The Restoration Factory is a six-month digital business incubation program designed to support the emergence of commercially viable, community-inclusive, and climate-resilient businesses with the potential to restore natural ecosystems and preserve landscapes in Tanzania.
The Vice President’s Office of Tanzania, in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), with technical support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Bridge for Billions, is implementing The “Restoration Factory” business Incubation Program under the global program, The Restoration Initiative (TRI).
This program targets entrepreneurs operating in Tanzania, specifically in the Great Ruaha and Lake Rukwa basins, within the macro sectors of Forest Restoration and Landscape Conservation. Key subsectors of focus include:
Meet entrepreneurs and their projects, then support the project that sparks your interest.
We believe in active learning! We'll provide you with a clear mentoring structure and resources explained in a simple way.
As a mentor, we will equip you with the same top-notch entrepreneurship tools we offer to participants.
Enhance your leadership and coaching skills through active listening and effective communication.
You will be able to mentor from anywhere in the world thanks to the Bridge for Billions digital platform. Our goal is to make mentoring flexible and impactful, breaking down barriers of distance and schedules.
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Support and guide entrepreneurs as they turn their business ideas into reality, driving positive change in your local community.
Joining as a mentor means more than just giving back; it's about growing your network too. You'll meet passionate entrepreneurs and fellow mentors, creating lasting connections and discovering new opportunities.
Start by clicking on the “Apply now!” button.
Fill in your personal information to set up an account on our platform.
Remember your email and password for future access.
Complete all sections of the application, thoroughly filling out each answer.
Once completed, all the checkmarks at the top will turn blue, indicating that you’re ready to submit.
Note: An asterisk “*” next to the question indicates that the field is required.
Hint: An asterisk “*” next to the question indicates that the field is required.
We recommend that you review your application in detail one last time. If you’re good to go, click “Submit” in the lower right corner.
Our team will be in touch with a notification about the status of your application.
About UNEP
For 50 years, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has coordinated a worldwide effort to confront the planet’s biggest environmental challenges.
Its mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About Bridge for Billions
Bridge for Billions, one of the largest entrepreneurship networks in the world, creates, designs and manages innovation programs with foundations, corporations and public entities that have benefited more than 2,900 entrepreneurs in more than 98 countries. Its objective is to facilitate access to entrepreneurial support for all types of entrepreneurs with a common purpose: boost innovation that solves the problems that truly matter and generate employment.
About United for the Life & Livehoods
United for the Life and Livelihoods initiative, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasizes the interconnection between conservation and human well-being. It seeks to promote sustainable development by integrating conservation efforts with socioeconomic considerations. Through collaborative partnerships and community engagement, the initiative aims to address environmental challenges while also supporting livelihoods and enhancing resilience to climate change impacts. By fostering a holistic approach to conservation and development, United for the Life and Livelihoods strives to achieve positive outcomes for both people and the planet.
About The Restoration Initiative
The Restoration Initiative, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), focuses on ecosystem restoration, aiming to reverse environmental degradation and promote biodiversity conservation. It collaborates with governments, organizations, and communities worldwide to implement restoration projects, leveraging science, policy, and local knowledge. Through capacity-building and partnerships, the initiative addresses various ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, to enhance resilience and ecosystem services, ultimately contributing to sustainable development goals.
About The Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an international partnership that supports projects addressing global environmental challenges. It provides grants and facilitates cooperation between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to tackle issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, GEF-funded initiatives aim to promote long-term environmental conservation and foster sustainable development worldwide.
About The Vice President´s Office of Tanzania
The Vice President’s Office of Tanzania is a governmental institution responsible for coordinating various national development initiatives and programs. It plays a pivotal role in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring across different sectors, including environmental conservation, social welfare, and economic development. Through its diverse mandates and functions, the office aims to promote sustainable growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship to improve the overall well-being of Tanzanian citizens.
About Anza Entrepreneurs
Anza Entrepreneurs is a leading entrepreneur-supporting organisation with the belief that entrepreneurs will transform Tanzania. With over a decade of experience, Anza has been instrumental in nurturing Tanzanian startups across diverse sectors, particularly in climate and environmental sustainability. By offering capacity building, networking opportunities, and capital facilitation, Anza accelerates the growth of these businesses.
Over the years, Anza has empowered more than 2,900 entrepreneurs, with over 120 of them being climate-smart enterprises. We’ve equipped these entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, tools, and networks to flourish in today’s competitive market. Through comprehensive programs and mentorship, these businesses have not only grown sustainably but have also contributed significantly to a greener economy and created lasting impacts within their communities.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction.
Find out more here: https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/
Restoration enterprises put ecosystems’ restoration at the heart of their business model and operations. Further information on the need, role, and opportunities for restorative businesses is available from the platform of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration:
https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/types-ecosystem-restoration
The Restoration Factory is a mentoring and business incubation support program that assists entrepreneurs in developing enticing and attractive business models focused on the landscapes and ecosystems restoration.
If you want to get involved with this program please connect directly with Afia, Program Manager of the Restoration Factory Program.
We are now during the selection process, this means that out of all the applications we received from both entrepreneurs and mentors we will select the program participants.
Entrepreneurs offer solutions in the following sectors: goods (high-value crops and ingredients used for medicinal purposes, vegetation and livestock products, and upcycling of waste), and services (watershed services and ecotourism).
Connect directly with Christelle Igihozo, Program Manager at Bridge for Billions of the Restoration Factory Program.
