FUNGUO CATALYTIC FUNDING - 4th Call For Funding Applications

FUNGUO 4th Call for Funding Applications
Catalytic Support for Impact-Driven Startups and Innovative MSMEs in Tanzania
1. Background Information
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 does so through catalytic funding, technical assistance, and ecosystem strengthening.

Co-funded by the European Union, the British Government (FCDO), and the Republic of Finland, and implemented by UNDP Tanzania, the Programme works in partnership with other ecosystem players including enterprise support organizations such as ANZA, StartHub Africa, and WSHA, as well as government partners including COSTECH and others.

FUNGUO aligns closely with the national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to increase the number of successfully scaled startups and MSMEs that deliver inclusive social and environmental impact alongside commercial returns.
2. Purpose of the 4th Call
This 4th Call for Funding Applications is targeting early- and growth-stage businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate high potential for impact in areas such as youth employment, gender inclusion, climate action, digital transformation, or sustainable livelihoods.
- Showcase innovation in products, services, business models, or processes.
- Are actively working to scale their solutions, but face limitations accessing funding from conventional sources.
- Operate with a clear commitment to sustainability and local relevance.
FUNGUO particularly seeks to fill the funding gap in the “missing middle”—where many promising startups and MSMEs struggle to access appropriate early- to growth-stage finance. By offering catalytic funding and tailored support, the Programme aims to:
- Build a viable pipeline of high-potential businesses for follow-on funding by larger institutional and impact investors.
- Strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Tanzania by working collaboratively with other accelerators, incubators, financiers, and government institutions.
- Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: At least 40% of the funding is allocated to women-founded or women-led businesses.
What Successful Applicants Receive

Selected enterprises will benefit from:
- 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.

3. Eligibility Criteria
Only applications that meet the above eligibility requirements will be scored against the evaluation criteria described below.

NOTE: For more information about what makes a business a startup, you can refer to these resources provided by Startup Commons.

Funding will be provided to incorporated businesses only. If a startup with a business name registration happens to be selected, it will be required to incorporate before the disbursement can be made.
4. Evaluation Criteria

Eligible applications will be scored against the following evaluation criteria, and only applications that score at least (70 out of 100) will be considered successful and move to the due-diligencestage.
i. Innovation - 35 points
The eligible applicants must demonstrate how innovative they are in terms of products or services they offer, processes, additionality, unique selling proposition, or unique experience they create for their clientele, etc. as compared to the competition.

NOTE: An innovative business is one that continuously introduces or applies new ideas, products, services, processes, or business models to solve problems, meet market needs, or create new demand often in ways that are more efficient, effective, or impactful than existing alternatives.
ii. Business Viability & Potential to Scale - 30 points
To be eligible under this criterion, applicants must clearly demonstrate that their business can generate sufficient revenue and profit to sustain itself in the short to medium term. They should also show potential for long-term growth by outlining how they intend to scale their operations, offerings, and market reach.

Below are the guiding questions from the application form related to this criterion:
- Who are your target clients, and how do you reach them?
- What are the main revenue streams of your business?
- How do you plan to scale your business?
- What assumptions are these projections based on?
- How would you describe the market your business is serving – is it growing, stagnant, or declining? How is your business positioned to thrive in this market?
- What partnerships do you currently have or plan to establish to enhance your business viability?
- What are the three biggest risks facing your business, and how do you plan to mitigate them?
- Applicants are encouraged to provide clear, data-informed responses supported by relevant documentation where applicable.
iii. Team & Management - 20 points
Applicants must demonstrate that they have the right expertise, leadership capacity, and human resources to effectively grow and scale their business. The team should also show a strong grasp of how their target market operates, ideally with team members who have direct experience with the problem being addressed or a deep understanding of their customers’ needs and challenges.

The following questions from the application form are designed to assess this:
- Generally, how would you describe your team based on their individual and collective expertise and experience in your kind of business?
- What’s your management structure like?
- Do you have a board of directors and/or advisory board?
- Clear and detailed responses to these questions will help evaluators assess whether your team is well-positioned to implement and scale your solution effectively.
iv. Development Impact - 15 points
Eligible businesses must demonstrate a strong and measurable positive impact on people and the environment. The venture must not cause harm and should have a business model that delivers meaningful developmental benefits. This includes contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through actions such as increasing local incomes, conserving natural resources, improving access to essential services, and creating decent employment opportunities.

