Catalytic Grant Funding open for Innovative MSMEs in Forestry Value Chain (Tanzania)

Co-funded by the European Union, the British Government (FCDO) and the Republic of Finland, the programme is implemented by UNDP Tanzania in collaboration enterprise support organizations such as ANZA, WSHA, and StartHub Africa, as well as government partners including COSTECH and others.

The initiative complements the ongoing Finland-funded FORLAND Project (Forestry, Land Use and Value Chains), and contributes to increasing rural jobs in the forest sector through innovation, skills development, and access to finance.

Funding Information

• Competitively selected ventures will receive:
  • Catalytic grant funding of between TZS 10 million and up to TZS 100 million.
  • Tailored technical assistance, including mentorship, business development support, and training in climate-smart innovation and digital tools.
  • Linkages to additional finance and markets through investor matchmaking and ecosystem events.

Eligibility Criteria

• They are looking for early-stage or scaling MSMEs that:
  • Are registered innovative early-stage ventures, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, with proof of operations or traction; majority owned by Tanzanian citizens.
  • Operate within the forestry value chain (e.g. wood processing, eco-products, charcoal alternatives, joinery or and furniture, beekeeping and bee products, bamboo products innovations, essential oils, digital forestry services etc.).
  • Are led by or significantly engaging youth (18–35), women, and persons with disabilities.
  • Are based in, or with strong business linkages to Iringa, Njombe, Ruvuma and Lindi;
  • Demonstrate innovation, environmental sustainability, and climate-smart solutions.
  • Require catalytic support to improve operations, access markets, expand business or attract investment.

Application Requirements

• Applications must be submitted electronically via the online application portal.The submission should include:
  • Completed electronic application form
  • Brief business plan or pitch deck
  • Proof of registration or legal existence
  • Proof of traction

For more information, visit Funguo Tanzania.