1. INTRODUCTION
   Village Enterprise works to end extreme poverty in rural Africa through entrepreneurship, innovation, and collective action. Since 2007, we have implemented and refined a locally led Graduation Program in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia. Through business training, mentoring, and seed funding, we support first-time rural entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses and savings groups, enabling families to break the cycle of poverty.

Village Enterprise (VE), in partnership with Ngogo Chimpanzee Project (NCP), is implementing the EPARKs Project (2024–2027) in communities around Kibale National Park (KNP) in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo. The project aims to conserve chimpanzees by improving community livelihoods, reducing poaching incentives, and strengthening environmental stewardship.

EPARKs integrates two pathways:

1. Livelihood support and poverty graduation
   (VE) through savings group formation, business training, enterprise development, and market linkages.

2. Conservation and anti-poaching patrols
   (NCP) through snare removal, community sensitization, and enforcing protection of the park.

The project plans to train 1,890 entrepreneurs from 42 Business Savings Groups, establish 630 conservation-friendly microenterprises, and train conservation champions.

2. PROGRAM CONTEXT
   To analyse, identify, and recommend viable conservation-friendly businesses suitable for communities adjacent to Kibale National Park, ensuring the businesses support income generation while reducing pressure on the park’s ecosystem.

With the following key objectives,

• Identify economically viable, conservation-friendly business opportunities.

• Map and engage relevant private sector actors.

• Conduct cost-benefit and economic feasibility analysis.

• Assess training and capacity gaps among beneficiaries.

• Recommend clear rollout strategies for Village Enterprise.

3. DELIVERABLES
   Inception Report detailing methodology, tools, timeline, and team roles.

Data Report

• Two household-level business opportunities.

• Two group-level business opportunities.

• One community-level value chain opportunity.

• Each with start-up costs, operating costs, profitability, and ROI.

Summary of lessons learned and recommendations for planning and scaling.

Final Report incorporating feedback from Village Enterprise.

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
   Applicants are requested to submit:

• A short cover letter expressing interest and capability.

• CV or company profile highlighting relevant experience.

• Proposed timeline and availability.

• Quotation.

5. SUBMISSION DEADLINE & CONTACT
   Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their Expression of Interest to this email, tqprocurement@villageenterprise.org with the subject: EOI Market Assessment - Kibale. Deadline for submissions: 12th December 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.