The following questions in the application form will help assess your business’s development impact:
- Briefly describe your business’s positive development impact: (Explain how your business contributes to the SDGs through income generation, resource conservation, improved access to services, and job creation)
- How many direct and indirect jobs is your business expected to create or sustain in the next 2 years?
- How do you expect to track other development impact indicators that your business is expected to contribute towards?
Applicants are encouraged to be specific and data-driven in describing their impact, and to outline how they plan to measure and report on it.
5. Key Timeline
- 19th June 2025: Official Launch of the Call for Funding Applications
- 24th June – 15th July 2025: Info sessions, outreach, Q&A
- 19 July 2025 (23:59 EAT): Submission Deadline
- 19 July – 29th August 2025: Review, due diligence, approval processes
6. Application Process
The applicant must submit a complete application form online: https://funguo.org/call-for-funding-4/
Only applications submitted online via the provided links and with all the required documentation will be considered.

Applicants will be required to attach some basic documents, including but not limited to a 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, etc. It’s advisable that these documents are prepared well in advance.

Applicants will be able to start and save their applications and get back to them later.

For info sessions regarding this call, please register via this link: https://shorturl.at/bH1Kw

For support and any queries, send an email to funding@funguo.org

1. About Your Company | Kuhusu kampuni yako
a. Company Details | Taarifa za Kampuni
i. Name of the company | Jina la Kampuni*
ii. Company Address | Anuani ya Kampuni*
iii. Website | Tovuti*
iv. Email | Barua Pepe*
v. Phone Number | Namba ya Simu*
b. Key Contact Details | Taarifa za Muhusika Mkuu
i. Name | Jina *
ii. Phone Number | Simu*
iii. Email | Barua pepe*
c. Registration Status | Usajili
i. Date and year of registration or establishment | Tarehe na mwaka wa usajili au kuanzishwa *

MonthDayYear
ii. Business Legal Form | Aina ya Usajili*
iii. Attach proof of Business Registration | Ambatanisha cheti cha usajili*

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iv. List of Share holders | Umiliki wa kampuni

	Name \| Jina	Citizenship \| Uraia	Gender \| Jinsia	Age \| Umri	Percentage Stake \| Asilimia ya Umiliki
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa

v. Proof of Business shareholding (Attach MEMART and/or annual returns if available) | Umiliki wa kampuni (Ambatanisha MEMARTS na/au mrejesho wa mwaka, Cheti cha Usajii)

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vi. Percentage company stake held by women | Asilimia ya hisa za kampuni zinazomilikiwa na wanawake*

d. Employment Information |Taarifa za Ajira na Menejimenti
i. Employment and management information (Attach a list of all employees with their respective positions and gender) | Taarifa za ajira na menijimenti (Ambatanisha orodha ya wafanyakazi wote na nafasi zao pamoja na jinsia)

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ii. How many full-time employees does the business have? | Idadi ya wafanyakazi wakudumu *
iii. How many part-time employees does the business have? | Idadi ya wafanyakazi wa muda mfupi*
iv. Number of full-time and part-time female employees/ Idadi ya wafanyakazi wanawake (wa kudumu na muda mfupi)*
v. Ratio of female staff in management positions/ Uwiano wa wanawake katika nafasi za uongozi*
2. Basic Eligibility Criteria | Vigezo vya Msingi vya Ushiriki

Answer YES or NO to the following basic eligibility statements | Jibu NDIO au HAPANA kwa Taarifa zifuatazo
i. Our business is a startup in the general sense of the term as defined by the Startup Commons | Biashara yetu ni Startup (Changa inayolenga ukuaji wa kasi) kulingana na tafsiri ya Startup Commons *
ii. Our business is legally registered inTanzania | Biashara yetu imesajiliwa kisheria Tanzania*
iii. Our business is majority-owned by Tanzanian citizens (51% and above) | Biashara yetu inamilikiwa kwa zaidi ya 51% na raia wa Tanzania*
iv. Our business is a for-profit entity or can also be described as a market oriented social enterprise. Biashara yetu inalenga kupata faida au ni shirika la kijamii linaloendeshwa kwa mtazamo wa kibiashara*
v. Have NOT raised more than $100,000 in funding (in Equity or debt) to date. | ./Biashara yangu haijawahi kupata zaidi ya Dola za Kimarekani 100,000 kama ufadhili (kwa njia ya hisa au mkopo) hadi sasa.*

3. About Your Business | Kuhusu biashara yako
i. Brief pitch about the business | Elezea kwa kifupi biashara yako*

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ii. Upload Pitchdeck | Ambatanisha wasifu au video ya biahara yako

