Deadline to submit the application: September, 15 2019 8pm Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5)

The purpose of this request for applications (RFA) is to support UNCDF team in China to implement its strategy focused on financial innovation and financial health.

UNCDF invites company and firms registered in People's Republic of China (PRC) to participate to this RFA in order to present innovative products, services and business models that can solve social and environmental issues for the following segments: smallholder farmers, women, youth and workers of the gig economy, while successfully maximizing their competitiveness and profitability. The applicants should demonstrate their ability to support the afore mentioned segments with innovative digital tools like digital platforms.

With the support of the MetLife Foundation, UNCDF will provide Technical Assistance support and mentorship services to the applicants selected under this RFA. Besides this, successful applicants will be part of the global FinLab and its community of practice.

Applicants are requested to present their innovative ideas, business models and solutions and to provide evidence of their social and environmental impact.

Eligible project can include new financial services provided by MFIs to smallholder farmers through digital platforms, Financial intermediaries developing new financial products supporting female micro-entrepreneurs, digital credit scoring simplifying MSME lending or tech-company supporting gig-economy workers to enhance their financial health and financial inclusion.

The overall duration of the technical assistance support for the successful applicants will be up to two (2) years.

Publication date: 26^th of August 2019.

Deadline to submit the requests for clarifications: 2^nd of September 2019.

Publication of Questions and Answers Document Q&A: 5^th September 2019.

Final deadline for applications: September, 15 2019 23.59 Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).

You may send questions to mm4p@uncdf.org.

A FAQ document will be generated based on enquiries received on or before 5^th of September 2019.

The FAQs will be posted on the UNCDF website shortly thereafter.

Applications should be returned to the UNCDF by email at mm4p@uncdf.org no later than 15^th September 2019.

Applications must follow the submission format as outlined in Annex 2 of this RfA.