WHAM Quarterly Program Performance Report, Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2020

The Activity focuses on supporting high-growth, exporting, or export-ready enterprises in four main sectors: wood processing, metal processing, textile/apparel, and information and communications technology (ICT). WHAM's efforts prioritize smaller high-growth enterprises by ensuring qualifying participation criteria can be measured as a percent of growth, not just the overall value of growth. The WHAM Activity includes three key intervention areas: Workforce Development, Access to Markets, and Product Quality and Capacity Building. Workforce Development aims to help the BiH workforce gain the skills needed for employment in high-growth enterprises. Access to Markets supports high-growth enterprises in identifying and accessing new customers in existing or new markets to increase exports from BiH. Product Quality and Capacity Building enables enterprises to meet the product and quality requirements of target markets in the EU and the region. During the quarter from October 1 to December 31, 2020, WHAM grantees succeeded across the board by implementing targeted sectoral trainings, unique product design, and manufacturing highly sought-after protective equipment. Despite continued restrictions on gathering and important safety precautions in place, grantees adjusted and moved forward with activities whenever possible. WHAM managed to organize a number of rewarding closing ceremonies to mark the successful implementation of grant activities, including online and in-person events with robust precautionary measures in place. The WHAM Activity had a total of 19 active grants this quarter, signed seven new grant agreements, and successfully completed six grants. From the public call for RFA 011 to support the development of sector-specific workforce learning centers of excellence, the WHAM team received and reviewed 32 concept notes applications. Ultimately, the evaluation committee invited seven applicants to write full grant applications, with one applicant being approved by the WHAM team and awaiting final approval from USAID. The WHAM fund commitment totals and spent to date totals. Remaining funds to be paid from the existing grants totals, and funds available for new grants are. During this period, WHAM held a series of well-publicized public events to mark successful grant closures, including online and in-person events with the participation of U.S. Ambassador Eric Nelson, USAID Mission Director to BiH Ms. Nancy Eslick, and USAID Director of the Democracy Office Mr. Peter Cronin. One of the grantees, the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), received funding to support workforce development of its members in the ICT sector. AMCHAM's trainings were centered on the short-term needs of the ICT market in BiH and organized in partnership with member companies. The grant was closed on October 31, 2020, following successful completion of training activities. On October 19, 2020, AMCHAM organized a closing ceremony to mark the successful implementation of the project, which was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The grant trained 113 people, out of which 34 have already found new employment. Another grantee, NovoForm, was granted funding to fund the process of CE mark certification for its new product – a security and fireproof door. In October 2020, and again in late December, Novoform requested grant extensions due to unforeseen circumstances, including delays and social distancing restrictions caused by the global outbreak of COVID-19.