UNICEF Innovation Fund

Do you have a health tech solution to improve the lives of children? Apply for the UNICEF Innovation Fund before 20 October 2023

Do you have a health tech solution to improve the lives of children? Apply for the UNICEF Innovation Fund before 20 October 2023

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a new funding opportunity for health tech startups that use cutting-edge technologies to improve the lives of children. The UNICEF Innovation Fund is offering up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding to early-stage startups that are registered in one of UNICEF’s program countries.

The Fund is particularly interested in startups that are using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science, blockchain, and extended reality (XR) to address challenges in child health, nutrition, and mental health. Specific areas of interest include:

  • Developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for childhood diseases
  • Improving access to healthcare in remote and underserved communities
  • Using technology to prevent child abuse and neglect
  • Promoting mental health and well-being among children

Startups eligible for funding must have a working prototype and a commitment to open-source licensing. Female and youth-led/founded startups are encouraged to apply.

Successful participants will receive the following benefits:

  • Up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding
  • Access to UNICEF’s network of experts and partners
  • Support for developing and scaling your solution
  • Increased visibility for your startup

To apply for the Fund, visit Application


She Wins

Are you a woman entrepreneur struggling with access to finance, markets and networks? Apply for the IFC She Wins Africa program before 15 September 2023

Are you a woman entrepreneur struggling with access to finance, markets and networks? Apply for the IFC She Wins Africa program before 15 September 2023.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) invites applicants for the She Wins Africa program, launched to support women entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa. The She Wins Africa program addresses the challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing finance, markets, and networks. The program provides participants with training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them build skills and knowledge to build and grow their businesses.

The program includes the following components:

  • Investment readiness training: Participants will receive training on how to pitch their businesses to investors, develop financial projections, and build robust business plans.
  • Mentorship: Participants will be matched with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
  • Networking opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be for-profit businesses.
  • Have a female founder or co-founder.
  • Be based in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Have been operating for at least one year.
  • Have a clear business model and financial projections.

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:

  • Increased access to finance: The program provides participants with training on how to pitch their businesses to investors. This can help them secure the funding they need to grow their businesses.
  • Improved business skills: The program provides participants with training on various business topics, such as marketing, sales, and financial management. This can help them improve the performance of their businesses.
  • Increased networking opportunities: The program allows participants to connect with other women entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. This can help them build relationships and collaborate on new projects.
  • Increased visibility: The program allows participants to be featured on the IFC’s website and in its marketing materials. This can help them raise awareness of their businesses.

To apply for the program, visit Applications.


social entrepreneur

Imbaraga z’Ubujyanama : Impamvu ari ingenzi kuri ba Rwiyemezamirimo bagitangira imirimo

Imbaraga z’Ubujyanama : Impamvu ari ingenzi kuri ba Rwiyemezamirimo bagitangira imirimo

Gutangiza ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bishya bishobora kuba bintu bishimisha cyane kandi binaniza. Kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo bagitangira imirimo, kunyura mu bibazo bikomeye byo mu rwego rw’ubucuruzi bishobora kuba ibintu bikomeye; bikaba byatuma urugendo ruganisha ku mikorere myiza rubatera ubwoba. Iyo bimeze gutyo, ubujyanama bugaragara nk’igikoresho gikomeye gishobora kugira ingaruka ikomeye ku cyerekezo cy’urugendo rwa rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira. Muri iyi nyandiko, twibanze ku kugaragaza uburyo ubujyanama ari ikintu gituma rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira imirimo abasha gukora neza n’uburyo rwiyemezamirimo yabasha gushaka umujyanama washobora kumushyigikira.

Dore uburyo umujyanama yabasha gufasha rwiyemezamirimo:

Kwigira ku byo umuntu yanyuzemo : Abajyanama bazana ubumenyi n’ubunanararibonye bwinshi. Bishoboka ko nabo baba baranyuze mu ngorane no mu nzitizi zimeze kimwe n’izo rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira imirimo  anyuramo. Iyo babwiye abandi uko byabagendekeye, abajyanama baba batanze ibitekerezo by’ingirakamaro n’amasomo ashobora gufasha ba rwiyemezamirimo bashya kwirinda kugwa mu mitego benshi baba barakunze kugwamo bigatuma bafata ibyemezo bazi impamvu babifashe. Iyo babonye inama z’umujyanama, ba rwiyemezamirimo bashobora gufata ibyemezo bazi impamvu babifashe, bakagabanya ubukana bw’ingorane ziterwa n’amakosa atuma batanga amafaranga menshi kandi bakabasha gukoresha neza igihe n’amikoro baba bafite.

