FUNGUO Fourth Call for Funding Application

The FUNGUO Innovation Programme is a multi-partner initiative designed to unlock the potential of impact-driven startups and innovative micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Tanzania. It provides catalytic funding, technical assistance, and ecosystem strengthening to support businesses with high potential for social and environmental impact.

📖 About FUNGUO Fourth Call for Funding Application

The FUNGUO Innovation Programme is co-funded by the European Union, the British Government (FCDO), and the Republic of Finland, and is implemented by UNDP Tanzania in collaboration with various ecosystem players, including ANZA, StartHub Africa, WSHA, and government partners like COSTECH.

The programme aligns with Tanzania's national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to scale startups and MSMEs that deliver inclusive social and environmental impact alongside commercial returns.

Key Objectives:

• Address the funding gap in the "missing middle" for startups and MSMEs.
• Build a pipeline of high-potential businesses for follow-on funding by institutional and impact investors.
• Strengthen Tanzania's innovation ecosystem by collaborating with accelerators, incubators, financiers, and government institutions.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 25, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 19, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs
• Opportunity Location: Tanzania
• Eligible Locations: Tanzania

🎯 Eligibility Criteria

This call targets early- and growth-stage businesses that meet the following criteria:

• Showcase innovation in products, services, business models, or processes.
• Actively working to scale solutions but face challenges accessing conventional funding.
• Demonstrate high potential for impact in areas such as:
  • Youth employment
  • Gender inclusion
  • Climate action
  • Digital transformation
  • Sustainable livelihoods
• For-profit entities or market-oriented social enterprises classified as startups.
• Legally registered in Tanzania (incorporated or with a business name registration).
• Majority-owned by Tanzanian citizens (51% or more).
• Beyond ideation and pilot stage, with a minimum viable product and some market traction (post-revenue).
• Have not raised more than $100,000 in funding (equity or debt) to date.

💡 Evaluation Criteria

Eligible applications will be scored out of 100 points, with a minimum score of 70 required to proceed to the due diligence stage.

1. Innovation (35 points):
   Demonstrate innovative products, services, processes, or unique selling propositions compared to competitors.

2. Business Viability & Potential to Scale (30 points):
   Show potential for revenue generation, profitability, and long-term growth through scaling operations and market reach.

3. Team & Management (20 points):
   Highlight expertise, leadership capacity, and a strong understanding of the target market.

4. Development Impact (15 points):
   Demonstrate measurable positive impact on people and the environment, contributing to the SDGs.

🎁 Benefits

Selected businesses will receive the following support:

• Catalytic funding (non-equity, performance-based grants).
• Technical assistance, including business development, investment readiness, and impact measurement support.
• Visibility and networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and ecosystem actors.
• Access to FUNGUO’s learning and collaboration platforms.

📝 Application Process

1. Submit a complete application form online.

2. Attach required documents, including:

   • Business pitch deck (if available).
   • Proof of company registration.
   • Proof of shareholding (e.g., Memorandum and Articles of Association, where applicable).
   • 2-year financial projections.
   • Profiles of key personnel.

3. Applications can be saved and resumed later.

4. Prepare all required documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process.

Info Sessions:

Register for info sessions via this link: https://shorturl.at/2HlkT.

Support:

For any queries, email funding@funguo.org.

📆 Application Deadline

July 19, 2025

🌐 Additional Information

For more details, visit the official FUNGUO website: FUNGUO Fourth Call for Funding Application.

To apply directly, use this link: Apply Now.

• Catalytic funding (non-equity, performance-based grants).
• Technical assistance, including business development, investment readiness, and impact measurement support.
• Visibility and networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and ecosystem actors.
• Access to FUNGUO’s learning and collaboration platforms.