Ashden supports projects in sustainable energy in the UK and the developing world. The awards are made to pioneers in sustainable energy, saving energy, generating renewable energy, or promoting behavior change. The competition for the International Awards is open to businesses, NGOs, government organizations, and social enterprises whose activities take place in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Winners are supported with prize money up to £25 thousand, plus assistance with mentoring and networking. The closing date for applications (Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish) is 25 January 2024. Ashden Awards
social enterprise
IWW Zentrum Wasser — Mülheim Water Award
The Mülheim Water Award honors practice-oriented research and development projects as well as the implementation of innovative concepts for a secure drinking water supply and water analysis. People or institutions from Europe (geographically defined, not politically) can apply with innovative procedures, products, concepts and new findings with a strong focus on practical use and application within water management. The prize is €10 thousand. Applications can be submitted until 29 February 2024. Mülheim Water Award
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2024
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2024. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Young Americas Business Trust — InnovAction Challenge
The InnovAction Challenge 2.0 drives sustainable growth by accelerating current and new initiatives or businesses to increase the socio-economic participation of vulnerable groups. The program awards solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and natural resource management. The winning team will receive US$10 thousand in cash and 6 months of follow-up business training. The program is focused on the participation of young social and economic entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean. The registration deadline is 05 April 2024. InnovAction Challenge
Global Innovation Fund — Social Innovations for the Developing World
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$230 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis. Information
SVG Ventures — THRIVE Academy
Silicon Valley Global Ventures is an investment, technology and advisory firm that invests in companies that go through their accelerator program. The THRIVE Academy supports idea stage and pre-seed stage startups in the agri-food tech sector. The 12-week accelerator program helps startups and researchers looking to commercialize their innovations. The application deadline is 12 January 2024. THRIVE Academy
Singapore International Foundation — Young Social Entrepreneurs
Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) Global is an eight-month program for young changemakers who wish to start or scale up their social enterprises in Singapore and beyond. Participants have access to online workshops, remote mentorship, regional learning and pitching sessions. Shortlisted teams have the chance to win S$20 thousand in funding to launch or scale their social enterprise. Eligibility extends to individuals aged between 18 to 35 years, with a viable and innovative business solution to a social issue anywhere in the world. The YSE Global is open to participants of all nationalities. The application deadline is 02 February 2024. YSE Global
ygap — Poverty Solutions for Kenya
The ygap accelerator provides support to Kenyan leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in Kenya, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications close 03 February 2024. ygap Kenya
Mind & Life — Community Grants
The Contemplative Changemaking Grants support the use of contemplative approaches by grassroots changemakers addressing urgent community needs. Grants will fund projects that support changemakers in transforming lives and communities. Funding is up to US$10 thousand for a 2-year period. Applicants must be individuals applying in their own name, or on behalf of a local community-based nonprofit organization (including universities) or social enterprise. The application deadline is 01 February 2024. Contemplative Changemaking Grants
Food 4 Future — Food Tech Innovation Awards
The Food Tech Innovation Awards 2024 recognize the most innovative proposals that offer a disruptive approach to Customer Experience or Management. The award has 6 categories: digitalization award for the food and beverage industry; best sustainability project; healthy food; the best innovation project for the packaging industry; the most innovative food tech startup; and the best automation and robotics solution. The FoodTech Innovation Awards are open to all companies, universities, business schools, researchers, journalists, and start-ups from all over the world. The proposal entry deadline is 15 March 2024. Food Tech Innovation Awards