R&D Group hereby invites proposals from qualified consultants for the re-advertised assignment to deliver business development and digitalization support to technology-based micro-enterprises.

TENDER INVITATION: CONSULTING ASSIGNMENT FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITALIZATION SUPPORT Tender Reference: R&D/EDGE/RFP/003/2026 Issuing Organization: R&D Group (in partnership with Hybrid Designs and the Mastercard Foundation under the EDGE Program) Re-Advertisement Date: September 7, 2026 Submission Deadline: September 14, 2026, 5:30 PM 1. Opportunity Overview R&D Group invites qualified consulting firms to submit proposals for a 6-month Framework Agreement to provide business development, market linkage, and digitalization support to 180 technology-based micro-enterprises across selected urban centers in Ethiopia (including Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Jimma, Jijiga, and Mekelle). 2. Core Deliverables & Scope of Work Recruitment & Diagnostics: Screen, profile, and conduct diagnostic assessments for 180 IT-enabled micro-enterprises. Digitalization & Capacity Building: Develop functional websites, establish social media profiles/Google Business listings, implement digital marketing/SEO tools, and deliver business development support. Market Access & Job Linkages: Facilitate B2B linkages, perform access-to-finance due diligence, and create a verified database for placing an average of 5 youth per enterprise into employment (focusing on women and disadvantaged youth). 3. Submission Requirements Requirement Type Key Components / Instructions Eligibility & Legal Compliance Valid business registration/trade license, TIN certificate, tax clearance, and proof of legal operating status in Ethiopia. Technical Proposal PDF format, maximum 12 pages (excluding CVs & annexes). Must include company profile, proposed methodology, work plan with a weekly Gantt chart, quality control plan, references, and proposed key personnel CVs. Financial Proposal Quoted in Ethiopian Birr (ETB) using Annex A. Must state a firm unit price per supported enterprise (valid for 90 days and held firm for 6 months). 4. Submission Instructions Format: Send Technical and Financial proposals as s