The Watson Institute offers a 16-week program designed for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their ventures with access to a global network, training designed to strengthen skills, and mentorship with seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives. Fellows can earn up to US$6,000 in seed funding for their venture. Eligibility extends to entrepreneurs leading an early-stage social impact venture, with a preference to applicants from the USA, Brazil, China, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The Watson Institute accepts applications until 01 June 2024. Link
social enterprise
Startup SG — Global Startup Competition
Startup SG seeks global startups to compete in the Slingshot 2024 Global Startup Competition. Entries to the competition need to present game-changing innovation in one of four challenge categories, including Sustainability (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 01 July 2024. Link to Slingshot
BeChangeMaker Africa — Social Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program
BeChangeMaker is an online training program for social entrepreneurs. Participants gain access to tools and technology for start-ups, coaching, mentoring, and access to a diverse global network of potential investors. Interested social entrepreneurs have to form a team of 2-5 people between the ages of 18 and 35 years and present a social challenge they wish to address. Applications are open until 25 May 2024. BeChangeMarker
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Woman Greening Food Systems Award
PRIMA seeks innovative solutions for greening food systems, emphasizing practices led by women in the Mediterranean region, focusing on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and resource efficiency in agriculture, food production, and waste reduction. PRIMA will award two winners with €10 thousand each. The deadline for nominations is 07 June 2024. Know more
Melania Development Foundation — Support to Grassroots Womens’ Groups
Melania focuses on self-help projects that contribute to the improvement of the social, economic, and cultural position of women in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Projects have to focus on income-generating activities, which may include agriculture (e.g., chicken farming, beekeeping, aquaculture, etc.) and several others. Melania invites and reviews project applications. Melania selects and proposes some of these projects to Dutch women’s groups for requested financial support. There is no calendar deadline. Find support
Arizona State University — Competition for Women Social Entrepreneurs
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The challenge honors innovative women entrepreneurs, invests in the most inspiring and transformational ideas, and ignites awareness. Awardees will participate in a dynamic pitch competition to present their business for the opportunity to receive a US$20 thousand grant. The competition is open to female entrepreneurs and business leaders from all around the world. The application deadline is 12 April 2024. WE Empower
SEED — Starter Program for Eco-Enterprises
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 Kenya are invited to apply for the next starter workshop. Applications have to be received by 15 April 2024. Link to current openings
Orange Telecom — Orange Social Venture Prize 2024
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 26 May 2024. Orange Social Venture Prize
Vital Voices — Fellowships for Women Entrepreneurs
Vital Voices offers GROW Fellowships to women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. Thematic business areas may include agriculture, fisheries, and forestry with potential for growth. A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2024. GROW Fellowships
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2024
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 19 May 2024. African Business Heroes