Startup-SME Linkage Program 2.0 // Hosted by METTĀ & UK-Tech. Apply by 16th February

Startup-SME Linkage Program 2.0 // Hosted by METTĀ & UK-Tech. Apply by 16th February

METTĀ in partnership with the UK-Kenya Tech Hub has opened applications for the Startup-SME linkage program 2.0 aimed at providing tech startups direct linkages to SMEs which fall under their target customers for a chance to secure a commercial deal.

The program, first held in September 2020, will require selected startups to present/demo their solutions to SMEs in a digital live marketplace for a partnership or commercialization deal.

The new move follows the successful completion of the Startup-SME Linkage Pilot Program in 2020, which resulted in 6 deals, and 4 pending deals out of a cohort of 36 participants.

In this 2021 program referred to as the Startup-SME Linkage Program 2.0 (SSL 2.0). The program will provide tech startups and SMEs with direct linkages to one another, and a collaboration playbook aimed at helping them increase their partnership and commercial deal rates.

Startups and SMEs from across the country are encouraged to apply for this program before Tuesday, 16th February. 

Get more details about the program here!

ELIGIBILITY

Startups

The program is looking for post-revenue startups with practical solutions that can help SMEs solve their existing problems. Female-led startups are highly encouraged to apply.

Startups Criteria:

• Should be open to collaboration.
• Should be a registered entity.
• Must be a tech-driven startup.
• Should have active users on their platform: demonstrate use cases.
• Offer valid solutions in the thematic areas identified.

SMEs

The program is looking for SMEs SMEs that are open for a commercial and/or partnership deal with innovative post-revenue tech startups operating in verticals such as HR, customer experience, digital marketing, agriculture, health, logistics, clean energy, e-commerce among others.

Sample challenges could include: disrupted sales, logistics inefficiencies, poor website engagement and e-commerce conversion rate…etc

SME Criteria:

• • Proof of product adoption in the market.
  • Should be a registered entity.
  • Willingness to adopt and leverage tech solutions.

• Willingness to open its network to startups.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• 4 free masterclasses modelled on the Deal Making Design Framework.
• Access to practical templates for deal-making.
• Participation in the Deal Rooms with potential clients and service providers.
• Business feature on the METTĀ and UK-Kenya Tech networks.

ABOUT METTĀ 

METTĀ is a club for the entrepreneurial community to connect, share knowledge and bring ideas to life. With 370 members in Nairobi and over 15,000 members in its digital community, METTĀ offers a range of events, workshops and corporate innovation programmes.

Last year, METTĀ and Nairobi Garage forged their partnership to create Kenya’s Biggest Innovation Community. By joining forces, METTĀ and Nairobi Garage members have access to both organisations’ workspaces throughout Nairobi on Riverside Drive, Karen, Kilimani & Spring Valley.

Members have access to drop-in and private workspace options as well as complimentary business support services provided across the two communities.  

All members benefit from exclusive corporate collaborations and partnerships – such as discounts, access to programmes like Startup-SME Linkage Program 2.0, and first dibs on funding, job and training opportunities.