SME Accelerator Programme for Entrepreneurs in the Blue Economy Sector in Tanzania

Background
The SME Accelerator Programme for entrepreneurs in the blue economy sector in Tanzania aims to
address the myriad challenges faced by SME entrepreneurs in this sector. These challenges include
the absence of scalable business models, limited access to relevant financial data necessary for
accessing capital for expansion, lack of formalized business systems inhibiting scalability, and
insufficient technical skills to compete effectively in broader markets. These hurdles not only impede
individual business growth but also hamper the overall development and sustainability of the blue
economy sector in Tanzania.

Key Activities of the SME Accelerator

1. Business Growth Diagnostics: Conducting comprehensive diagnostics to assess the current

state of SME businesses, identifying their specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. This
analysis forms the foundation for tailored support and intervention strategies.

2. Bespoke Business Development Support: Providing customized support to assist SMEs in

transitioning from their current operational models to scalable business models. This
involves strategic guidance, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the
unique requirements of each participating business.

3. Business Formalization and System Building: Facilitating the formalization process for SMEs
and aiding in the establishment of robust business systems. Through workshops, training
sessions, and one-on-one consultations, SMEs will be guided in structuring their operations
to evolve from sole proprietorships to institutionalized entities capable of scalability and
accountability.

4. Financial Management and Access to Capital: Enhancing SMEs' financial management

capabilities by promoting the adoption of standard financial tools, encouraging meticulous
record-keeping practices, and assisting in the development of financial models aligned with
growth objectives. Additionally, the accelerator will facilitate access to capital by organizing
fundraising activities such as investment meetups and listing participating SMEs on platforms
like Ennovate VentureRoom, connecting them with a diverse network of over 100 potential
investors.

Programme Output
 40 entrepreneurs supported across 2 cohorts per year, to increase their business
performance and adopt scalable models for sustainable growth
 Increased market size of the entrepreneurs, which will contribute to their income increase
from their business
 60% of the entrepreneurs access new funding to expand their business into new markets, by
catalyzing market demand for their products
 Job creation by the SMEs through business formalization and expansion
 Increase product and service diversification across blue economy value chain.
BlueIncubate Programme for High Growth Startups in the Blue Economy Sector in Tanzania

Background
The BlueIncubate Programme aims to address the pressing challenges faced by startups in the
burgeoning blue economy sector in Tanzania. These challenges include a lack of market
understanding due to the nascent stage of the sector, inadequate technical skills to develop
diversified offerings from blue economy resources, limited early-stage financing to validate concepts
and prepare for scalability, and insufficient market insights and ecosystem support to access
resources essential for building sustainable high-growth innovations.

Key Activities of the BlueIncubate Programme

1. Startup Needs Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of startups to evaluate

team capacity, business model viability, product performance, and investment readiness.
This assessment serves as the foundation for tailored support and intervention strategies.

2. Idea Validation: Supporting startups in engaging with their target customers to understand
their pain points and iteratively redesigning their solutions to effectively address customer
needs and aspirations, thereby enhancing product-market fit.

3. Cluster-Based Business Development Workshops: Organizing workshops where startups are

grouped into clusters based on sub-sector, maturity stage, and specific needs. These
workshops provide technical training on various aspects including business modeling and
validation, go-to-market strategies, team building, structuring for investment readiness,
product development, and achieving product-market fit.

4. Personalized Mentorship: Providing one-on-one mentorship to startups, offering guidance

and support in implementing new models, strategies, and enhancing team capacity to
effectively operate scalable businesses in the blue economy sector.

5. Investment-Readiness Support: Assisting startups in preparing for investment by offering

support in developing investment documentation, connecting with potential investors, and
organizing Demo Days where startups can showcase their innovations and attract investment
opportunities.

Key Outputs

 20 startups supported per year, across 2 cohorts, through the BlueIncubate Programme to
reach commercialization
 50% of the startups unlock funding to scale their high growth ventures
 Job creation by the startups through expansion of their ventures into new markets
 Build strong ecosystem around the blue economy sector.
 30% of the startups are able to access international market after their first year of
participating in the programme