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iii. is the main sector you operate in? | Sekta kuu ya biashara*
iv. How long has the business been in operation? | Biashara imekuwa ikiendeshwa kwa muda gani? (Miezi/Miaka)*
Number of months
v. What main problem(s)/ challenge(s) is your business trying to solve and how is it different from other available solutions? (Any additional reference can be provided if available) | Unatatua changamoto gani na una tofauti gani na wengine?*

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vi. What is your traction to date? How many users/ paying customers do you have and how much revenue did you generate in the past 12 months? | Mafanikio hadi sasa: Una watumiaji/wateja waliolipa wangapi na umeingiza mapato kiasi gani katika miezi 12 iliyopita?*

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vii. Attach evidence – Financial statement or any other supporting document like reference from a client | Ambatanisha ushahidi – Taarifa ya fedha au nyaraka nyingine za kuthibitisha kama vile barua ya marejeo kutoka kwa mteja.

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4. About funding and capital | Kuhusu Ufadhili na Mtaji
i. How much have you raised so far, from which source and how was the fund deployed? | Umefanikiwa kukusanya kiasi gani cha fedha hadi sasa? Zilitoka chanzo gani na ziitumika kwa namna gani? *

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ii. List other funders, if any, who have supported your business so far, and how they have done so? | Taja wafadhili wengine, kama wapo, ambao wamewahi kuisaidia biashara yako hadi sasa na elezea jinsi walivyosaidia.*

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5. About this Call for Funding | Kuhusu Maombi haya ya Ufadhili
i. How much are you applying for in grant from FUNGUO? ( range between TZS 50 million and TZS 100 million) | Unomba ruzuku ya kiasi gani kutoka Funguo (Kati ya Milioni 50 TZS na Milioni 100 TZS)*
ii. Briefly explain what you want the funding for? (Explain what the funds will be used for) | Madhumuni ya fedha hizo*

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iii. Do you have or are you expecting any matching fund to be complemented by this grant if you are successful? (If yes, elaborate and specify the sources of the matching fund) | Je, unazo au unatarajiwa kuwa na fedha ya kuongezea kutoka chanzo kingine, au ufadhili huu utaenda kuongezea kwenye ufadhili mwingine (ikiwa jibu ni ndio, tafadhali elezea kwa kina na taja vyazo vya fedha hiyo)*

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iv. If successful, how will this funding impact your business (Business expansion, business model improvement, unlocking additional Financing etc)? | Endapo utafanikiwa, ufadhili huu utaboresha vipi biashara yakko? (Upanuzi wa biashara, kuboresha mfumo wa biashara, kufungua fursa za ufadhili wa ziada, n.k.)*

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v. Do you have any potential investment prospect(s) that this funding can hasten to materialize? (Elaborate) | Je, una uwekezaji wowote unaotarajiwa ambao ufadhili huu unaweza kuharakisha utekelezaji wake? (fafanua)*

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vi. Besides this application, are you currently or in the near future looking for other types of financial instruments for your business? | Je, una fursa zozote za uwekezaji ambazo ufadhili huu unaweza kuharakisha kuzitimiza?*
vii. If the answer is yes, what kind of instruments are you looking for? Ikiwa jibu ni ndio, ni aina gani ya mitaji unatafuta? *
viii. What ticket size are you looking for? | Kiasi gani cha mtaji unalenga kuupata? *

6. Suitability Against Selection Criteria | Ustahiki kulingana na vigezo vya kuchaguliwa
a. Innovation | Ubunifu
i. What is the unique selling proposition of your business and what kind of innovation would you say you are offering? Note: An innovative business is one that continuously introduces or applies new ideas, products, services, processes, or business models to solve problems, meet market needs, or create new demand—often in ways that are more efficient, effective, or impactful than existing alternatives. | Ni nini cha kipekee kuhusu ubunifu wako? Notisi: Biashara bunifu ni ile inayobuni au kutumia mara kwa mara mawazo mapya, bidhaa mpya, huduma, michakato, au mifumo mipya ya biashara ili kutatua changamoto, kukidhi mahitaji ya soko, au kuanzisha mahitaji mapya — mara nyingi kwa njia zilizo bora zaidi, zenye ufanisi mkubwa, na zenye athari chanya zaidi kuliko mbinu au suluhisho zilizopo.*

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ii. What is your core product/service and value proposition and what would you say differentiates it from the competition? | Bidhaa na huduma yako kuu ni ipi, na thamani gani unawapatia wateja? Unaitofautisha vipi na ile ya washindano wako? *

