Green‑Tech Financing Boost in Tunisia: Up to 150,000 Dinars for Start‑ups and SMEs
La Presse – At a gathering of green entrepreneurs and start‑up founders, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) unveiled a new financing tool called MAIR (Market Access for Impact and Resilience). The instrument is aimed specifically at start‑ups and small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the ecotech sector.
What is MAIR?
- Target audience: Companies that already have a commercialisable Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 6 and 9.
- Purpose: Accelerate product commercialization, open the first markets, and support the industrialisation of green solutions.
- Funding amount: Up to 150,000 TND per beneficiary, 100 % repayable over 18 months (6 months grace period + 12 months amortisation).
- Beneficiaries: A total of 10 start‑ups or SMEs in the greentech arena will receive the financing to help them penetrate markets and acquire their first customers.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Legal | Must be a legally registered entity under Tunisian law. |
| Environmental impact | Demonstrated positive environmental impact. |
| Commercial traction | Proven market traction for the MVP. |
| Financial health | Sufficient solvency, repayment capacity, and robust management, reporting, and execution capabilities. |
| Technology maturity | TRL assessment performed by the CDC selection committee. |
| Exclusivity | Beneficiaries cannot combine MAIR with other CDC or Smart Capital mechanisms. |
Launch of a Second Cohort: Vair (Venture Acceleration for Impact and Resilience)
During the same event, CDC also announced the second cohort of the VAIR program, a hybrid instrument dedicated to developing Proof‑of‑Concept (POC) projects.
VAIR at a glance
- Target audience: Early‑stage start‑ups in ecotech with TRL 2‑3.
- Funding goal: Support 32 start‑ups in total.
- Financing structure: Up to 75,000 TND per project, split into:
- 30 % as a zero‑interest advance, repayable over 18 months (6 months grace period).
- 70 % as a grant.
VAIR Eligibility
- Legally registered under Tunisian law.
- Proven positive environmental impact.
- Experienced founding team.
- Strong management, reporting, and execution capacity.
- No overlapping support from other CDC or Smart Capital mechanisms.
Sectors Covered
Both MAIR and VAIR span a wide range of green industries, including:
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable mobility
- Eco‑construction
- Waste management
- Sustainable agriculture
- Water technologies
- Energy efficiency
How to Apply
Start‑ups interested in either instrument should submit their applications through the Startup Tunisia platform, where the entire process is digitalised.
Additional online information sessions will be hosted by CDC on 27 February and 4 March to provide detailed presentations of both financing tools.
Keywords: Tunisia, green tech financing, ecotech start‑ups, CDC, MAIR, VAIR, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, eco‑construction, waste management, climate impact, venture acceleration.
