Rockstart funds and empowers purpose-driven founders scaling impactful solutions by leveraging emerging technologies and new business models that improve the food supply. Rockstart invests in early-stage startups with a focus on agri-tech and food-tech. It seeks solutions that restore soils and oceans to become powerhouses for CO2 capture, innovations that create value from wasted food and reduce food loss, and tools that provide consumers with better access to trustworthy, nutritious food. Rockstart provides co-investments, mentorship, and market introductions. Applications close 01 April 2024. Rockstart AgriFood Program
business/enterprise
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
Earth Journalism Network — Media Grants to Strengthen Infrastructure Reporting in Southeast Asia
Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers organizational grants averaging US$20 thousand to support media and journalism activities to strengthen reporting on infrastructure development and public engagement in infrastructure debates. Media outlets and CSOs in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) are invited to apply. The application deadline is 12 March 2024. Details here
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises looking to scale a proven impact model. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. Participants are selected on a rolling basis. The application deadline for the upcoming accelerator is 15 March 2024. Link to Miller Center
World Resources Institute — Land Accelerator Africa
The Land Accelerator is a training and mentorship program targeted specifically toward businesses that restore degraded forests, farmland, and pasture. The Land Accelerator Africa provides entrepreneurs across Africa with mentorship and networking opportunities, technical training, and workshops, as well as potential investors. Participants have the chance to receive an innovation grant of US$5,000. Companies that restore land and have at least one prototype are preferred. The application cycle is open through 15 March 2024. Land Accelerator Africa
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
African Impact Initiative — Business Challenge
The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge
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 and 31 October 2024. Details here
ygap — Poverty Solutions for South Africa
The ygap accelerator provides support to South African leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in South Africa, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications are closing on 31 July 2024. ygap South Africa
Blue Marine Foundation — Ocean Awards
The Ocean Awards recognize individuals, community groups, organizations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the health of the marine environment, to the sustainable management of marine resources, or to public engagement with the oceans and seas. Winners will receive media coverage and have a professional film about their achievements. Initiatives from all around the world can be nominated for the award. Nominations can be submitted on a rolling basis. Ocean Awards