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SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Assignment Title: Feasibility Study - Innovative Financing Instruments for Agriculture and MSEs in India

Assignment Countries:

India

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

This assignment aims to deepen understanding of the financial landscape for MSEs in rural and peri-urban India, with a focus on gender, agri-allied and non-farm sectors, and start-up segments. The study will seek to assess market size, identify financing gaps, and explore viable pathways for inclusive economic transformation. At its core, the assignment is designed to support job creation and enterprise growth by identifying and assessing the feasibility of investment models and financing structures that are scalable, flexible, and responsive to the evolving needs of nano, micro, and small businesses.

The study will comprise two core components. First, a macro-level assessment will estimate market size and financing gaps across key segments, including informal nano enterprises, semi-formal micro businesses with early-stage formalization, and small formal enterprises, with prioritization of two high-focus states, including Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with the potential to expand to other states at a later stage. Second, the study will explore a range of financing models and instruments suitable for these segments, including risk-sharing mechanisms, alternative investment structures such as AIFs, and blended finance solutions that combine grant elements with credit or equity.

A mixed-methods research approach will be employed, combining primary surveys of demand-side actors (enterprises and borrowers) with in-depth consultations with financial market players (lenders, investors) and enabling institutions (government bodies, development finance institutions, etc.).

The macro-level assessment on market size and financing gaps will encompass informal nano enterprises, particularly those led by rural women; semi-formal micro enterprises with early-stage formalization; and small formal MSEs, prioritizing high-impact geographies such as Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with potential for expanding to additional states at a later stage.

The feasibility study will also examine a range of financing models beyond conventional priority sector lending, mapping instruments such as risk-sharing arrangements, alternative investment structures (including equity, debt, and hybrid formats), and blended finance solutions. Relevant case studies and best practices from both within and outside India will inform the analysis and provide actionable insights for investors, stakeholders, and policymakers.

The firm will also be required to socialize this with relevant stakeholders, such as the various government agencies involved, to build early awareness and understanding of the instruments, and subsequently share the findings of the study and the emerging scenarios.

The timeline for the study is 3-4 months from the date of signing. This can be adjusted depending on whether the study is conducted in a single phase or multiple phases.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents. Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now

NOTES

Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding.

Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted.

If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at corporateprocurement@worldbank.org prior to the submission deadline.

Criteria Text	Mandatory
Provide information showing that they are qualified in the field of the assignment.
Provide information on the technical and managerial capabilities of the firm.
Provide information on their core business and years in business.
Provide information on the qualifications of key staff.

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