Financial Strategy Expert(s)/ Consultants - EuroMed Clusters Forward

About Berytech:

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

About Euromed Clusters Forward:

Euromed Clusters Forward is a 4-year project that aims at establishing and improving clusters legal policies, strengthening clusters capacity & regional cooperation, and strengthening regional value chains. Berytech is the implementing partner of Euromed Clusters Forward in Lebanon, that is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Anima Investment Network with 3 implementing partners and 9 affiliates from the Euromed region.

About Cluster Booster:

Cluster Booster is a technical assistance activity under the Euromed Clusters Forward led by Berytech. It aims at strengthening the skills of cluster managers, staff, and SME members in the South Mediterranean region. This 18-month program offers training and technical help to help clusters grow and succeed.

Key focuses include establishing and improving the governance and sustainability models; developing strategies to attract new members; analyzing value chains for better market positioning; scaling-up their business performances and enhancing technological and innovation capabilities to foster North-South Mediterranean collaboration. 

Cluster Overview:

A Lebanese ICT association with 120 members, of whom 90 are active, founded 20 years ago. It ambitions to enhance the cooperation and collaboration among Lebanese based ICT companies, expand the ICT penetration and adoption in Lebanon, and position Lebanon as a leading provider of ICT products and services in the region. To achieve these objectives, the association offers capacity building services, advocacy services, and access to market services such as the organization of local exhibitions and participation in global/regional trade shows.

The consultancy firm/individual consultant(s) will:

• Meet with the cluster’s representatives to better understand their financial and fundraising objectives. Analyze past and existing funding sources, revenue streams and cost structures. Review past financial reports, budgets, and projections.
• Develop a comprehensive, high-level financial strategy that outlines both traditional and innovative funding mechanisms suitable for the cluster’s mission and maturity level. The strategy will recommend funding mixes, expected timelines, and risk mitigation measures. The strategy may include:
  • Membership fees, subscription models, or paid technical services
  • Sponsorship packages for private-sector engagement
  • Revenue-generating activities such as training, events, or knowledge products
• Revenue Optimization & Sustainability Planning: Identify opportunities to diversify and stabilize revenue sources. Develop strategies for cost optimization and efficiency improvements. Recommend pricing models, membership fees, or revenue-generating services. Maximizing the monetization of services by leveraging existing resources and capabilities within the cluster.
• Fundraising sources & opportunities:
  • Map potential funding institutions and partners, including international development agencies and private sector actors, and specify their requirements.
  • Analyze and prioritize funding opportunities by assessing alignment with the cluster’s goals, competitiveness, ease of access, geographic focus, and estimated probability of success.
  • Prepare the necessary funding tools, such as proposals and pitching materials.
• Develop a 3-year funding and engagement plan to support cluster scaling and project development.
• Assist the cluster in securing introductory meetings with prioritized funders and in developing the related funding proposals.

Reporting and Recommendations:

• Deliver a final financial & fundraising strategy document, including key recommendations.
• Offer advisory support on financial decision-making and sustainability planning.
• Conduct workshops or training sessions on fundraising best practices and how to implement the strategies.

• An assessment report.
• A final Funding Sources and Opportunities report including donor mapping and fundraising tools such as proposals and pitch decks…
• Revenue Optimization & Sustainability Strategy Report.
• A final financial & fundraising strategy document including the 3-year fundraising plan and 3-year financial and service optimization strategy.
• At least 4 introductory meetings with potential donors.
• At least 2 customized proposals submitted to two potential donors.
• At least 2 workshops for on-boarding.
• Workshops materials.

The total number of working days allocated for this consultancy is set at 50 days.

Activity

Due Date

Meeting with the cluster’s representatives

Beginning January

Assessment report and Devising the high-level funding strategy

Mid-January

Mapping & prioritization of the potential funding opportunities

February

Elaborating the funding tools

Mid-February

Revenue Optimization & Sustainability Planning

End of February

Fundraising sources & opportunities

Mid-March

Developing the 3-year engagement and funding plan

End of March

Securing introductory meetings with potential donors & Producing the customized funding proposals & reporting

Mid-April

• A consultancy firm/consortium of individual consultants/individual consultant with at least 7 to 10 years of experience in fundraising in terms of theory and practice.
• A proven track record in providing advisory services in the domain of strategic fundraising to private and/or non-governmental organizations.
• A proven track record in financial management, resources mobilization, and donor mapping.
• Ability to communicate with different organizations and facilitate meetings with different actors.
• Familiarity with cluster development, economic development programs, or nonprofit sector funding mechanisms.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.