YSEALI Regional Workshop: Agri-Biz Incubator | PD LAO 2019 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for PD LAO 2019 002

The YSEALI Regional Workshop: Agri-Biz Incubator (Funding Opportunity Number PD LAO 2019 002) is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Laos grant competition announced by the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane to fund one organization to design and run a five-day, in-country regional workshop in Laos focused on agriculture-related entrepreneurship. The program is part of YSEALI, the U.S. government initiative aimed at building a cross-border network of emerging Southeast Asian leaders who collaborate on shared challenges. The workshop is intended to convene about 50 participants ages 18 to 35 from ASEAN countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) plus Timor-Leste, and to strengthen their ability to launch or grow responsible, sustainable agri-business ventures.

At its core, the opportunity is looking for an implementing partner that can run the workshop like a practical incubator for youth-led agri-business ideas. The Embassy emphasizes a blend of theory and hands-on learning that helps participants translate sustainable agriculture concepts into viable small and medium enterprise (SME) models. The stated long-term goal is to support innovative, sustainable agricultural SMEs that create jobs, improve local livelihoods, and potentially open new areas for U.S. trade and investment across ASEAN, aligning with broader public diplomacy goals around inclusive economic growth and prosperity in the East Asia and Pacific region.

The funding notice grounds the workshop in the Lao and Mekong context: agriculture remains central to the Lao economy, yet malnutrition remains a serious problem, affecting nearly one third of Lao children. At the same time, the region has seen increasing cooperation and research on low-impact, environmentally sound production methods that can raise yields while supporting community health and sustainability. Examples mentioned include rain-fed agriculture, intercropping, and organic or low-chemical approaches. The opportunity also points to the growth of functional farm businesses and cooperatives in southern Laos that use simple, innovative technologies to boost production, increase revenues, reduce operating costs, and create local jobs. These local examples are treated as a living laboratory that workshop participants can learn from and adapt to their own countries.

Program design is expected to include three integrated components. First, a classroom-based segment led by experts should cover key topics such as trends in agri-business SMEs, practical technologies and techniques applicable in the region, and comparative discussion so participants can share models from their home countries. Second, a field-based segment should include site visits to successful local SMEs and farm businesses where participants can directly observe operations, sustainability practices, community participation approaches, and the real-world constraints SMEs face. Third, a mentoring component should guide participants as they develop their own projects or business models, ideally working in teams to shape realistic micro-initiatives, business plans, or outreach and training concepts that strengthen existing SMEs or support new startups when they return home.

The preferred workshop location is Champasak in southern Laos, though other locations may be considered. Champasak is highlighted as a strong fit because it is a known agricultural production area, sits near the Thailand and Cambodia borders, and has sufficient tourism infrastructure (hotels and logistics) to support a regional event. The implementing organization is expected to have demonstrated capacity in youth leadership and social entrepreneurship, with agriculture experience described as a plus. Beyond technical content, the program is also expected to emphasize sustainable business models that build local skills and labor, improve health and livelihoods, and strengthen market linkages for youth-led enterprises, including better competitiveness and more effective marketing of farm products.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary and allows awards via either a grant or a cooperative agreement. It falls under CFDA 19.040 and spans several activity areas including agriculture, business and commerce, community development, employment and training, environment, food and nutrition, and natural resources. Eligible applicants include U.S. or non-U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, and other entities as further clarified in the full eligibility guidance. The award ceiling listed is $250,000, with one expected award, and the competition was originally posted May 20, 2019 with an original closing date of July 31, 2019, contingent on the availability of FY2019 funds.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Laos in the agriculture, business and commerce, community development, employment, labor and training, environment, food and nutrition, income security and social services, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "YSEALI Regional Workshop: Agri-Biz Incubator" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 20, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 31, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PD LAO 2019 002

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