Are you an early-stage social enterprise interested in scaling? Apply for the BfE Incubation Programme before 1 October 2023
Are you an early-stage social enterprise interested in scaling? Apply for the BfE Incubation Programme before 1 October 2023
Bridges for Enterprise, a non-profit organization that provides pro bono advisory services to social innovators in the developing world, invites applicants for the BfE Incubation Programme. The programme lasts for 6 to 8 months, with multiple implementation stages customized to best support participants to scale their social enterprises. Applications are due 1 October 2023.
Through the programme, participants will be offered consulting and financial advisory services as well as optional legal and technical advisory services. Consulting, financial and legal advisory services will each have a 3 to 4 month timeline, while the technical advisory services will have a timeframe of 3 to 6 months.
The programme will accept social enterprises that demonstrate the following:
- A unique minimum viable product (MVP) that addresses one or more key development challenges
- Revenue-generating business model
- Generates positive environmental or social impact in the communities served
- Leadership team that demonstrates commitment
Additionally, the programme is suitable for social enterprises which fulfil the following:
- Be a for-profit or non-profit social enterprise
- Be an early-stage start-up at the pre-seed or seed stage
- Have an existing product or service and have started earning revenue
- Be legally established in Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East
- Demonstrate a clear path to financial returns and impact
To apply for this programme, visit: Submit Application
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
Are you a start-up with a proven poverty intervention in need of funding? Apply for the D-Prize Challenge before 26 November 2023
Are you a start-up with a proven poverty intervention in need of funding? Apply for the D-Prize Challenge before 26 November 2023
D-Prize, a United States-based non-profit organisation, invites applicants for the D-Prize Challenge for social entrepreneurs with innovations to end poverty. Through the Challenge, D-Prize will identify effective interventions to support with seed funding of USD 20,000.
Interested participants should have innovations in at least one of the D-Prize focus areas, which include health, access to clean water, education, agriculture, livelihoods, energy and public services. Additionally, interested participants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Deliver an existing intervention with a need for high-risk capital that cannot be supported by your current revenue or donors
- Be operational for not more than 18 months and have raised no more than USD 30,000 in outside funding
- Application must be submitted in English (it does not have to be perfect, as long as it is enough to understand your idea)
For more information on the Challenge, visit D-Prize Challenge Application Packet
To apply for the Challenge, visit: Application
Are you an export-oriented business in need of funding? Apply for the EGF Ambuka Competition before 17 September 2023
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
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
Do you have an innovative tech solution addressing education, agriculture or healthcare? Apply for funding and business development support from the FAST Accelerator program
Do you have an innovative tech solution addressing education, agriculture or healthcare? Apply for funding and business development support from the FAST Accelerator program
FAST Accelerator program, a global initiative created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, invites applicants for the program’s second cohort, aimed at supporting the next generation of African innovators who are building solutions that address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The program is open to startups from all sectors, but there is a particular focus on startups using technology to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and other key areas.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to business development resources: The program provides startups access to a team of experienced business development professionals who can help them develop their go-to-market strategy, identify new customers, and raise funding.
- Access to technology integration resources: The program provides startups with access to Microsoft’s technology experts, who can help them integrate Microsoft’s cloud-based solutions into their businesses.
- Access to funding: The program allows startups to apply for funding from Microsoft and other investors.
- Access to a community of African innovators: The program allows startups to connect with other African innovators working to solve similar problems.
Interested must meet the following criteria to be apply:
- Be based in Africa.
- Have a minimum viable product or prototype.
- Have a team of at least two people.
- Be passionate about solving problems in Africa.
To apply, visit: Applications
Do you know a women-led business making a significant contribution to Africa’s economic and social development? Nominate them for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Awards before 17 July 2023
Do you know a women-led business making a significant contribution to Africa’s economic and social development? Nominate them for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Awards before 17 July 2023
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), an annual event celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across Africa, invites nominations for the AWIEF Awards 2023. Happening from 9 – 10 November 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, the Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making a significant contribution to Africa’s economic and social development.
