ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that address climate change with the goal to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea bootcamp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner up €5 thousand. The submission deadlines from March to May vary by country (please check carefully). ClimateLaunchpad
business/enterprise
Bridges for Enterprise — Business Incubation Program for Social Enterprises
Bridges for Enterprise (BfE) works with social impact startups from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The Incubation Program supports entrepreneurs seeking to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The program is open to for-profit and non-profit social enterprises and startups at the pre-seed or seed stage. Participating entrepreneurs receive 3 to 4 months of professional advice and mentorship. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis year-round. However, social entrepreneurs must submit their application before specific deadlines to be considered for specific cohorts: 01 April (Autumn Cohort) and 01 October (Spring Cohort). Link
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in India
SEED offers valuable resources and professional support to expand entrepreneurial ideas while learning from peers during interactive SEED Starter workshops. SEED Starter workshops consist of a team of 2-5 members that bring in a business idea for addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. Successful alumni are invited to apply for a SEED Grant for up to €1,000 which pays for resources required to establish the new enterprise. Eco-Entrepreneurs from India are invited to apply for the next starter workshop. Applications have to be received by 04 April 2023. Link to current openings
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2023
African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 12 May 2023. African Business Heroes
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy, and utility performance improvement. The 2023 Call for Projects targets projects based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must have a core element of digital technology (telecom, computer, or cloud-based). The Challenge will award grant-based funding of €150 thousand to 5-8 start-up projects. The application deadline for project submission is 15 May 2023. Digital Energy Challenge Sub-Saharan Africa
Orange Telecom — Orange Social Venture Prize 2023
The Orange Social Venture Prize recognizes entrepreneurs and start-up organizations that make innovative use of technology in agriculture, energy, and other fields of development. The geographical focus is Africa and the Middle East. Prizes range from €10 thousand to €25 thousand, plus professional support for a period of six months. In addition, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20 thousand. The registration deadline is 21 May 2023. Orange Social Venture Prize
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa — Women Agripreneur Awards
Applications are open for the VALUE4HER Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA). The award recognizes African women agripreneurs who have demonstrated remarkable innovation in their business by having an impact in food security, climate resilience, women and youth employment. WAYA recognizes women in three distinct categories, with each receiving a US$20 thousand cash prize. Applicants must be operating in agriculture/agribusiness value chains in one of 54 African countries. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023. VALUE4HER Women Agripreneur Awards
United Nations World Food Programme — Fighting Hunger Worldwide
The World Food Program (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The program seeks profit and non-profit organizations with great ideas and bold solutions to solve hunger globally. The Innovation Accelerator offers financial support, training and access to WFP partners and technical experts. Selected teams get an opportunity to develop their projects and receive up to US$ 100 thousand. Startups must apply by 31 December 2023. About
GET.invest — Finance Catalyst
The GET.invest Finance Catalyst supports small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region. The program provides advisory support on project and business plan development, project and business structuring and accessing finance, at no cost. Eligible applicants may be private sector developers, NGOs, universities or research institutions. Applications are available in English only but applicants can request support to overcome language-related issues. The Finance Catalyst operates on various submission rounds all year long. Applications can be submitted anytime. Access
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$50 thousand) for projects that support the sustainable management of water catchments through integrated approaches for the conservation of threatened freshwater biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English, French, and Arabic. LOIs must be submitted by 28 March 2023. Click here