As a Blue Economy entrepreneur, your success starts with knowing exactly who needs your product or service. Let’s walk through how to identify and connect with your ideal customers - at the local market or online.

First, picture your perfect customer. Are they a hotel chef looking for daily seafood deliveries? A tourist seeking unforgettable boat tours? Or maybe a fisheries manager needing quality equipment? Visit the   Kenya Fisheries Service Permit to understand market trends, and check with your fellow networks for local business opportunities. Don’t guess - use real data from KNBS to see what products are in demand in your area.

Now, go where your customers are. If you have a physical business, get a prime spot at government-managed markets like the Mombasa Municipal Market. For online businesses, list your products on approved platforms like PesaPal Marketplaces. Start small but think big - even a simple WhatsApp order system can grow into a thriving e-commerce business. Remember, the Youth Enterprise Fund offers grants to help you scale up once you’ve proven your concept.

The secret? Talk to your customers. Ask fishermen what gear they really need, or survey tourists about their dream marine experiences. Use our free customer survey template to get started, and keep improving based on what you learn. With these steps, you’ll not just find customers - you’ll build lasting relationships that grow your business.