The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) seeks applications for the Investing in Women in South Sudan (IIW-SS) program. Projects should focus on enhancing women’s economic empowerment in the honey, sorghum, sesame, shea nut and groundnut value chains in South Sudan to increase incomes, reduce climate risks, and transform livelihoods. Total grant funds requested must be between US$50 thousand and US$750 thousand. Eligibility extends to for-profit enterprises located in South Sudan with demonstrated presence in Central and Eastern Equatoria States. The deadline for the submission of concept note applications is 09 August 2022. Women in Agribusiness
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European Commission — Optimize Farming and Forestry in North Macedonia
The European Commission (EC) seeks to modernize and optimize farming and forestry through provision of support to modernization and innovative management in the agricultural sector. EC will fund projects and business operations of entities active in the agricultural, forestry and agri-food industry, as well as activities to promote cooperation between farmers in order to establish producers’ organizations and co-operatives. Applicants can request up to €450 thousand in funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations legally established in North Macedonia. The application deadline is 18 July 2022. Know more
Mirova — Nature-based Solutions
The Nature+ Accelerator Fund aims to support nature-based innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change whilst delivering positive impacts both on biodiversity and the wellbeing of local communities. The Fund will invest in projects across the following four categories: Terrestrial Conservation and Restoration; Marine Conservation and Coastal Resilience; Sustainable Agriculture; and Nature-Based Innovation (e.g., drone technology, conservation-focused smart apps, etc.). Projects with an early-stage concept may request between US$100-200 thousand, projects that have a proof-of-concept can receive between US$1-2 million, and successful projects looking for follow-on funding to scale-up will receive up to US$5 million. Applicants must be seeking commercial proposals – the funding delivered will be investment capital subject to repayment and returns. The application window closes 31 August 2022. Nature+ Accelerator Fund
InnoEnergy — Investment Round for Energy Projects
InnoEnergy seeks businesses with innovative ideas and technologies in sustainable energy. InnoEnergy invests in European businesses (including Eastern Europe) and helps develop innovative products, services, and solutions that have high commercial potential. The investment round is open for application year-round. Find the criteria here
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment — FoodTech Challenge
The FoodTech Challenge seeks technologies that are on the cusp of transforming food and traditional agriculture practices, efficiently and sustainably. The challenge targets early-stage start-ups, ranging from international university-based research teams to individual entrepreneurs and small firms. The total prize pool is valued at US$2 million. The regular submission deadline is 24 June, however, startups that would like to receive feedback on their submissions should apply by 20 May 2022. FoodTech Challenge
Inter-American Development Bank — Chemicals and Hazardous Waste in the Caribbean
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) seeks to support innovative solutions that contribute to the sound management of hazardous Chemicals and Waste in the Caribbean region. The call is aimed at startups, small and medium-sized companies, NGOs, corporations, and other organizations in the private sector that offer innovative solutions. Solutions must be scalable, sustainable, and promote the economic and social inclusion of poor and vulnerable populations. The selected proposals will be able to receive financing to implement their projects. The call for proposals closes 31 May 2022. Details here
Fisheries and Oceans Canada — Sustainable Fisheries Solutions & Retrieval Support
The Sustainable Fisheries Solutions and Retrieval Support Contribution Program (Ghost Gear Fund) supports actions that prevent and mitigate the risk of ghost fishing and encourage the development of sustainable fishing practices domestically (Canada) and abroad. The Ghost Gear Fund will also support fish harvesters to acquire new gear technologies to reduce the occurrence of gear loss. Typical Ghost Gear Fund contributions can be expected in the range of C$50 thousand to C$1 million. Eligible recipients include Canadian and international charitable organizations, companies, Indigenous organizations/communities, academic institutions, and Canadian individuals. Interested proponents are encouraged to submit their applications by 06 June 2022. Ghost Gear Fund
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency — Modern Cooking Facility for Africa
The Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) is a financing program supporting scale-up of clean cooking solutions in six Sub-Saharan African countries. MCFA offers results-based financing for clean cooking companies to grow and scale up their businesses in following countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The deadline for submitting pre-qualification applications is 21 June 2022. Modern Cooking Facility
Rolex Awards — Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2023
The Rolex Awards invest in people seeking solutions to humankind’s most pressing challenges and support entrepreneurs anywhere in the world who have ground-breaking proposals or initiatives that will help improve the quality of life on the planet. Applications can be submitted in five categories: science and health, applied technology, exploration, cultural heritage, and the environment. Projects should be planned for the future, or completed only partially. Each winner will receive CHF 200 thousand in order to help her/him with project implementation. Applications are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The deadline for applications is 17 October 2022. Rolex Awards for Enterprise
Energias de Portugal — Clean Energy Projects in Remote Rural Areas
Energias de Portugal (EDP) supports sustainable and clean energy projects in remote rural areas. The 4th edition of the EDP Energy Access Fund supports clean energy projects in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Projects are expected to relieve energy poverty across one or more of five focus areas, including water and agriculture (boreholes, water pumping and crop irrigation). Projects may apply for support between €50 thousand and €150 thousand. Eligibility extends to non-profit and for-profit entities. Individuals or groups are not eligible. Applications are open until 16 May 2022. Energy Access Fund