Uni Launch and Scale Program
Providing practical entrepreneurship training, expert mentorship, and financial inclusion opportunities.
About Uni Launch and Scale
CRDB Bank Foundation and StartHub Africa present the Uni Launch and Scale Program – an initiative to empower university students and recent graduates with business ideas or running businesses into successful entrepreneurs.
Through practical entrepreneurship training, expert mentorship, and financial inclusion opportunities, we’re creating a financially inclusive community, generating jobs for others, and enhancing Tanzania’s economy.
Idea Validation
Through ideation training at three partner universities, 494 students have been equipped with key entrepreneurial skills. Participants learned how to validate business models, refine their business plans, and understand the fundamentals of building scalable startups ready to grow and respond to real-world market demands.
Mentorship + Partnerships
Selected participants are matched with expert mentors and established startups for tailored guidance. This component fosters sector-specific insights, peer learning, and strategic connections; helping young entrepreneurs navigate their growth journey with support from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Bootcamp + Demo Day
Thirty high-potential businesses will take part in a 5-day bootcamp in Dar es Salaam, designed to sharpen their models and prepare for investment. The program concludes with a Demo Day, where teams will pitch for a chance to win up to 15 million TZS in seed funding.
Program Benefits
Hands-on entrepreneurship training
Personalized mentorship from industry experts
Access to up to 15M TZS in seed funding
Priority access to CRDB iMBEJU soft loans
Networking with peers, mentors, and established startups
Exposure to strategic growth and funding opportunities
Enhanced visibility through CRDB and StartHub Africa
Requirements
Strong innovative business idea or existing business venture
Existing business is an added advantage
iMBEJU Account holders receive priority consideration
Important: Mentorship and Bootcamp participation is by invitation only, based on submitted applications.
Program FAQs
What is the Uni Launch and Scale Program?
The Uni Launch and Scale Program is an initiative by CRDB Bank Foundation and StartHub Africa designed to empower university students and recent graduates with entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and access to funding to help them grow their businesses.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Eligible applicants include current students from the University of Dar es Salaam, University of Iringa, and Institute of Accountancy Arusha, as well as recent graduates (within 2 years) from any Tanzanian university.
What support is provided during the mentorship phase?
Participants will be matched with industry experts and established startups to receive personalized guidance and peer-learning opportunities.
How many participants will be selected for the bootcamp?
30 participants will be selected to attend a 5-day intensive bootcamp in Dar es Salaam.
How much funding is available through the program?
Up to 15 million TZS in seed funding is available for the top-performing businesses selected during the bootcamp.
What advantages do iMBEJU account holders have?
Applicants with an iMBEJU account receive priority consideration during the selection process, plus other iMBEJU Account benefits like, zero monthly maintenance fees, making and receiving payments using TemboCards, Cheque Books, SimBanking, Internet banking, interest rates on savings, easy access to grants up to TZS 30 million, and insurance cover that covers death, permanent total disability, and catastrophe.
Program Timeline
Phase | Date |
| Ideation Training | May 26, 2025 |
| Applications Open | August 4, 2025 |
| Applications Close | September 5, 2025 |
| Cohort Announcement | Aug 18, 2025 |
| Mentorship & Matchmaking | August – October 2025 |
| Bootcamp & Demo Day | October 2025 |
Get In Touch
This program is implemented by CRDB Bank Foundation and StartHub Africa. For more information, get in touch: z.emanueli@starthubafrica.org
