Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 14 June 2021. Know more
energy
French Development Agency — Digital Project for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Africa
The AFD Digital Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions that help solve challenges of the digital transition with those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG). Solutions should focus on reducing the digital footprint (e.g., reduced energy consumption or eco-construction), building a sustainable economy (e.g., environmental and climate practices or agro-ecology), or preserving natural resources (e.g., preventing natural disasters or preservation of ecosystems). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 26 May 2021. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
Climate Investment Platform — Clean Energy Investments
The Climate Investment Platform (CIP) launches a call for proposals to invest in projects that advance climate action and energy security in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). CIP will award Technical Assistance for US$30 thousand to US$80 thousand to support development of a project concept. Projects must be assisting clean energy transition and/or energy access, including waste and water management and be deployed in Small Island Developing States. The closing date for applications is 27 May 2021. Details here
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park — Online Accelerator Program
The Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator seeks innovative startups with a market-proven solution to the challenges of Industry 4.0 interested in entering the UAE and MENA market. Focus areas of the 2021 accelerator include Sustainable Design (optimizing natural resources to reduce environmental damage) and Green Building, among others. The finalists will have investment access in order to scale their project, and the chance to win the US$100 thousand grand prize. The accelerator program is open to entrepreneurs from around the world. The application deadline is 07 August 2021. Link to the accelerator
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation — Distributed Renewable Energy
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) seeks to finance economically sustainable Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects, including but not limited to micro and mini grids, solar home systems, and distributed power generation. DFC aims to help vulnerable populations in low-income and middle-income countries to develop robust sustainable renewable energy and electricity access systems led by private investors. DFC seeks to commit up to US$100 million in approximately 3-10 projects in direct financing or other investment support for DRE-related investments. Priority will be given to those projects that provide individuals, businesses, or public institutions with the highest levels of electricity access. Applications are due 18 June 2021. Know more
European Commission — Sustainable Energy Roadmap
The European Commission (EC) supports the development and utilization of sustainable energy services and solutions that are based on renewable energy systems in Belize. The overall aim is to enhance the inclusion and performance of civil society organizations in the improvement of the energy sector. Applicants can request between €205 thousand and €225 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 08 June 2021. Find details
Yunus&Youth — Fellowship Program for Social Entrepreneurs
The Yunus&Youth Fellowship Program is a six-month online program for young social entrepreneurs from all around the world. The program is designed for young early-stage social business leaders that have the potential to solve community-based problems with focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will be matched with a mentor, participate in expert webinars with business professionals and receive help with business plan development. In the final stage of the program, fellows will present their social businesses to a team of real investors to shape their presentation skills and test their pitch decks. The deadline to submit applications is 20 June 2021. Learn about the Y&Y Fellowship Program
ShEquity — Business Accelerator for African Women
ShEquity and MBC Africa launch the ShEquity Business Accelerator (SHEBA) Program to support to African female entrepreneurs with scalable businesses in agribusiness, healthcare, technology, renewable energies, and fast-moving consumer goods. SHEBA will select 30 women to provide business development, financial management; strategy consulting, and networking opportunities. Interested applicants must be a woman leading/owning an African business. Deadline for submissions is 16 April 2021. ShEquity Business Accelerator
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Climate Resilience Asia Pacific Accelerator
The Miller Center seeks applications for an online accelerator program focused on innovations that address the poor, who are suffering disproportionately from climate change in the areas of: affordable and reliable access to modern energy, sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. The program does not provide financial assistance but offers mentorship and capacity building. It is designed for established social entrepreneurs that directly serve people living in poverty. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. This program is open to entrepreneurs from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Applications for the online program cohort are due by 26 April 2021. Link to the Climate Resilience Accelerator
Student Energy — Greenpreneurs
Greenpreneurs supports young people to foster a generation of climate and development leaders that work collaboratively to implement green solutions. The program features virtual webinars, mentorship and weekly tasks supplemented with online resources. The top three participating teams will win US$5 thousand per team in seed funding to get their initiative started. Greenpreneurs is open to teams of young people aged 17-35 and welcomes applications from around the world. The application deadline is 27 April 2021. More about Greenpreneurs