ScaleUp Bolivia

The ScaleUp Bolivia funding opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. This initiative is designed as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Embassy will play an active role in implementation alongside the selected recipient. The program is funded through FY Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds and reflects broader U.S. foreign policy objectives to strengthen economic ties, expand markets for U.S. businesses, and promote transparent and rules-based economic systems abroad. The primary purpose of the program is to transition more than 100 informal Bolivian businesses into the formal economy. Bolivia has a large informal sector, with many entrepreneurs operating without registration, tax compliance, or access to formal financial systems. This grant seeks to address these barriers by providing structured education, hands-on guidance, and partnerships that enable businesses to formalize operations, adopt modern tools, and integrate into broader commercial networks, including those involving U.S. companies. Funding supports a wide range of allowable activities tied to business formalization and economic development. These include training in business registration processes, tax compliance, labor laws, and permitting requirements; instruction in financial management using U.S.-based accounting software; and facilitation of access to credit and banking services. The program must also build partnerships with Bolivian institutions such as tax authorities and municipal governments, as well as U.S. private sector partners, including financial technology companies. Certain activities are explicitly prohibited, including political activities, charitable services, construction, fundraising campaigns, and commercial profit-driven ventures. Eligibility is limited to non-profit and institutional entities, including civil society organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental entities. For-profit organizations are not eligible to serve as prime recipients, though they may participate as subcontractors. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one application per organization is permitted, and partnerships must be clearly defined within the proposal. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring their financial contributions. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B where applicable), a detailed narrative proposal of up to ten pages, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Proposals must include sections such as organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Required attachments include resumes, letters of support, proof of non-profit status, and registration documentation. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the Embassy’s grants office. Applications are evaluated based on clearly defined criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, implementation planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. The review process includes technical eligibility screening, panel evaluation, and risk assessment. Applicants are typically notified within approximately 120 days after the deadline. The anticipated project period is up to 14 months, with an expected start date in mid-September, and the Embassy may consider continuation funding based on performance and availability of funds. The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with submissions required by 23:59 local time in Bolivia. Questions may be directed to the Embassy via email. Reporting requirements for selected recipients include quarterly program and financial reports, with final reports due after project completion. This program is expected to generate measurable economic outcomes, including business formalization, increased tax revenue, job creation, and strengthened commercial ties between Bolivia and the United States.

Align proposal clearly with U.S. foreign policy objectives; demonstrate strong partnerships with Bolivian institutions and U.S. companies; provide measurable outcomes and detailed implementation plan; ensure budget is precise and justified