Background

In February 2026, the Republic of Suriname has issued a Social Bond to finance eligible social expenditures and priority social projects.

The Ministry of Finance and Planning (Employer), for the benefit of the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports, intends to engage a qualified consultancy firm to implement the RISE Program (Direction, Innovation, Skills, Entrepreneurship). The program empowers young entrepreneurs (18–35 years) through structured Business Development Services (BDS), sector-specific vocational training, mentoring, capital allocation, and aftercare.

The program targets:

• Aspiring Entrepreneurs (Group 1, 350 participants): Build a solid business foundation and receive start-up capital to formally launch their business.
• Existing Entrepreneurs (Group 2, 350 participants): Strengthen and expand their businesses and apply for financing of equipment or goods.

Scope of Services

The Consultant will provide professional services including:

• Recruitment and transparent selection of participants across five districts (Paramaribo, Wanica, Nickerie, Commewijne, Brokopondo).
• Delivery of general BDS training curricula (foundation for Group 1, advanced for Group 2).
• Implementation of sector-specific training modules (Lots 1–7) in eco-tourism, oil & gas services, recycling & circular economy, ICT & digital services, creative industry, healthcare & natural products, and hospitality & food.
• Capital allocation and financing support for approved business plans and expansion applications.
• Individual mentoring, coaching, and aftercare support.
• Welfare and logistics management (training facilities, meals, participant support).
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (baseline, mid-term, final, and aftercare assessments).

The assignment covers 18 months, structured into phases: program design, training delivery, capital allocation, and aftercare monitoring.

Consultant Qualifications

Interested firms must demonstrate:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in entrepreneurship development and SME support.
• Proven expertise in Business Development Services (BDS), training, and mentoring of young entrepreneurs.
• Capacity to deliver sector-specific modules linked to international frameworks (UNWTO, ISO, UNEP, Google, AWS, UNESCO, WHO).
• Experience in managing funds and capital allocation procedures.
• Adequate technical and administrative capacity, including qualified personnel (Project Coordinator, BDS Trainers, Sector Specialists, Mentors, Financing Officer, M&E Specialist).
• Experience in similar assignments in Suriname, the Caribbean, or South America.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects (ILO, IDB, EU, UNDP) is an advantage.
• Mandatory proficiency in Dutch and English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of Sranan Tongo for effective communication.
• Familiarity with Suriname’s economic context and growth sectors.

Selection Method

Consultants will be selected using the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method, in accordance with international procurement policies and practices.

Evaluation will consider technical capacity, relevant experience, and cost, in line with international donor procurement practices

Submission Requirements

Interested firms must submit:

• Letter of Interest (LOI).
• Proof of legal status (Chamber of Commerce registration).
• Company profile and evidence of similar assignments in the past 10 years.
• Description of organizational capacity and areas of specialization.
• Evidence of relevant experience in Suriname or comparable environments.

All documentation must be submitted in English.

Deadline and Contact

Expressions of Interest must be delivered by 24^th of July 2026 via email to:

Ministry of Finance and Planning

Attn: Procurement Lead – Priority Social Projects Paramaribo, Suriname

Email: [email protected]