Digital Frontiers seeks applications from firms to assess market conditions and identify gaps and opportunities in the use of financial services in Guatemala among low-income and marginalized populations, particularly women.

Low-income and marginalized populations, especially women, are more susceptible to shocks, whether economic, climate, or other, leading them to fall into poverty and sometimes migrate within or outside of their country. Often, individuals lack digital and financial literacy and skills, which prevents them from using financial services to help them better deal with shocks and build their resilience and incomes. This activity will better assess demand and supply-side market conditions to understand Guatemalan customer segments’ financial needs better. The partner will also develop a new or improved financial service prototype to target customer needs.

WomenConnect Challenge Focus Group. Photo: Unica Mendez.

Who Should Apply?

• Organizations with demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research and analysis, writing reports, and leading interviews.
• Organizations with experience working in women’s financial inclusion and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises.
• Organizations with knowledge of design and implementation of women’s markets propositions.
• Organizations with experience in landscape studies assessing the women’s market.
• Organizations with experience and expertise in digital financial services.

The Request for Applications can be downloaded here. Applications are due March 7, at 5pm ET to [email protected]. Questions regarding the RFA are due February 21, by 5pm ET to [email protected].

Digital Frontiers is a $74.4 million buy-in mechanism available to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureaus and Missions through 2022. DAI implements Digital Frontiers, which works closely with USAID’s Technology Division in the Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub at the Development, Democracy, and Innovation Bureau, USAID Missions, the private sector, and international and local development organizations to identify successful and sustainable digital development approaches and scale their impact globally.