detailed proposals. Funding decisions will be made by a selection panel, chaired by DFAT with representation from government, private sector and NGOs/Not-For-Profits. Each partnership will be governed by an overarching Memorandum of Understanding.
