Deadline: 30-Sep-2028
The NUMÜ Digital Window initiative, implemented by Expertise France with support from the French Development Agency, provides grants between €50,000 and €200,000 to organizations supporting startups and SMEs in Tunisia. With a total fund of €1.4 million, the program focuses on delivering innovative services that help businesses scale, access markets, and improve sustainability. It prioritizes inclusive entrepreneurship, especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
About the Initiative
The NUMÜ Digital Window is part of the Watani project, aimed at strengthening Tunisia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The program supports organizations that:
- Deliver innovative business support services
- Accelerate startup and SME growth
- Strengthen ecosystem capacity and sustainability
It builds on Franco-Tunisian cooperation to foster inclusive economic development.
Key Objectives
The initiative focuses on:
- Promoting innovative support services
- Strengthening technical, financial, and organizational capacity
- Facilitating market access and financing opportunities
- Supporting business scaling and sustainability
- Enhancing entrepreneurial ecosystem development
Funding Details
- Total funding pool: €1,400,000
- Grant size: €50,000 to €200,000
- Co-financing requirement: 10% to 60%
Applicants must contribute financially or in-kind to the project.
Target Beneficiaries
The program ultimately supports:
- Startups and SMEs operating for at least one year
- Entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses
Inclusion Priorities
- Youth entrepreneurs
- Women (minimum 50% participation target)
- Persons with disabilities
- Tunisian diaspora entrepreneurs
Who Can Apply?
Eligible lead applicants must:
- Be non-profit organizations legally established in Tunisia
- Have at least 3 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs
- Demonstrate capacity to implement and manage projects
Eligible Organizations
- Incubators
- NGOs
- Consulting firms
- Business federations
- Consortiums (including international partners)
What Types of Services Are Supported?
Selected organizations must deliver high-impact services, such as:
- Legal and regulatory support
- Financial planning and investment readiness
- Marketing and branding strategies
- Market access and internationalization
- Business planning and scaling strategies
Expected Outputs
- Business plans
- Investment strategies
- Market expansion roadmaps
Monitoring and Impact Requirements
Projects must include strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems.
Key indicators include:
- Job creation
- Increased sales and revenue
- Business sustainability
- Access to finance
- Beneficiary satisfaction
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization meets legal and experience requirements. - Design a Support Program
Develop innovative services tailored to scaling businesses. - Plan Co-Financing
Secure 10–60% contribution (financial or in-kind). - Prepare Proposal
Include objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. - Build Partnerships (Optional)
Collaborate with local or international partners. - Submit Application
Follow guidelines under the Watani project framework.
Why This Grant Matters
This initiative strengthens Tunisia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Key benefits:
- Supports business scaling and competitiveness
- Encourages innovation in support services
- Promotes inclusive economic growth
- Builds long-term ecosystem capacity
It is especially valuable for organizations working with growth-stage entrepreneurs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak co-financing strategy
- Lack of innovation in proposed services
- Poor alignment with inclusion priorities
- عدم clear impact measurement framework
- Inadequate organizational capacity demonstration
Tips for a Strong Application
- Propose innovative, high-value services
- Clearly define measurable outcomes
- Align with inclusion and gender targets
- Demonstrate strong ecosystem understanding
- Provide a realistic co-financing plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the NUMÜ Digital Window?
Non-profit organizations in Tunisia with at least 3 years of experience.
2. What is the funding range?
€50,000 to €200,000 per project.
3. Is co-financing required?
Yes, between 10% and 60% of project costs.
4. Who are the final beneficiaries?
Startups and SMEs operating for at least one year.
5. Are partnerships allowed?
Yes, including international partners.
6. What sectors are supported?
All sectors, as long as businesses are scalable and sustainable.
7. What outcomes are expected?
Job creation, increased revenue, market access, and business growth.
Conclusion
The NUMÜ Digital Window initiative by Expertise France and the French Development Agency offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen business support systems in Tunisia.
By funding innovative services and promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, the program helps accelerate the growth of startups and SMEs while contributing to long-term economic development.
For more information, visit Expertise France.