The EnDev Program facilitates access to modern energy services for households, social institutions, and small and medium enterprises through market development for improved cook stoves. EnDev Uganda offers business development services support through targeted mentoring, training, and coaching. The call targets small and medium enterprises operating in the off-grid solar or clean cooking sectors in Uganda. The deadline for submission of applications is 24 March 2023. Know more
business/enterprise
Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Healthy Planet
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize
U.S. Agency for International Development — Climate Action Partnership for Education
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks opportunities to co-create, and collaborate in the research, testing and scaling of innovative solutions that will advance climate action with a focus on girls’ education. USAID invites organizations, companies, community-based enterprises, academic and research institutions, and government agencies to propose novel or creative approaches. USAID anticipates making one to three awards totaling between US$4 to 5 million over two to three years. USAID seeks solutions that are relevant to sub-Saharan Africa and/or Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 28 April 2023. Click here
U. S. Department of Agriculture — Food for Progress Program
The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The objective is to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. The Program has prioritized the following areas: the Cacao sector, the Coffee sector, the Spices sector, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and Climate Smart Agriculture. The estimated funding per award is US$20-US$39 million. The following entities are eligible to apply: governments of emerging agricultural countries, nonprofit organizations, universities, and any other private entity. The closing date for applications is 24 May 2024. Food for Progress Program
Inter-American Development Bank — Women in STEM Competition
WeXchange seeks to identify the most innovative women entrepreneurs in STEM from Latin America and the Caribbean and connect them with potential financing opportunities. The competition supports female entrepreneurs in tech (e.g., agritech, biotech, sustainable energy etc.). 15 women-led startups will pitch their business to investors and participate in a micro-acceleration program with workshops, keynotes and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Eligibility extends to startups with a high technological component or where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are key pieces. The application deadline is 31 March 2023. Details here
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
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
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
Village Capital — Ecosystem Restoration
Village Capital invites applications for the “Innovation for Ecosystem Restoration: LatAm 2023” accelerator. The program addresses entrepreneurs championing forest restoration, restoration of aquatic production ecosystems and rewilding throughout Latin America. Participants will receive mentorship and access to an investment analyst. Eligibility extends to (for-profit) startups building locally viable ecosystem restoration solutions. The startup has to have legal incorporation and operations in at least one Latin American country. Applications close 31 March 2023. Know more