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 23 May 2025. African Business Heroes
business/enterprise
Startup SG — Global Startup Competition
Startup SG seeks global startups to compete in the Slingshot 2025 Global Startup Competition. Entries to the competition need to present game-changing innovation in one of four challenge categories, including Environment, Energy and Green Technologies (e.g., Agriculture, Clean Energy, Food, or Green Technology). The Top 100 Global Startups will pitch to a global audience and compete for cash and grant prizes worth up to S$200 thousand. Interested participants have to register on the platform by 11 July 2025. Link to Slingshot
Curt Bergfors Foundation — Food Planet Prize
The Food Planet Prize seeks ideas that could solve the dilemma of feeding a growing population on a warming planet. The prize awards two initiatives with €2 million each to speed up their product, project, or program. Nominees can be individuals, groups, organizations or businesses. Nominations from all over the world are welcome. The Foundation accepts nominations all year round. Food Planet Prize
Microsoft — Climate Innovation Fund
Microsoft invests in initiatives to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital. Microsoft focuses on areas such as direct carbon removal, digital optimization, advanced energy systems, industrial materials, circular economy, water technologies, sustainable agriculture, and business strategies for nature-based markets. Inquiry can be submitted anytime. Know more
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (up to US$180 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 11 April 2025. Click here
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
EIT Climate-KIC — Green Business Idea Competition
ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that address climate change to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea boot camp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner-up €5 thousand. The submission deadlines vary by country (please check carefully). ClimateLaunchpad
Visegrad Fund — Western Balkans Grant Program
The International Visegrad Fund calls for grant projects that will facilitate the transfer of know-how between non-governmental and civil society organizations in Visegrad countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). Thematic areas include environment and sustainable development, among others. The program is open to any legal entity or natural person worldwide, with preference for projects submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations; public educational, cultural, and research institutions; and municipalities and local governments. Applicants can apply by 01 June and 01 October 2025. Visegrad+ Grants
Water Research Foundation — Research Award
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) recognizes individuals for innovative research in water quality and the water environment. The award includes a US$100 thousand grant. The award is open to individuals from all segments of the water quality community. Self-nominations are accepted. There are no restrictions based on citizenship or nationality. Nominations are due by 02 June 2025. Find more information