Kubaka ihuriro ry’imikoranire hagati y’abantu bakora ibikorwa bimwe rikomeye : Kenshi na kenshi, abajyanama bagira amahuriro y’imikoranire y’abantu bakora imirimo imwe yagutse mu rwego rw’imirimo bakoreramo. Kumenyana no guhuzwa bamwe n’abandi bikorwa binyuze ku mujyanama bishobora gukingurira amarembo abashobora kuba abashoramari, abakiriya, cyangwa abafatanyabikorwa. Ihuriro ry’imikoranire ry’abantu bakora imirimo imwe rikomeye rishobora kwihutisha izamuka rya rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira imirimo rikanongera amahirwe ye yo kubasha gukora neza.

Kubwira rwiyemezamirimo uko ibintu biteye mu by’ukuri : Abajyanama bashobora gutanga inama zitabogamye kandi zubaka. Bashobora gusuzuma mu buryo butabogamye ingamba za rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira, ibicuruzwa cyangwa serivisi ze; bakanareba ahari ibibazo hakwiye kunozwa. Gutanga inama zinenga ariko zubaka bituma rwiyemezamirimo abasha kunononsora ibitekerezo bye noneho akabihuza n’ibikorwa biba bikenewe.

Kwimaka umuco wo kwita ku byo umuntu akora : Abajyanama bashobora gutuma ba rwiyemezamirimo bita ku byo bakora no ku ntego zabo. Iyo bashyizeho ibimenyetso by’ibigomba kugerwaho bakanasuzuma ibigenda bikorwa buri gihe, abajyanama baba bari  kugukurikirana ba rwiyemezamirimo, babarinda kurangara cyangwa guteshusha ku cyerekezo cya rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira imirimo.

Kugira icyizere n’ubushobozi bwo Kuyobora : Ubujyanama bwongerera ba rwiyemezamirimo ubushobozi bw’ingirakamaro bwo kuyobora. Iyo bitegereje kandi bakigira ku bajyanama babo, ba rwiyemezamirimo bagitangira imirimo babasha kunoza uburyo bwabo bakoresha bayobora noneho bakazamura icyizere baba bakeneye kugirango babashe kuyobora itsinda ryabo uko bikwiye.

Kenshi na kenshi, abajyanama baha agaciro gake imitekerereze isanzwe imenyerewe ahubwo bagashishikariza ba rwiyemezamirimo gukoresha uburyo bwo guhanga ugushya. Iyi myumvire mishya ishobora gufasha ba rwiyemezamirimo gutekereza ibindi bintu; ibyo bikaba byatuma bashaka ibisubizo bijyanye no guhanga udushya bikanatanga akarusho mu bijyanye no guhigana ku isoko.

Mu buryo butagibwaho impaka, ubujyanama ni ikintu gikomeye cyane kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo bagitangira imirimo. Inama, ubufasha, n’ubwenge bigishwa n’abajyanama bishobora gutuma habaho ikinyuranyo mu rugendo rwabo rwekeza ku iterambere nka ba rwiyemezamirimo. Kwakira ubujyanama binoza ibitekerezo bya rwiyemezamirimo ugitangira imirimo; bikanatuma agira imikurire ye ku giti cye n’ubudaheranwa. Ba rwiyemezamirimo bafite inyota yo gutera imbere bahamagariwe gushaka abajyanama bafite ibitekerezo bijyanye n’icyerekezo cyabo, n’indangaciro zabo ndetse n’intego zabo kuberako imbaraga z’ubujyanama zishobora kuba imbarutso zizamura  ubucuruzi bwabo zikabushyira ku zindi ntera nshya z’ibyo bugenda bugeraho.


Power of Mentorship

The Power of Mentorship

The Power of Mentorship: Why It’s Key for a Startup Entrepreneur

Starting a new business can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. For a startup entrepreneur, navigating the complexities of the business world can be challenging, making the journey to success seem daunting. In such situations, mentorship emerges as a powerful tool that can significantly impact the trajectory of a startup. In this article, we delve into the reasons why mentorship is a key factor for a startup entrepreneur’s success and how to identify a mentor who can support you.

