The Sustainability Laboratory supports journalism and local content creators who work in the coverage of environmental issues and science communication. The program offers training to organizations and communication professionals in Brazil specialized in the coverage of environmental topics. The program will select 20 organizations from all regions of the country to participate in training and workshops. Eligibility extends to professional news organizations located in Brazil. The subscription deadline for the program is 17 April 2023. Know more
business/enterprise
AFR100 Initiative — Restoring African Landscapes
The AFR100 Initiative seeks to show that restoration can create a prosperous, net-zero-emissions future for Africa. Therefore, the initiative will finance 100 non-profit community organizations and for-profit businesses that are restoring land by planting and growing trees in rural and urban landscapes. Early-stage for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations can apply for US$50 thousand to US$150 thousand. Growth stage organizations can apply for US$250 thousand to US$500 thousand. Deadline to submit Expressions of Interest is 05 May 2023. Plant a tree
Friends of Ocean Action — Ocean Data Challenge
The Ocean Data Challenge calls for startups and social enterprises that use ocean data to boost ocean conservation and promote the sustainable blue economy. Solutions need to contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the Western Indian Ocean, aligning with the Great Blue Wall Initiative and delivering benefits to people and nature. Priority is given to companies or social enterprises with a sustainable funding model. Non-profit organizations with a revenue generating project may also be considered. Submissions have to be received by 24 April 2023. Ocean Data Challenge
AB InBev — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5 seeks female leaders playing a critical role driving economic growth and providing livelihoods for their communities. The challenge welcomes solutions from innovative female founded companies that provide affordable access to renewable energy, eliminate or reduce plastic pollution, and/or improve water quality in high stressed watersheds. The winner will receive a US$100 thousand project startup grant and mentorship. The application deadline is 30 April 2023. More details
GrowthAfrica — Accelerator for African Entrepreneurs
GrowthAfrica supports African businesses and entrepreneurs through an annual accelerator program. Participants of the program receive individualized and tailored in-company support, access to potential investors, leadership training and mentorship. Entrepreneurs in the fields of Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Water & Sanitation are especially welcome. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana. The application process is open and ongoing. GrowthAfrica
Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Healthy Planet
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize
U.S. Agency for International Development — Climate Action Partnership for Education
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks opportunities to co-create, and collaborate in the research, testing and scaling of innovative solutions that will advance climate action with a focus on girls’ education. USAID invites organizations, companies, community-based enterprises, academic and research institutions, and government agencies to propose novel or creative approaches. USAID anticipates making one to three awards totaling between US$4 to 5 million over two to three years. USAID seeks solutions that are relevant to sub-Saharan Africa and/or Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 28 April 2023. Click here
U. S. Department of Agriculture — Food for Progress Program
The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The objective is to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. The Program has prioritized the following areas: the Cacao sector, the Coffee sector, the Spices sector, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and Climate Smart Agriculture. The estimated funding per award is US$20-US$39 million. The following entities are eligible to apply: governments of emerging agricultural countries, nonprofit organizations, universities, and any other private entity. The closing date for applications is 24 May 2024. Food for Progress Program
Inter-American Development Bank — Women in STEM Competition
WeXchange seeks to identify the most innovative women entrepreneurs in STEM from Latin America and the Caribbean and connect them with potential financing opportunities. The competition supports female entrepreneurs in tech (e.g., agritech, biotech, sustainable energy etc.). 15 women-led startups will pitch their business to investors and participate in a micro-acceleration program with workshops, keynotes and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Eligibility extends to startups with a high technological component or where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are key pieces. The application deadline is 31 March 2023. Details here
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in India
SEED offers valuable resources and professional support to expand entrepreneurial ideas while learning from peers during interactive SEED Starter workshops. SEED Starter workshops consist of a team of 2-5 members that bring in a business idea for addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. Successful alumni are invited to apply for a SEED Grant for up to €1,000 which pays for resources required to establish the new enterprise. Eco-Entrepreneurs from India are invited to apply for the next starter workshop. Applications have to be received by 04 April 2023. Link to current openings