The Department of Employment & Entrepreneurship (DoEE), Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment (MoICE), is excited to announce the Call for equipment support proposals under the Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Urban Landscapes and Communities in the Thimphu-Paro region of Bhutan (ECRUL) project. This initiative mobilises the private sector to deliver Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that strengthen urban resilience in Thimphu and Paro.

 

We invite aspiring and existing Bhutanese entrepreneurs—including youth, women, and vulnerable groups to submit innovative, viable, and scalable proposals. The initiative supports ventures aligned with project priorities, including climate-resilient urban development, employment creation, inclusive growth, and socio-economic benefits.

 

This initiative is supported through the UNDP-GEF ECRUL Project (GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund)

 

******************************************************************************

Standard Selection Process

All complete proposals will be screened for eligibility by the shortlisting team and evaluated by the Technical Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch, and the final selection and approval will be made by the Advisory Committee. Any changes to the schedule will be announced on this website in advance.

******************************************************************************

Standard Support Scheme and Disbursement Procedure

• Support type: Cost-sharing grant for equipment/machinery essential to launch or scale NbS-aligned project/products/services.
• Support size: The Government shall finance 80% of the tendered cost, with the proponent contributing a minimum of 20%. The maximum support available to any single proponent shall not exceed Nu. 2,000,000.

• Selected proponents shall enter into a formal support agreement, committing to comply with all safeguard measures and reporting obligations. Procurement will be conducted in accordance with the Government Procurement Rules and Regulations 2025, under the oversight of the Departmental Tender Committee, to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money.

 

******************************************************************************

What types of solutions are eligible to apply?

This initiative targets NbS solutions in following thematic areas that enhance urban resilience and liveability, such as but not limited to:

1. Climate-Resilient Green Infrastructure Systems

1. Integrated Water Management Solutions

1. Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity Enhancement

1. Renewable Energy and Resource Recovery

1. Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy

1. Climate Monitoring and Smart Management

1. Community Engagement and Education Infrastructure

Not eligible: Working capital, land/buildings, routine vehicles, and purely administrative office equipment, etc.

******************************************************************************

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed for:

• Alignment with ECRUL urban resilience outcomes and safeguards
• Social & Environmental Impact Potential
• Financial and operational viability
• Value-for-money and readiness to deploy
• Employment creation and inclusive benefits (women and youth)
• Geographic suitability (Thimphu & Paro in Year 1)
• Entrepreneurial drive and management capacity

******************************************************************************

Who can apply

• Registered Startups or Enterprises: The business entity registered with the Department of Industry, Corporate Regulatory Authority, or relevant licensing authority(s).
• Entrepreneur(s): Founders or co-founders of early-stage NbS-focused initiatives recognized by the relevant competent authorities.
• Groups: This includes community/youth/women/PWD groups, which are NbS-focused initiatives.

Women- and youth-led enterprises are strongly encouraged to apply.

******************************************************************************

Application Process

The interested individuals can apply for the support as follows;

1. Download the Application Form (Click Here..)
2. Then fill the Google Form named “NbS Equipment Support” (Click Here)
3. Duly filled Application Form needs to be attached to the same Google form along with the required annexes within the application form template.
4. Then SUBMIT the form after ensuring all the forms are duly filled and the required documents are annexed.

Annexes:

1. Undertaking Form (Provided in application template)
2. CID Copy
3. Copy of Business License (If available)
4. Photo of equipment/machinery

Note: You may attach supporting documents such as site/lease confirmations, clearance letters, certifications, partnership letters, and evidence of technical capability.

Applications submitted after August 28, 2025 (11:59 PM) will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for verification rounds.

******************************************************************************

Key Dates

• Call opens: [14 August 2025]
• Deadline to apply: [28 August 2025]

Any changes to the schedule will be posted on this website in advance.

******************************************************************************

 

Contact

For further information and clarification, contact Mr. Tashi Tenzin, Asst. Program Officer, at office phone 02-326731 or email at epd@moice.gov.bt during office hour only.

Department of Employment & Entrepreneurship (DoEE), MoICE
P.O. Box 1036, Thimphu • Thongsel Lam, Lower Motithang

******************************************************************************

Important Notes

• Support is subject to fund availability and compliance with the guideline.
• Proponents must meet NbS quality expectations; shortlisted proposals may undergo an NbS self-assessment and due diligence.
• The Ministry reserves the right to reject proposals that do not meet eligibility, safeguards, or value-for-money requirements.
• Grievances may be submitted through the Ministry’s GRM; acknowledgements within 3 working days and responses within 20 working days.

******************************************************************************

Let’s grow resilient cities together—through nature and entrepreneurship.