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
social 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
ENGIE Corporate Foundation — Grants for Improved Energy Access
The ENGIE Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include support for improved energy access by disadvantaged communities. Applicants provide summary information about their organization and its partners; objectives and context of the proposed project; details of the funding request; and how the project will be evaluated. Applications (French, English, Dutch) can be submitted at any time. Link
Cisco — Network Technology to Solve Social Challenges
Cisco welcomes applications for cash grants from community organizations around the world who offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge. Cisco supports non-profit organizations that apply digital technology and have a broad impact on the most economically underserved parts of the world. The maximum request amount for first-time grant recipients is US$75 thousand. Interested organizations take an eligibility quiz to determine whether they are aligned with Cisco’s mission. Applications are accepted year-round. 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
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
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 31 May 2025. BeChangeMarker
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
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non-profit, for-profit, and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
Fondation Franklinia — Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees
The Foundation Franklinia accepts project proposals focused on in-situ conservation of threatened trees in Latin America and the Caribbean. Eligibility extends to any organization with well-established expertise and efficiency in plant conservation. Projects must aim at improving the conservation status of globally threatened tree species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Funding from the Foundation favors conservation projects with reasonable budgets in relation to proposed activities. A minimum of 20-50% of co-funding will be required. The deadline for submission of proposals (English or French) is 06 April 2025. Tree Conservation