Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Startup Business Guide

Introduction

Linkul pentru termenii de referință (ToR _ Step by Step business guide_ ACTED Livelihoods.pdf - Google Drive)

“Step by Step for Startups” business guide aims to provide a summarized overview of the key steps and considerations for launching a successful business in the Republic of Moldova. The guide will be tailored to the needs of future entrepreneurs, Ukrainian refugees, and the local vulnerable population in Moldova, as part of a Livelihoods initiative project implemented by NGO ACTED in partnership with UNHCR.  Business guide will contain most relevant data and latest information, related changes in Moldavian legislation, being a handy book for participants who have attended Business and Entrepreneurs training session June-August 2024, as Part of Livelihoods initiatives project. The guide to be printed A5 on good quality paper, with a soft (hard cover to be discussed) matte cover. Visibility & design of the cover page will be provided by Acted. Language required – russian. 

Objectives

The main objectives of this startup business guide are:

1. To educate readers on the business registration process in Moldova, including the most popular legal entity types (Patenta, Intreprindere Individuala - II, Societate cu Raspundere Limitata -SRL) and the key differences between them.
2. To provide an overview of the basic accounting and taxation requirements in Moldova, including reporting periods, fees, penalties, VAT, fiscal invoices, e-signature etc
3. To introduce the fundamentals of marketing for startups.
4. To explore various funding sources and options for startups and/or a business scale up in Moldova.
5. To guide readers through the process of writing a comprehensive business plan, including the required structure and key elements.
6. To highlight basic principles of the circular economy and green business practices.

Curriculum required

The business guide should contain definition and explanations from official sources, the language to be easy for understanding, adapted for participants who may have previous experience in business running, at the same time for those who have less experience and have intentions to open their startups.

The startup business guide will cover the following key topics:

1. Business Registration in Moldova
   • Types of legal entities (Patenta, Intreprindere Individuala - II, Societate cu Raspundere Limitata -SRL)
   • Registration process and requirements for each entity type
   • Comparison of the legal entities and their differences - advantages and disadvantages associated with each entity

2. Accounting and Taxation in Moldova
   • Accounting basics and reporting periods
   • Main tax considerations, fees, and penalties
   • VAT and fiscal invoices (factura fiscala)
   • E-signature (E-semnatura mobila) – for a private and legal entity

3. Marketing Basics for Startups
   • Identifying target market and customer segments
   • Developing a marketing strategy
   • Effective marketing channels and tactics

4. Fundraising and Additional Sources
   • Self-funding options
   • Grants and government support programs – ODA, EBRD, UNDP, etc and other targeting refugees, diaspora, young entrepreneurs from host community
   • Crowdfunding and alternative financing

5. Business Plan Writing
   • Structure and key components of a business plan
   • Financial projections and budgeting
   • Presenting the business plan to potential investors
   • Main issues and mistakes in “business idea pitching”

6. Circular Economy and Green Practices
   • Principles of the circular economy
   • Sustainable business models and practices in Republic of Moldova. Short samples
   • Environmental impact and green initiatives

Deliverables

The main deliverable for this project will be a comprehensive ~60-70 page startup business guide that covers the topics outlined above. The guide should be written in clear, concise, and easy-to-understand language, with visual aids and examples where appropriate. The guide should be designed in a user-friendly format, with a clear structure and layout, and should be made available in both digital and print formats.

ACTED requires 50 printed copies of the guide.

Target Audience

The primary target audience for this startup business guide includes:

• Future entrepreneurs in Moldova
• Ukrainian refugees residing in Moldova
• Local vulnerable population in Moldova

Timeline and Milestones

Acted estimate printed materials, preferably to be ready by August 15, 2024, delivered to Acted Chisinau office.

Given the compressed timeline of 5 weeks, the development and delivery of the startup business guide will be structured as follows:

1. Research and Content Development (Week 1): Gather information, conduct research for relevant updates for 2024, drafting the content for the guide.
2. Review and Feedback (Week 3): Present the draft guide to the Acted Project team/ and incorporate their feedback.
3. Finalization and Formatting (Week 4): Finalize the content, design the guide, and prepare it for printing.
4. Delivery and Handover (Week 5): Submit the final startup business guide in digital format and provide 50 printed copies.

Qualifications and Requirements

The author(s) of the startup business guide should have the following qualifications and   expertise:

• Experience in entrepreneurship and business development in Moldova.

• Knowledge of startup laws and regulations in Moldova.
• Skills in marketing, fundraising, and creating business plans.
• Understanding of sustainable business practices and the circular economy.

• Excellent writing and communication skills on Russian, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and accessible manner
• Experience in developing educational materials, manuals and resources for different audiences
• Any additional certificates or patents in guides elaboration will be asset

Proposal Submission

Interested business incubators, agencies, or civil society organizations should submit a proposal that includes the following:

• A brief work plan outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline for the project.
• Relevant qualifications and experience of the author(s) or team.
• Sample of previous work or publications related to the subject matter.
• A proposed budget to include:

• Content elaboration
• Books printing
• Any other additional costs or expenses

Budget and Payment

Upon payment a completion Certificate to be signed by both parties.

Proposals should be submitted electronically to the designated Acted email addresses, by 19-07-2024 end of day, as follows:

simon.kozak@acted.org / iryna.andrieieva@acted.org   / sergiu.secrieru@acted.org / oxana.bulicanu@acted.org

Сontact information:

vitalie.beriozov@acted.org  / anastasia.terzinova@acted.org