Here’s how a mentor can help:

Learning from experience: Mentors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. They have likely encountered similar challenges and obstacles that a startup entrepreneur is facing. By sharing their experiences, mentors provide valuable insights and lessons that can help new entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. With a mentor’s guidance, entrepreneurs can make well-informed decisions, mitigating the risk of costly errors and preserving valuable time and resources

Building a strong network: Mentors often have extensive networks within the industry. Introductions and connections made through a mentor can open doors to potential investors, clients, or partners. A robust network can accelerate a startup’s growth and increase its chances of success.

Objective feedback: Mentors can offer impartial and constructive feedback. They can objectively assess the startup’s strategies, products, or services, identifying areas for improvement. Constructive criticism allows an entrepreneur to refine their ideas and make necessary adjustments.

Fostering accountability: Mentors help hold entrepreneurs accountable for their actions and goals. By setting milestones and regularly reviewing progress, mentors keep entrepreneurs focused and on track, preventing distractions or deviating from the startup’s vision.

Gaining Confidence and Leadership Skills: Mentorship empowers entrepreneurs with valuable leadership skills. By observing and learning from their mentors, startup entrepreneurs can hone their own leadership style and cultivate the confidence needed to lead their teams effectively.

Innovative Thinking: Mentors often challenge conventional thinking and encourage innovative approaches. This mindset shift can inspire the entrepreneur to think outside the box, leading to creative solutions and competitive advantages.

Mentorship is undeniably a critical element for startup entrepreneurs. The guidance, support, and wisdom shared by mentors can make a significant difference in the journey towards entrepreneurial success. Embracing mentorship not only enhances the startup’s prospects but also fosters personal growth and resilience. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek out mentors who align with their vision, values, and goals, as the power of mentorship can be the catalyst that propels their startups to new heights of achievement.

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Ambuka Competition

Are you an export-oriented business in need of funding? Apply for the EGF Ambuka Competition before 17 September 2023

Ambuka Competition

Are you an export-oriented business in need of funding? Apply for the EGF Ambuka Competition before 17 September 2023

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) invites participants to apply for funding from the Export Growth Fund (EGF) through its Ambuka Competition. The Fund was established with the aim of supporting and stimulating the growth of export-oriented businesses in Rwanda by providing much-needed affordable financing and technical assistance.

The EGF offers a number of benefits to eligible businesses, including:

  • Flexible financing terms that are tailored to the needs of each business with terms of up to 10 years and interest rates of up to 9%.
  • Collateral-free financing, making it easier for businesses to access financing even if they do not have assets to pledge.
  • Technical assistance to help businesses improve their export performance. This includes things like training on market research, product development, and export documentation.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a Rwandan or registered Rwandan company/Enterprise operating in Rwanda.
  • Having already made exports or intending to make exports
  • Having a comprehensive business plan reflecting the targeted increase in exports, projections of expected production, exports return, expected developmental impacts and profits for the project and/or the company
  • Having financial statements of the last 3 years for existing companies. 1- and 2-year financial statements are applicable to companies with 1 and 2 years of existence
  • Having bank statements for 1 year
  • Having defined financing needs in investment, working capital or matching grant
  • Commit to comply with environmental regulations

To apply, visit: Ambuka Competition Applications


Mental Wellbeing

Rejections: Mastering the Art of Rejection And Build Resilience.

Author:
Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Expert Entrepreneur
Date:
The Art of Ideating – Newsletter

Rejection. An inevitable part of life, it is particularly so for those who dare to step into the world of growth or even entrepreneurship. From clients declining proposals to ideas needing to meet the enthusiasm they deserve or even being rejected by your own people, can often feel like a daunting roadblock. However, as I learned through my own journey, it’s possible to transform rejection from a roadblock into a stepping stone.

In my life, I faced more rejections than I could count. Each ‘no’ felt like a critique of my vision, creativity, personal belief, and even me. Each failed business venture felt like a nail in the coffin of my dreams. However, with time and much soul-searching, I learned that these rejections did not measure my worth or potential. Instead, they were opportunities for learning and growth.

One of the most challenging aspects of my journey was that it was often not there when I reached out for support. The people I thought would be my cheerleaders sometimes rejected my ideas or me as a person. I was rejected for not being one of them, for being misunderstood, and for being me.  This was a tough pill to swallow, but it forced me to develop a thick skin and become my own biggest supporter.

