USAID/DAI Dezenvolve Setór Privadu
Press conference
“Launching Timor-Leste Business Ideas for Growth Competition (TL BIG)”
Mrs / Mr : ……………….
Dezenvolve Setór Privadu (DSP) is a USAID-funded project focused on stimulating private sector growth in Timor-Leste that began work in mid-2006. DSP supports income generation through supporting the development of improved business linkages within supply chains.
To promote entrepreneurship and to create an environment that spawns creative business ideas, DSP is organizing the Timor-Leste Business Ideas for Growth Competition (TL BIG). This program will support Timorese entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing a business in Timor-Leste thus supporting the growth of sustainable private sector enterprises and increasing incomes and economic opportunity for the people of Timor-Leste.
Up to three winners with a viable and innovative business idea will be selected and will receive support in the form of an in-kind grant and individualized mentoring by DSP staff during business planning and start-up for the period of up to 4 months. Recipients will not receive a cash prize, but rather DSP will arrange payment for and provide eligible materials, services, or activities. Each award package will be customized to the needs of the individual business and will be designed at the time of the award. The monetary value of each award will not exceed $25,000.
Winning proposals will need to be innovative, viable and have impact on the growth of their community. Entrepreneur’s experience and willingness to invest into the growth of their business will be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to business ventures that are able to demonstrate business results within 6 months to 1 year and cannot be implemented without the proposed support.
The call for applications will be announced in the media on 23 October, 2009 with the application deadline set for 4 December, 2009.
To launch this activity, DSP is holding a press conference which will take place at DSP office at Marcony, Pantai Kelapa, Dili at 10:00 am on Thursday, 22 October, 2009. We hope to see you there.
Regards,

David Dyer
Director Projecto
USAID-DAI/Dezenvolve Setór Privadu