The Awards consist of eight categories, which include:
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Young Entrepreneur Award
- Social Enterprise Award
- Technology Innovation Award
- Fashion and Design Award
- Agriculture and Agribusiness Award
- Tourism and Hospitality Award
- Finance and Investments Award
Interested participants should nominate a business that fulfils the following criteria:
- Be a woman entrepreneur or business leader
- Be based in Africa
- Have a track record of success in their business
- Have made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of Africa
Selected businesses from the nominations will receive the following benefits:
- Increased visibility and recognition
- Increased access to funding and resources
- Increased opportunities for networking and collaboration
- Increased credibility and influence
- Inspiration and motivation for other women entrepreneurs
To nominate a business, visit: AWIEF 2023 Applications
Funding opportunity for an early-stage start-up: Apply for the ARM Labs Lagos Accelerator program before 9 August 2023
Funding opportunity for an early-stage start-up: Apply for the ARM Labs Lagos Accelerator program before 9 August 2023
Techstars, a global investment company, invites applicants for the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator program. The three-month, in-person program provides early-stage startups in Africa access to capital, mentorship, and connections. The program is focused on FinTech, Mobility, E-commerce, and TalentTech startups.
Successful applicants to the program will receive the following benefits:
- Access to capital: The program provides startups with $100,000 in seed funding. This funding can be used to grow the business, hire new employees, or develop new products or services.
- Access to mentorship: The program provides startups access to a global network of mentors. These mentors can provide advice and guidance on various topics, including business strategy, marketing, and fundraising.
- Programming and workshops: The program provides startups with programming and workshops on a variety of topics. This programming can help startups to improve their business operations, develop new products or services, and grow their businesses.
- Investor introductions: The program provides startups with introductions to investors. These investors may be interested in investing in the startup’s business.
Interested participants should meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be based in Africa
- Be in the early stages of development
- Have a team of at least two founders
- Be focused on FinTech, Mobility, E-commerce, or TalentTech
To apply for the program, visit: Program applications
Do you have a business addressing sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems? Apply for the Circular Food Systems Rwanda SME Fund before 31 May 2023
Do you have a business addressing sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems? Apply for the Circular Food Systems Rwanda SME Fund before 31 May 2023
The Circular Food Systems for Rwanda, an initiative that seeks to transform Rwanda’s food system to be more circular and sustainable, invites applicants for the SME Fund. The Fund seeks to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to implementing circular economy principles in their operations. Through financial assistance and technical support, the Fund aims to foster innovation, create jobs, and contribute to a more resilient and environmentally friendly food system in Rwanda.
The program prioritizes the following principles:
- Reduce waste: Minimize food loss and waste at all supply chain stages from production to consumption.
- Optimize resources: Use resources efficiently, including energy, water, and raw materials to minimize environmental impact.
- Regenerate natural systems: Support the health of ecosystems and biodiversity by adopting regenerative agricultural practices and reducing pollution.
- Design for circularity: Develop products and packaging that can be reused, recycled, or composted, minimizing the need for new materials.
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be a registered SME in Rwanda operating in the food sector.
- Demonstrate a commitment to implementing circular economy principles in their operations.
- Have a viable business plan that outlines how the funds will be used to support circular practices.
- Show potential for growth, job creation, and positive environmental impact.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to finance: The Fund provides much-needed capital to help businesses invest in circular practices and grow their operations.
- Technical support: Businesses can access expert advice and guidance on implementing circular practices, improving operations, and reducing environmental impact.
- Capacity building: The Fund offers training and capacity-building opportunities to help businesses develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a circular economy.
- Networking opportunities: Participating businesses can connect with other like-minded SMEs, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the sector.
To apply, visit: SME Fund Application
Are you an e-health start-up interested in funding? Apply for the Investing in Africa i3 Program before 26 June 2023
Are you an e-health start-up interested in funding? Apply for the Investing in Africa i3 Program before 22 May 2023
Investing in Innovation (i3), a pan-African initiative invites e-health start-ups to the Investing in Africa i3 Program. i3 aims to accelerate the development and scale-up of innovative solutions that improve the availability, accessibility, affordability, quality and visibility of health products at scale in Africa. The Program seeks to advance access for start-ups traditionally excluded from funding and support, including women-led companies and founders in Francophone Africa.
Successful applicants will benefit from the following:
- Grant of USD 50,000 to support commercialization and impact
- Access to leading donors, industry and institutional players who will facilitate introductions to customers
- Tailored investment readiness support delivered by leading innovation experts
- Opportunities to participate in i3’s flagship event, the i3 Marketplace, which connects innovators with potential partners and investors
Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be based in Africa
- Be developing a solution that addresses a health product distribution challenge in Africa
- Be at the early- or growth-stage
- Have a strong team with the experience and expertise to execute on their business plan
To apply for the Program, visit: i3 Applications