The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2023, the challenge focuses on South Africa. 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 2023 challenge closes on 15 April 2023. African Impact Challenge
social enterprise
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 South Africa are invited to apply for the next starter workshop. Applications have to be received by 23 April 2023. Link to current openings
Greenovations — Incubation and Mentorship Program Africa
Greenovations Africa offers incubation and mentorship support for green entrepreneurs. The program is open to young innovators and entrepreneurs from African nationalities, aged below 35 years old, with an innovative business in an early stage in the following green sectors: Agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, water management and climate action. Participants receive tailor-made support, mentorship, as well as a seed grant funding of €3,300 to bring their innovation to market and scale. The deadline for application is 23 April 2023. Greenovations Africa
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world, and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 14 May 2023 (early deadline); 04 June 2023 (regular deadline); or 25 June 2023 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
Watson Institute — Education in Social Entrepreneurship
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 July 2023. Link
United Nations World Food Programme — Food Systems Challenge: Rwanda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) seeks solutions in Rwanda that address food insecurity through strengthening food systems. The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge supports the scaling of innovative start-ups, small businesses, and cooperatives with commercially viable solutions to address gaps in the food system. Each selected venture will receive up to US$30 thousand in grant funding and 4 months technical support. Applications close 31 March 2023. IGNITE Food Systems Challenge
Global Counsel — Social Impact Program
Global Counsel helps organizations in different sectors to understand how politics, policy and regulation affect them in practice. The Global Counsel Social Impact Program aims to support non-profit organizations, as well as small for-profits with strong values-based aims, on a pro bono basis. Successful applicants will benefit from a tailored fixed-term consultancy engagement. Not-for-profit organizations and small for-profit organizations worldwide, such as social enterprises, can apply. Applications close on 28 April 2023. Visit Global Counsel
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 03 June 2023. BeChangeMarker 2023
GrowthAfrica — Accelerator for African Entrepreneurs
GrowthAfrica supports African businesses and entrepreneurs through an annual accelerator program. Participants of the program receive individualized and tailored in-company support, access to potential investors, leadership training and mentorship. Entrepreneurs in the fields of Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Water & Sanitation are especially welcome. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana. The application process is open and ongoing. GrowthAfrica
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 16 April 2023. WE Empower