UNLEASH Plus is a global 6-month incubation program for entrepreneurs working on social or environmental challenges, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The program provides teams with the right skills, mindsets, and resources to test and launch their solutions, and design them for large-scale impact. Teams will explore real-life challenges within the SDG themes, before defining specific problems and coming up with solutions. The top teams will present their solutions to investors and experts. The program is open to all youth entrepreneurs looking to advance solutions that address the SDGs. The application deadline is 25 July 2021. UNLEASH Plus
Day: July 19, 2021
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Digital Advisory Services
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) seeks international organizations to receive a three-year IFAD grant financing to implement the project: Digital Advisory Services to Support Accelerated Rural Transformation for a total amount of up to US$2 million. Goal is the sustainable integration of proven ICT4D solutions that can improve the economic and social conditions of the rural poor, including women and youth. Deadline to receive proposals is 13 August 2021. However, interested institutions are requested to confirm their intention to submit a proposal by 28 July 2021. Find the call
InfoNile — COVID-19 Pandemic and Water Crisis
InfoNile seeks proposals for in-depth reporting on the Impacts of Covid-19 on irrigation and water access and use by farmers. The program invites journalists (TV journalists and local radio journalists) to investigate agriculture water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (AgriWASH). InfoNile is interested in multimedia stories focusing on how Covid-19 is impacting agricultural water management in the Nile basin countries. Most grants will be around US$1,000. Eligibility extends to all countries in Africa’s Nile River basin, especially arid Egypt and Sudan as well as drought-ridden areas of Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. Story pitches can be submitted until 31 July 2021. Details here
LEAP Africa — Social Innovators Program
LEAP Africa enables young changemakers to transition their social change solutions into scalable social enterprises. The Social Innovators Program seeks applications from social entrepreneurs who would be willing to participate in various activities for the 2021/2022 fellowship year. Fellows participate in training sessions (physical and online), receive mentorship, access to local & international funding and partnership opportunities. The social ventures of the Fellows cover various aspects of the society, such as Agriculture, Youth Empowerment, Education, Science & Technology, Health, Law, Human Rights, among others. Young Africans between 18 and 35 years, whose initiatives offer effective solutions to challenges in local communities are eligible to apply as fellows. The application deadline is 06 August 2021. Link to LEAP Africa
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Animal Health Systems
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to improve the capacity to anticipate and mitigate the negative impacts of animal diseases, zoonosis, climate change, and disasters for healthy and productive animal populations and increased access to regional and international markets for African animals and animal products. USDA will provide technical agricultural assistance in support of national and regional technical training, research, and outreach programs. USDA will grant one cooperative agreement of US$1 million to implement the new Animal Health Strategy for Africa (AHSA). Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 13 August 2021. Link
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in Zambia
The SEED Starter program offers workshops to guide young entrepreneurs from early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Starter invites applications from teams who develop green and inclusive business solutions to key social and environmental challenges in Zambia. Participation in the workshops is free, although participants need to cover their transportation costs and accommodation. All SEED Starter participants consist of a team of 2-5 members. Participants will be eligible to apply for a SEED Grant (of up to €1,000) after successfully completing the workshop. The application deadline is 13 August 2021. SEED Starter Workshop Zambia
Impact Collective — Investments for Asian Startups
Impact Collective is a community-driven acceleration program for Asian startups. The program invites startups who seek to solve global challenges ranging from food security, sustainable livelihoods to sustainable cities, and environmental innovations. Early-stage startups who have working prototypes or products are eligible to apply. The Impact Collective Fund provides investments that typically range between US$25 thousand and US$100 thousand. The application period ends on 15 August 2021. Know more
Mindselo — Young Creators Program 2021
Mindselo is a personal growth platform that seeks to transform ideas into wisdom. The Mindselo Young Creators Program (Creators4Change) aims to bring young visionaries to talk about personal growth to spread great ideas, lively inspiration and effective solutions around the planet to teach people the essential lessons of life that our school and colleges forgot to teach and push humanity forward. Mindselo invites video entries from all around the planet by young creators (aged between 15 to 35) to apply for this impact program. The submission deadline is 15 August 2021. Know more
USDA – Poultry Value Chain Assessment in Tanzania
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to support applied research to better understand the supply chain and market system for poultry and eggs in Tanzania. The recipient will collaborate with FAS to organize and conduct survey interviews with a representative pool of professionals. USDA will grant one cooperative agreement of US$180 thousand to conduct research and data collection. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 16 August 2021. Link
BioInnovate Africa — Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp
BioInnovate Africa seeks applications for the 2021 Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp. The bootcamp is a regional science program for entrepreneurial scientists to develop innovative and commercially viable bio-based ideas. Participants are asked to develop innovative bioscience research ideas, technologies and inventions for practical use in their communities, thus fostering the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in their region. Ideas include, but are not limited to, agroecology, food and feed, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, among others. All proposed innovative bio-based ideas must have potential for commercial application. Participants have access to a 3 months acceleration program, funding, and technical assistance. The deadline for receiving applications is 16 August 2021. 2021 Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp