RESOURCES
Application Guide
Video Library
Audio
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be registered as a business or training institution and must be operational for at least three (3) years whether in the formal or informal sectors of the Ghanaian economy. GSDF encourages applications from female-owned and female-headed enterprises or enterprises with many female employees, PWD-headed enterprises or enterprises with many PWD employees, and enterprises from high poverty index districts. Since it is a demand driven grant the enterprises with the training needs/skills gaps are required to apply for the grant.
- How can I apply?
Visit the GSDF online Applications portal via appgsdf.ctvet.gov.gh to submit a concept , note online if y ou are eligible. All grant applications must be submitted online: No hard copy applications; and no sending applications to any e-mail.
- Can individuals apply?
Unfortunately, individuals are not eligible. Applicants must be one of the following:
- A registered business entity, with employees,
operating in the formal or informal sectors of the Ghanaian economy. - A business association and/or group of business
entities. - A TVET institution either registered with CTVET or
willing to do so. - A technology development and transfer centre (both
existing and emerging)
- A registered business entity, with employees,
- Is the grant for start-ups?
- A prospective applicant must have been in operation for not less than 3 years at the time of applying. The only exception is Window 4 applicants.
- A prospective applicant in business operation for less 3 years may contact Ghana Enterprise Agency
- Can Not-for-Profit Organisations apply?
The grant must be used to train staff of for-profit business enterprises. The only exception being public sector training institutions and technology development centres. Therefore, not-for-profit organizations can only serve as Service Providers if registered with CTVET or willing to do so.
- Can a training institution apply to train others?
No. The grant must be used to train staff of your own enterprise.
- Can an organization send multiple applications in a call?
Within a call, an organization can submit only one application irrespective of the window.
- How often can my organization apply?
Within a call, an organization can apply only once. However, an organization can apply again in different calls. An organization can also apply with the same project in the next call if the project fails in the previous call.
- What are the requirements?
Criteria for Selection for Window 1
Companies to receive support under Window 1 must meet the following criteria:
- The company must be registered with the District or National Authorities and the Internal Revenue Service.
- The company must provide proof of registration with the SSNIT
- The company must provide proof of registration with VAT
- The company must be operating in the formal sector in Ghana
- The employer(s) must demonstrate how the proposed skills requirements will benefit the company and how they will lead directly to increased productivity and competitiveness.
Criteria for Selection for Window 2
Associations and business organizations seeking support from GSDF under this window will be required to satisfy the following criteria:
- The main beneficiaries of the funding window are master crafts persons and artisans from MSEs.
- Training must be responsive to the training needs of existing growth oriented MSEs.
- Training must support the acquisition of skills which lead to increased employment and sustainability in MSEs.
- Training of the master craftsmen must include pedagogical issues and medium to-high-level skills upgrading for increased productivity and competitiveness.
- The institution must show how the training will lead to increased productivity and competitiveness.
- The support will strengthen the capacity of associations to cater for the interests of their members.
Criteria for Selection for Window 3
The requirements among others are:
- The applicants must be registered by CTVET or be willing to do so. The training provider must be a legally registered organization.
- The applicants must have adequately qualified and experienced teaching staff at their disposal.
- All applicants must submit a one-page summary of their Skills Gap Analysis Reports along with their Concept Notes.
Criteria for Selection for Window 4
The requirements among others are:
- The company must provide proof of registration with the SSNIT The company must provide proof of registration with VAT
- The company must be operating in the formal sector in Ghana
- The company must indicate the technology to be advanced and how technology transfer will be affected
- The company must indicate how the technology will lead directly to increased productivity and competitiveness.
- All applicants must submit a one-page summary of their Skills Gap Analysis Reports along with their Concept Notes.
- What type of grants are available? Can the grant be used for business expansion?
GSDF will support training activities that lead to improved productivity and competitiveness in the formal and informal sectors, thereby creating new employment and income opportunities.
THE FUND DOES NOT SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING:
Business expansion, Scientific research projects, University tuition fees/ Professional training, Budget substitution, Induction/orientation programs, Spiritual, cultural and social enhancements, General operating expenses of organizations, The acquisition of equipment, Appreciation programmes of short duration, and Seminars & Conferences.
- How long is the application process?
Preparation of Concept note – 4 weeks
Screening of Concept Notes – 2 weeks
Submission of full proposal by qualified applicants – 4 weeks
Screening of Full Proposal – 6 weeks
Due Diligence and Safeguarding Assessment – 2 weeks
Decision of Applications – 5 weeks
Signing of Grant Agreement – 4 weeks
Total Application Estimated Time – 28 weeks
Some of these processes occur concurrently - Can anyone help me write the grant proposal?
A pool of GSDF accredited service providers known as Intermediaries are available to assist prospective applicants who would like to take advantage of their services during the submission of full proposal (The decision of who to select as intermediary is left solely to the grant applicant). Concept notes and Skills gap analysis reports will be submitted by applicants themselves.
Intermediaries will be trained by GSDF, and they will be available in all regions to assist selected applicants to prepare detailed project proposals according to GSDF guidelines.
- What if I have specific questions or need help?
Below are some options for immediate support.
- Call 0303941361 or 0303941277 to reach the GSDF Team between 8:30am and 4:00pm from Monday to Friday.
- Send emails with subject “INQUIRY” to gsdf@ctvet.gov.gh
- Send a message to any of our social media handles
- Go to the help page and send a message to us.
- How do I know a call is opened?
All calls will be advertised through radio, TV, newspapers, GSDF website, and social media handles.
- How many calls do you have in a year?
There will be one call per year. Over the project implementation period, at least five annual calls are envisaged.