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
business/enterprise
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
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
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy and public 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
World Resources Institute — Land Accelerator Brazil
The Land Accelerator is a training and mentorship program targeted specifically toward businesses that restore degraded forests, farmland, and pasture. The Land Accelerator Brazil specifically targets entrepreneurs whose businesses restore Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Participants profit from mentorship and networking opportunities, technical training, and workshops. Five companies will receive financial support of up to R$50 thousand. Eligibility extends to small and medium-sized companies, societies or cooperatives. The application deadline is 27 February 2023. Land Accelerator Brazil
DeserTech — Water in Rural Africa
DeserTech launches a challenge competition to bring water technology to rural villages in Africa. The winning technology will get a sponsored Proof of Concept (POC) with Innovation:Africa. Innovation: Africa provides clean water to remote villages by drilling into the borehole and pumping water throughout rural areas. DeserTech is looking for off-grid, low-maintenance Israeli technologies that provide safe drinking water to villages. The winner will collaborate with Innovation: Africa in one country, with the potential for future implementations. The application deadline is 28 February 2023. Details