Dealing with rejection, particularly from those close to us, can be a gut-wrenching experience. However, over time, I learned great ways to cope:

Separate the Rejection from Your Self-Worth: Remember, rejecting your idea or business is not a rejection of you as a person. You are not your work. This distinction can help prevent rejection from affecting your self-esteem.

Use Rejection as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of seeing rejection as a dead-end, view it as feedback. Analyze what didn’t work and use this knowledge to refine your ways of doing, improve your skills, and return stronger.

Practice Resilience: Like a boxer in a ring, you must get back up each time you get knocked down. Resilience is the key to transforming rejection into success. This is a trait I saw exemplified by being Rwandan and learning from our own transformation. We Rwandans chose to see their challenge not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth.

Build a Trusted Support Group: Surround yourself with positive influences and people who believe in you no matter what. They can provide the encouragement you need when you face rejection.

Don’t stop: Persistence is crucial in the face of rejection. Remember that ‘no’ often means ‘not yet.’ Keep refining your craft, and stay true to your vision.

My journey as an entrepreneur of, even my personal life, for I have grown up till today, has been filled with rejection, but every ‘no’ and every failed venture has been a stepping stone towards growth and eventual success.

Mastering the art of rejection is about transformation and resilience. It’s about shifting our perspective to see every ‘no’ as a ‘not yet,’ every setback as a setup for a comeback. It’s about embracing the lessons that rejection brings and using them as fuel to drive our growth.

Rejection is not a dead end; it’s a return on the path to success. And remember, you are not alone in your journey. We are all navigating the path of rejection, resilience, and eventual triumph.


ibibazo mu bucuruzi

Guhura no kwakira Ibibazo mu bucuruzi bishobora gufasha rwiyemezamirimo kubaka ubudaheranwa. Dore uko bigenda!

Guhura no kwakira Ibibazo mu bucuruzi bishobora gufasha rwiyemezamirimo kubaka ubudaheranwa. Dore uko bigenda!

Kuba rwiyemezamirimo bishobora kuba inzira ishimishije kandi ibyara n’inyungu,ariko bishobora nanone kuba  inzira y’inzitane  irimo ingorane nyinshi umuntu ashobora guhuriramo n’ibintu atazi. Nubwo inkuru zijyanye n’ubucuruzi bugenda neza arizo zikunze kugaragara mu nkuru nyamukuru z’ibitangazamakuru, ibidakunze kugaragara ni ubucuruzi buhomba butagira umubare  ariko bukaba ari bwo buharura inzira ituma nyirabwo abasha gutsinda. Guhomba ni igice cy’urugendo ba rwiyemezamirimo badashobora kwirinda. Ariko,  ubushobozi bwo kugeruka ukava mu ngorane no mu bibazo ni bwo butandukanya ba rwiyemezamirimo bahiriwe n’abandi bitagendekeye neza. Iyi nkuru iribanda ku mpamvu ibihombo n’ubudaheranwa ari bimwe mu bice  by’ingenzi bigize urugendo rwo kuba rwiyemezamirimo n’uburyo guhura na byo no kubyakira bishobora gufasha rwiyemezamirimo gutera imbere cyane.

Igihombo nk’imbarutso yo gutera imbere: Mu bijyanye no kuba rwiyemezamirimo, guhomba ntabwo bifatwa nk’iherezo ry’ubuzima; ahubwo ni uburyo bushobora gutuma rwiyemezamirimo abasha gutera imbere akanarushaho kunoza imikorere ye. Iyo ba rwiyemezamirimo bahuye n’ibihombo, bazana amahirwe atagira uko anagana yo kwigira ku makossa bakoze, kunoza ingamba zabo, no kuzana ibisubizo byo guhanga udushya. Urugero, iyo igicuruzwa kigiye ku isoko kibuze abaguzi, bishobora gutuma nyiracyo yunguka ibitekerezo bimufasha gukora igicuruzwa kirushijeho kuba kiza cyangwa agashyiraho ingamba y’ubucuruzi irushijeho kujyana n’isoko. Guhura n’igihombo no kwabyakira no kubikoresha nk’imbarutso yo guhanga ibicuruzwa bishya bishobora gutuma rwiyemezamirimo abasha gutera imbere ku buryo bitari kuza gushoboka iyo ataza guhura n’ibyo bibazo. Buri kintu cyose rwiyemezamirimo ananiwe gukora kimuha  ibitekerezo by’ingenzi bituma abasha kuba yakwegera imikorere myiza kurushaho. Fata ibihombo nk’amahirwe yo gusuzuma ibyo wakoze n’uburyo ukwiye kuzabikora mu gihe kiri imbere.

Kugira imyumvire yo gutera imbere:  Ubudaheranwa bufitanye isano ya bugufi n’imyumvire yo gutera imbere- gutekereza ko ubushobozi n’ubwenge bishobora gutezwa imbere binyuze mu kwitangira ibyo  umuntu akora no gukora cyane. Ba rwiyemezamirimo bafite intumbero yo gutera imbere bafata  igihombo nk’igice karemano cy’urugendo rw’imyigire. Aho kurohamishwa no kutabasha kwiyizera cyangwa  n’ubwoba, hangana n’izo ngorane ufite amatsiko n’ishyaka maze ugerageze kwumva  uburyo wanoza kandi ugahuza ingamba n’ibikorwa uzakora mu bihe biri imbere.

Koga mu mihindagurikire y’amarangamutima: Kugira ubudaheranwa mu rwego rw’amarangamutima ni ingenzi kugirango umuntu abashe kujyana n’imihandagurikire y’amarangamutima ba rwiyemezamirimo bahura nayo – amarangamutima y’urugendo yo hejuru n’ayo hasi. Kubasha gucunga ko abandi bashobora kuba ba rwiyemezamirimo batakwakira, guhangana n’igwa ry’isoko cyangwa kutabasha kugurisha mu gihe runaka igicuruzwa gishya kigeze ku isoko bishobora gutera ibibazo byo mu rwego rw’amarangamutima. Ba rwiyemezamirimo bagomba kugira ubwenge bwo mu rwego rw’amarangamutima kugirango babashe gucunga imihangayiko, impungenge, n’ibyiyumviro byo kutabasha gukora ikintu runaka. Iyegereze itsinda ry’abantu bagushyigikira bakugira inama na bagenzi bawe kugirango bagufashe guhangana n’imihindagurukire y’amarangamutima.

Kwiyubakamo Umutima ukomeye :  Umutima ukomeye, gudacika intege no gushishikarira kugera ku ntego z’igihe kirekire ni byo biranga ba rwiyemezamirimo bafite ubudaheranwa. Ubushake bwo gukomeza gukora kabone n’iyo waba wahuye n’ibibazo butuma ba rwiyemezamirimo babasha gukora neza ureste abahita bareka ibikorwa byabo ako kanya. Kuba ba rwiyemezamirimo nta na rimwe biba ari ukoga mu nyanja  ituje. Ariko, abafite umutima ukomeye babasha kunyura mu nkubi y’umuyaga bakagumya guhatana kugirango babashe gutera imbere. [ANDIKA HANO UBURYO UMUNTU YAKWIYUBAKAMO UMUTIMA UKOMEYE].

 

Guhindura ingorane mo amahirwe : Ba rwiyemezamirimo barangwa n’ubudaheranwa bafata ingorane nk’amahirwe yo gushingiraho no guhanga udushya. Bumva ko ingorane kenshi na kenshi ziganisha ku mahirwe atunguranye yo gutera imbere no kunoza ibyo bakora.

Mu bikorwa bya ba rwiyemezamirimo, igihombo ntabwo ari ikintu umuntu ahitamo ahubwo ni igice cy’urugendo. Ubudaheranwa ni intwaro ifasha ba rwiyemezamirimo guhangana n’ibibazo, kubikuramo amasomo, no kubikuramo ingufu n’ubuhanga bwisumbuye. Iyo ba rwiyemezamirimo bakiriye ibihombo banyuramo kandi bagakomeza ubudaheranwa, bahindura ingorane banyuramo mo imbarutso basimbukiraho kugirango babashe gutera imbere.


ibibazo mu bucuruzi

Failure is Not an Option: How Resilient Entrepreneurs Bounce Back from Setbacks

Embracing failure can help an entrepreneur build resilience. Here’s how!

Entrepreneurship can be a thrilling and rewarding journey, but it is also fraught with challenges and uncertainties. While success stories often grab the headlines, what goes unnoticed are the countless failures that pave the way to triumph. Failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial process, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest. This article will explore why failure and resilience are essential components of the entrepreneurship journey and how embracing them can lead to greater achievements.

Failure as a trigger for growth: Failure in entrepreneurship is not an endpoint but a means towards growth and improvement. When entrepreneurs encounter failures, they come with invaluable opportunities to learn from mistakes, refine strategies, and develop innovative solutions. For instance, a failed product launch might lead to insights that inspire the development of an even better product or a more targeted marketing strategy. Embracing failure and using it as a catalyst for creativity can lead to breakthroughs that may not have been possible otherwise. Each failure provides critical insights that bring entrepreneurs closer to success. See failures as an opportunity to examine what you did and how you might be able to do better next time.

Embracing a growth mindset: Resilience is closely tied to adopting a growth mindset—a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset view failure as a natural part of the learning process. Rather than succumbing to self-doubt or fear, approach challenges with curiosity and determination, seeking to understand how to improve and adapt strategies for future endeavors.

Navigating the emotional rollercoaster: Emotional resilience is crucial to navigate the fluctuations entrepreneurs experience – the highs and lows of the journey. Managing rejections from potential investors, facing market downturns, or witnessing temporary failure of a product launch can be emotionally draining. Entrepreneurs must develop emotional intelligence to effectively manage stress, anxiety, and disappointment. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers to help cope with the emotional roller coaster.

Building grit: Grit, unwavering perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals, is a defining trait of resilient entrepreneurs. The willingness to keep going despite obstacles and setbacks sets successful entrepreneurs apart from those who give up too soon. Entrepreneurial ventures are never smooth sailing, but those who possess grit can weather storms and continue striving for success. [INSERT HERE HOW TO BUILD GRIT].

Turning setbacks into opportunities: Resilient entrepreneurs view setbacks as opportunities to pivot and innovate. They understand that challenges often lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and improvement.

In entrepreneurship, failure is not an option but a necessary part of the journey. Resilience is the armour that equips entrepreneurs to face failure head-on, learn from it, and emerge stronger and wiser. By embracing failure and developing resilience, entrepreneurs transform stumbling blocks into stepping stones on success.


Innovation Challenge

Do you have an innovative idea that addresses a social challenge? Apply for funding and business development support from the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge before 20 August 2023

Do you have an innovative idea that addresses a social challenge? Apply for funding and business development support from the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge before 20 August 2023

The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge, a global competition that aims to empower young social innovators, invites applications for its 2023 edition. The Challenge is designed to provide young social innovators with the resources and support they need to develop and implement their ideas.

Participants will have access to a world-leading Digital Incubator program, which includes e-learning, live events, peer support, and the opportunity to access expert mentors from the world’s leading companies. The Challenge also offers a cash prize of up to $10,000 for the best ideas.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges who will be looking for ideas that are innovative, scalable, and have the potential to make a real impact on the world. Interested participants must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:

  • Be aged 18-30 years old
  • Be from anywhere in the world
  • Have an idea for a social innovation project
  • Be able to commit to the entire duration of the Challenge (August 2023 – February 2024)

To apply, visit: Application


Changemakers Innovation Challenge

Do you have a tech solution that creates social change in your community? Apply for funding from ACT Foundation’s Changemaker Innovation Challenge before 31 July 2023

Do you have a tech solution that creates social change in your community? Apply for funding from ACT Foundation’s Changemaker Innovation Challenge before 31 July 2023

The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation invites applicants to the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, which recognizes and rewards innovative social impact projects that use technology. The Challenge is open to African organizations (non-profits, businesses, and social enterprises) working to address a social or environmental challenge.

Winners of the Challenge will receive the following benefits:

  • A cash prize of $10,000 to support their project.
  • Access to a network of mentors and experts who can help them to develop and grow their projects.
  • Exposure to potential funders and partners.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a registered non-profit, business, or social enterprise in Africa.
  • Be using technology to create social change in their communities.
  • Have a project that is already in operation or ready to be implemented.

To apply, visit: Changemakers Innovation Challenge Application

 

The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation invites applicants to the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, which recognizes and rewards innovative social impact projects that use technology. The Challenge is open to African organizations (non-profits, businesses, and social enterprises) working to address a social or environmental challenge.

Winners of the Challenge will receive the following benefits:

  • A cash prize of $10,000 to support their project.
  • Access to a network of mentors and experts who can help them to develop and grow their projects.
  • Exposure to potential funders and partners.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a registered non-profit, business, or social enterprise in Africa.
  • Be using technology to create social change in their communities.
  • Have a project that is already in operation or ready to be implemented.

To apply, visit: Changemakers Innovation Challenge Application