The YALTA Business Accelerator calls upon SMEs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to submit their agroecological ideas for a sustainable, healthy and diverse food system. 10 selected participants will benefit from skills training, innovation jams and coaching to improve their ideas and turn them into a plan. Three winners will receive a matching grant of up to US$5 thousand to start implementing their ideas. Eligibility extends to young entrepreneurs in agriculture, food and nutrition who manage a local business. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2021. YALTA Business Accelerator
agriculture
Startup Africa — Next Generation Africa
Next Generation Africa is an accelerator program for African startups, innovators, makers, and young innovators who intend to develop products or services for the local economy. The accelerator will select 20 startups to participate in a boot camp week in Kampala, Uganda (August 2021). The project should fit in one of 6 social-impact topics, including Agribusiness & Agritech (farming systems, alternative feed supplies, agri-data business for monitoring and/or planning, new tools for farming and breeding etc.), among others. The startup can be based anywhere in the African continent but its product/service must have potential application in the East African region. The application deadline is 08 July 2021. Know more
ETH Zurich — Opportunity Grants
The Leading House ETH Zurich calls for proposals for opportunity grants with China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries. Opportunity grants will support activities of Swiss researchers from universities or public research institutes linked to specific events, incidents, or major environmental and economic developments in the region in Asia. The call is open to all scientific disciplines and fields of research. Senior scientists may request up to CHF 50 thousand for projects of up to 12 months. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Link
European Commission — Sustainable Water and Natural Resources
The European Commission supports inclusive growth and resilience to extreme climate conditions in rural communities in Tajikistan, based on improved agriculture and sustainable use of water and natural resources. The EU invites projects that improve the added value of agricultural production and the management of natural resources, or promote the sustainable and efficient use of water. Grant seekers my request between €5 million and €15 million in funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The application deadline is 30 July 2021. Find out more
European Joint Programme — Sustainable Agricultural Soils
The Agence Nationale De La Recherche (ANR) and European Joint Programme (EJP) launch “Towards Healthy, Resilient and Sustainable Agricultural Soils”, an integrated framework for agricultural soil research in Europe. The objective is to foster holistic agricultural soil management practices which will assist in making a shift to diversify farming. The maximum project budget is €200 thousand. The countries participating in this call are: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Universities, public research institutions, private non-profit organizations, and private companies can apply. The submission deadline for pre-proposals is 25 June 2021. SOIL
Rainforest Alliance — Africa Cocoa Fund
The Rainforest Alliance’s Africa Cocoa Fund (ACF) is a three-year, US$5 million fund to support cocoa farmers and help preserve the local landscapes in West and Central Africa. The fund supports select sustainability projects of certified smallholder producer groups, cooperatives and farmers or vulnerable members. All projects must be driven by farmers and intend to create a positive impact for the longer term. Funding will support interventions that build the capacity of certified cocoa farmers. The ACF will distribute a total US$1.35 million in project funding. The application deadline is 07 July 2021. Africa Cocoa Fund
Eco Agrifood Challenge — Startup Contest
The Eco Agrifood Challenge seeks to identify and boost innovative startups and SMEs developing innovative solutions in favor of sustainable agriculture. Startups have the chance to win up to €5 thousand in cash and gain free access to the ToasterLAB agrifood acceleration program. The pitch contest is open to startups or small to medium enterprises from around the world. Deadline for online applications is 20 July 2021. More information here
United Nations — Good Food for All Competition
The UN seeks applications for its Food Systems Summit competition ‘Best Small Business: Good Food for All’ to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises from across the world transforming food systems. Small businesses around the world that help provide healthy food that is good for the environment, good for their communities and create jobs for people locally are invited to apply. Each of the 50 finalists will receive a US$2,000 cash prize. The competition is open to any small to medium sized enterprises (5-250 employees). The competition runs until 04 June 2021. Best Small Business Competition
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Climate Best Practices
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) provides a three-year grant to implement the project “Strengthening Borrowers’ Capacity on Environmental, Social and Climate Best Practices” (SUSTAIN) for a total IFAD grant of US$2 million. The applicant should propose some level of cash and in-kind co-financing. The recipient can be a non-profit organization, university, vocational training provider, private sector company or research institute. The deadline to receive proposals is 08 June 2021. More info
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2021
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 14 June 2021. Know more