This paper contains the results of a study conducted in Dar es Salaam in 2006 and 2007 to assess the MSEs institutional support. The study focused on the type and nature of the MSE support institutions which included services they provide, conditions for assessing the services and their needs. The study was conducted in order to inform policy makers, planners and other stakeholders about the function and need, for strong MSE support institutions as well as the capacity of these institutions to adequately meet the demands of MSEs. The results show that there is huge potential demand for MSE support services which is not adequately met by the existing MSE support institutions. The institutional framework for supporting MSEs was found to be constrained by inadequate financial and human resource capacity as reflected in the stringent conditions imposed on MSEs and strategies adopted to promote service delivery. This paper further reinforces knowledge about the institutional framework, and clarifies the needs of both the MSEs and their support institutions.Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA)