The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Clean Air was launched in November 2021 with the objective of mitigating air pollution in the Kathmandu valley for improved health and education outcomes. USAID Clean Air is being implemented by a consortium led by FHI 360 with four consortium partners — Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) and One to Watch (OTW) — in close collaboration with the Government of Nepal and other key government, non-government and private sector stakeholders.
The USAID Business Accelerator for Clean Air will provide customized business development services, seed grant and access to a wider network of partners and stakeholders to companies to companies working to mitigate air pollution in the Kathmandu valley.
The program will provide customized business development support and seed grant to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) providing solutions to mitigate air pollution or reduce exposure to air pollution in the “Kathmandu Valley”. The intensive program in specifically designed to support enterprises acquire the right knowledge and expertise on how to build and scale their business. The entrepreneur and the enterprises will acquire access to a wider network of mentors, experts and investors.
USAID Clean Air is initiated by USAID for improving air quality in the Kathmandu Valley approaching national ambient air quality standards leading to improved health and educational outcomes.
The USAID Business Accelerator for Clean Air looks at supporting selected companies in the air pollution mitigation space through a multi-year business development program to help them grow and scale.
The USAID’s Clean Air activity has the following three objectives:
The private sector component of the USAID Clean Air is being implemented by OTW with the goal of increasing private sector involvement and investment in addressing air pollution issues. OTW will select ten innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) working in Kathmandu Valley to participate in an accelerator program and develop their concepts, business models, and investment strategies.
We would like interested companies to fill the application form with as much detail as possible. This is a great way for us to learn more about your company and to see if you are a right fit for the program. If you make it to the next round, then we shall be conducting interviews and site visits.
SMEs with innovative, scalable, and long-term business solutions for preventing and mitigating air pollution in Kathmandu should apply for the USAID Business Accelerator for Clean Air.
The USAID Business Accelerator for Clean Air offers the following for the selected applicants:
The program equips the participants with the necessary tools through which the companies identify their core competencies and assess their business models to cater to the market needs. The program is built on providing useful tools to companies to help them scale their businesses.
We will cater our BDS according to the needs of your business in the including but not limited to the following areas:
The USAID Business Accelerator for Clean Air is fully subsidized and is made possible through the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
We are looking for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative, scalable, and long-term business solutions for preventing and mitigating air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. To be considered, your company must first be a legally registered entity with at least two years of operation. We would like interested companies to fill out the application form completely. This is an excellent opportunity for us to learn more about your company and determine whether you are a good fit for the program. If you advance to the next round, we will conduct interviews and site visits.
The program provides a platform that connect companies with potential investors. The program will support the companies in being investment ready and access a wider network of domestic and international financing networks through demo day and networking events during which these companies will pitch their business case to a diverse group of stakeholders, including capital providers. However, the program does not guarantee that the companies would receive an investment.