StartupXs invites applications for the 2024 ChangeMakers Seed Funding competition. The competition is open to startups and social enterprises who want to change their community with their innovative business idea. The winner will receive a US$1500 seed grant. Participation is open to any individual (18 and 35 years) or organization in any country. Priority is given to early-stage startups working on an innovative product or idea. The deadline for the submission is 31 December 2023. ChangeMakers Seed Funding
agriculture
UN Global Compact — Young SDG Innovators Program
The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 31 January 2024. Link to UN Global Compact
Halcyon — Support for Early-Stage Social Entrepreneurs
The Halcyon Incubator program equips early-stage social entrepreneurs from all around the world with support to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures. Ventures may be for-profit, hybrid, or undecided, as long as the core mission is to create measurable social change. (Note: This may include business ideas in agriculture, sustainable energy, or sustainable development.) Ventures structured as ‘non-profit’ will only be considered if they have a product or service they are selling. Partnerships (ventures co-founded and led by two individuals) are eligible. Selected entrepreneurs will receive a $10 thousand stipend per venture for food and living expenses during the residency phase, mentorship, one-on-one coaching, and 5 months of free workspace at Halcyon House. Applications are accepted until 20 October 2023. Halcyon Incubator Program
U.S. African Development Foundation — Innovative Solutions to Increase Food Security Namibia
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) invites proposals for grant financing and local support for innovative solutions that extend producers capabilities to increase food security in Namibia. Eligibility extends to Namibian cooperatives, producer groups, and micro, small and medium sized enterprises. Registered cooperatives and producer groups may apply for awards up to US$250 thousand. Small and medium enterprises may apply for awards up to US$50 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 15 November 2023. Food Security Namibia
Land Accelerator — Restoration of Degraded Forests and Farmland
The Land Accelerator is a four-month program for entrepreneurs who wish to learn how to restore degraded forests and farmland. The program offers courses in South Asia and Latin America. The accelerator is designed for companies that are in the testing phase of taking their product to market. Any business model that is recognized as restoring land is eligible, including, but not limited to smart agriculture, water conservation, agroforestry, tree planting, and beekeeping, forest conservation. The program currently accepts rolling applications. Click here
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Grants to Improve Resilience and Food Security
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will finance the implementation of a project on “Innovative regenerative agriculture approaches to improve resilience and food security”. The goal is to contribute to more productive and nutritious climate resilient and sustainable agricultural production through the application of regenerative agriculture techniques. The overall grant is US$500 thousand. (Note: The recipient’s contribution must be at least 25% for private sector applicants.) Deadline for submission is 13 October 2023. Link to IFAD
The Commonwealth Secretary-General — Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards
Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognize ground-breaking innovations from Commonwealth countries that contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Each winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of £3,000. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, companies, charities or government bodies. Entries must be received by 15 October 2023. Know more
Standards and Trade Development Facility — International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements
The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) aims to increase the capacity of farmers, processors and traders in developing countries to implement international SPS standards to gain and maintain market access. The STDF seeks applications to improve its food safety, animal and plant health capacity. Grants are expected to help address particular challenges or issues that affect trade to international markets. Projects should have a maximum duration of three years, or less. The STDF offers grants of up to US$1 million for projects that promote compliance with international SPS requirements. Public and private sector entities as well as non-profit non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply. The deadlines to apply for funding in 2024 are 22 March and 09 August 2024. Details here
Illumina — Agricultural Greater Good Initiative
The Agricultural Greater Good Initiative helps to identify measures that can increase crop yields and improve livestock welfare and productivity to alleviate poverty and hunger in the developing world. The Grand Prize winner will receive up to US$350 thousand of in-kind consumables and/or services. The grant program is open to basic researchers in Agrigenomics at academic, for profit, or nonprofit institutions. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2023. Agricultural Greater Good Initiative
Africa Women Leaders in Agro-ecology — Mentorship Program
AWOLA (Africa Women Leaders in Agro-ecology) is a leadership career development initiative with the aim of equipping women working on agroecology, sustainable agriculture and food systems with leadership skills. The 3-year leadership program aims to create women leadership to transform and influence policies and programs across African countries. AWOLA will support mentees through virtual and face-to-face training sessions and fundraising efforts. The fellowship targets current citizens of Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda with experience in agriculture or working on agro-based livelihoods with farming communities. Applicants need to be affiliated to an institution. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2023. Details