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b. Business Viability & Potential to Scale | Uimara wa biashara na Uwezekano wa kukua
i. Who are your target clients and how do you reach them? | Wateja wako lengwa ni akina nani na unawafikiaje?*

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ii. Briefly describe your business model – how do you create value; how do you make profit andhow sustainable would you say it is? | Elezea kwa kifupi mfano wa biashara yako – unaunda vipi thamani; unatengeneza faida vipi na ungeielezeaje uendelevu wake? *

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iii. What are the main revenue streams of your business? | Vyanzo vikuu vya mapato ya biashara yako ni vipi? *

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iv. How does the future look like for your business? Una mpango gani wa kukuza biashara yako? *

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vi. Attach revenue and profitability projections for the next 2 years | (Ambatanisha makadirio ya mapato na faida kwa miaka 2 ijayo) *

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vii. What are the assumptions behind these projections? / Ni dhana zipi zimetumika katika makadirio haya?*
vii. How would you describe the kind of market your business is serving – is it growing, stagnant or declining? How is your business positioned to prosper in this kind of market? | Utaielezeaje aina ya soko ambalo biashara yako inahudumia – Je, linakua, limesimama au linapungua? Na biashara yako imejiweka vipi kunufaika katika soko hilo?*
viii. What are the assumptions behind these projections? | Una ushirikiano gani uliopo au unaotarajia kuanzisha ili kuboresha uendelevu wa biashara yako? *

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ix. What partnerships do you have in place or intend to form to improve your business viability? | Una ushirikiano gani uliopo au unaotarajia kuanzisha ili kuboresha uendelevu wa biashara yako? *

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x. What are the 3 biggest risks facing your business and how do you plan to mitigate against them? | Taja vihatarishi vikubwa vitatu vinavyoikabili biashara yako na una mpango gani wa kukabiliana navyo? *

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c. Team and Management | Timu na Menejimenti
i. Generally, how would you describe your team based on their individual and collectiveexpertise and experience in your kind of business? Attach brief profiles of the key personnel | Kwa ujumla, utaielezeaje timu yako kulingana na ujuzi na uzoefu wao binafsi na wa pamoja katika aina ya biashara unayoifanya?*
ii. Attach brief profiles of the key personnel | Ambatanisha wasifu mfupi wa watendaji wakuu.

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iii. What’s your management structure like? Muundo wa uongozi wa kampuni yako ukoje?*
iv. Attach the organogram with names and gender ofpeople occupying key positions | Ambatanisha mchoro wa muundo wa shirika (organogram) ukiwa na majina na jinsia za watu wanaoshika nafasi kuu.

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v. Do you have a board of directors and/or advisory board? If yes, list the members and provide a brief profile for each of them （LinkedIn profiles if available could suffice）. If the answer is no, is there any plan of establishing one? Je, una bodi ya wakurugenzi na/au bodi ya ushauri? Ikiwa jibu ni ndiyo, orodhesha majina ya wajumbe na toa wasifu mfupi kwa kila mmoja wao (Wasifu wa LinkedIn kama unapatikana unatosha). Ikiwa jibu ni hapana, je, kuna mpango wa kuanzisha bodi hiyo?*
d. Development and Impact | Athari za Maendeleo
i. Briefly describe your business’s positive development impact Hint: Describe how your business is contributing to reaching the SDGs by increasing local income, saving natural resources, improving access to resources and services, and creating decent jobs./ Elezea kwa kifupi athari chanya za biashara yako katika maendeleo Dokezo: Eleza jinsi biashara yako inavyosaidia kufikia Malengo ya Maendeleo Endelevu (SDGs) kwa kuongeza kipato cha wananchi, kuhifadhi rasilimali za asili, kuboresha upatikanaji wa rasilimali na huduma, na kuunda ajira zenye staha. *

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ii. How many direct and indirect jobs is your business expected to create or sustained in the next two years? | Ni ajira ngapi za moja kwa moja na zisizo za moja kwa moja unatarajia biashara yako kuunda au kudumisha katika miaka miwili ijayo? *
iii. How do you expect to track other development impact indicators that your business is expected to contribute towards? | Unatarajia kufuatiliaje viashiria vingine vya athari za maendeleo ambavyo biashara yako inatarajiwa kuchangia?*

6. Funguo Terms & Conditions | Masharti na Vigezo vya Funguo

By submitting this funding application, you agree to be part of the FUNGUO innovation ecosystem building initiative. Indicate YES or NO against the following statements | Masharti na Vigezo vya FUNGUO: Kwa kuwasilisha ombi hili la ufadhili, unakubali kuwa sehemu ya mpango wa FUNGUO wa kujenga mazingira ya uvumbuzi. Weka alama ya NDIO au HAPANA kwa kila taarifa ifuatayo:
i. I understand that this is an open and competitive call and submitting an application does not guarantee funding | Ninaelewa kuwa huu ni mwito wazi na wa ushindani, na kuwasilisha ombi hakuhakikishi kupata ufadhili.*
ii. Even if I do not get funded through this call, I have no objection to my application being referred to other potential funders | Hata kama sitapata ufadhili kupitia mwito huu, sina pingamizi ombi langu kuwasilishwa kwa wafadhili wengine.*
iii. I consent to the use of my contact details by the FUNGUO Innovation Programme and its partners to receive updates, opportunities, and communications related to innovation, entrepreneurship, funding, events, and other ecosystem support activities | Nakubali Funguo na washirika wake kutumia taarifa zangu za kwa ajili ya kupata taarifa, fursa, na mawasiliano yanayohusu ubunifu, ujasiriamali, ufadhili, matukio, na shughuli nyingine ilikukuza ubunufi na ujasiriamali.*
iv. If I happen to be funded, I consent for the information provided to be used by partners involved in this funding as long as the used information is general in nature and does not hurt the business in anyway | Iwapo nitapata ufadhili, nakubali taarifa nilizotoa zitumike na washirika wa FUNGUO kwa namna ambayo haitaathiri vibaya biashara. *
v. I understand that any funding received will be subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in a separate funding agreement, including timelines, reporting, and monitoring requirements | Ninaelewa kuwa ufadhili wowote utakaopokelewa utategemea masharti maalum yaliyoelezwa katika makubaliano ya ufadhili, ikijumuisha muda, utoaji wa taarifa na mahitaji ya ufuatiliaji *
vi. I agree to collaborate with the FUNGUO programme and its partners to provide additional information or clarifications if requested during the review process | Nakubali kushirikiana Programu ya FUNGUO na washirika wake kutoa taarifa za ziada au ufafanuzi endapo zitaombwa wakati wa mchakato*
vii. I understand that the FUNGUO programme and its partners reserve the right to modify or cancel the funding call at any stage, including after submission, without prior notice | Ninaelewa kuwa FUNGUO na washirika wake wana haki ya kubadilisha au kufuta mwito huu wa ufadhili wakati wowote, hata baada ya kuwasilisha maombi, bila kutoa taarifa ya awali*
viii. I confirm that all information provided in my application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. Providing false or misleading information may result in disqualification from the call or forfeiture of any funding awarded | Ninathibitisha kuwa taarifa zote nilizotoa katika ombi langu ni sahihi na kamili kwa kadri ya uelewa wangu. Kutoa taarifa za uongo au za kupotosha kunaweza kusababisha kupoteza sifa za kushiriki au ufadhili.*
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	Name \| Jina	Citizenship \| Uraia	Gender \| Jinsia	Age \| Umri	Percentage Stake \| Asilimia ya Umiliki
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa
Shareholder \| Mwanahisa

FUNGUO 4th Call for Funding Applications

Catalytic Support for Impact-Driven Startups and Innovative MSMEs in Tanzania

1. Background Information

2. Purpose of the 4th Call

3. Eligibility Criteria

4. Evaluation Criteria

i. Innovation - 35 points

ii. Business Viability & Potential to Scale - 30 points

iii. Team & Management - 20 points

iv. Development Impact - 15 points

5. Key Timeline

6. Application Process

1. About Your Company | Kuhusu kampuni yako

a. Company Details | Taarifa za Kampuni

b. Key Contact Details | Taarifa za Muhusika Mkuu

c. Registration Status | Usajili

d. Employment Information |Taarifa za Ajira na Menejimenti

2. Basic Eligibility Criteria | Vigezo vya Msingi vya Ushiriki

3. About Your Business | Kuhusu biashara yako

4. About funding and capital | Kuhusu Ufadhili na Mtaji

5. About this Call for Funding | Kuhusu Maombi haya ya Ufadhili

6. Suitability Against Selection Criteria | Ustahiki kulingana na vigezo vya kuchaguliwa

a. Innovation | Ubunifu

b. Business Viability & Potential to Scale | Uimara wa biashara na Uwezekano wa kukua

c. Team and Management | Timu na Menejimenti

d. Development and Impact | Athari za Maendeleo

6. Funguo Terms & Conditions | Masharti na Vigezo vya Funguo