Young Entrepreneurs in Tunisia to Benefit from New US Embassy Funding Opportunity
The US Embassy in Tunisia has announced a call for projects to strengthen economic ties between the US and Tunisia through the financing of innovative commercial and economic initiatives. This program, carried out by the US Department of State, will provide grants ranging from $250,000 to $20 million (approximately 60 million Tunisian dinars) to support projects that can stimulate trade and contribute to economic development.
Background
According to a survey conducted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) as part of the Trade and Competitiveness Programme (TCP), access to financing remains a major obstacle for many young entrepreneurs in Tunisia. The survey, "Les défis des PME en Tunisie en 2025" (The Challenges of SMEs in Tunisia in 2025), highlights the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing funding, particularly in the early stages of project development.
The Funding Opportunity
The US Embassy's call for projects aims to address this challenge by providing financial support to innovative initiatives with commercial and economic potential. The program is open to non-profit organizations, universities, private companies, and international organizations with expertise in the Tunisian context. The selected projects will have a implementation period of 12 to 36 months.
Application Procedure
The application process consists of several stages. Candidates must first submit a statement of interest (SOI) of one to three pages outlining the project's objectives and potential impact. Pre-selected candidates will then be invited to submit a full proposal. Applications are open until September 30, 2026, via the MyGrants platform. Candidates can also request additional information from the relevant services by referencing the program code DFOP0018712.
Supporting Entrepreneurship in Tunisia
This initiative is part of a broader effort to support entrepreneurship and economic development in Tunisia. Several public and private programs have been developed to accompany project holders, including the Tunisian Solidarity Bank (BTS) support programs, the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII) support structures, and the Femmes Entrepreneures de Tunisie (Women Entrepreneurs of Tunisia) program. The US Embassy's call for projects complements this ecosystem of support and provides an additional source of funding for innovative initiatives.
Conclusion
The US Embassy's funding opportunity is a significant step towards supporting young entrepreneurs in Tunisia and promoting economic development in the country. By providing financial support to innovative initiatives, this program aims to stimulate trade and contribute to the growth of SMEs and start-ups in Tunisia.
