The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (SSH) is aimed at assisting Beninese community groups to develop lasting, self-sustaining projects with focus on development concerns, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and access to clean water and sanitation. Small grants of up to US$10 thousand are made to local community-based groups or organizations. The deadline to submit proposals is 01 July 2019. Link
social enterprise
Takeda Foundation — Young Entrepreneurship Award 2019
The Takeda Foundation accepts applications for the Takeda Young Entrepreneurship Award. The Award is for young entrepreneurs trying to address real technological and social needs by creating goods and services that enhance the well-being of communities around the world. Past winners include projects in the field of water management, disaster-relief and biotechnology, among others. The winner of the Best Entrepreneur Award will receive 1 million Japanese yen. Five selected entrepreneurs will receive 200 thousand Japanese yen each. The application period ends 28 June 2019. About the award
Unleash — Innovation Lab 2019
Unleash invites young experts from all around the world to participate in the 2019 Innovation Lab in Shenzhen (Nov 2019) to create real, scalable solutions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Teams will explore real-life challenges within the SDG themes, before defining specific problems and coming up with solutions. The top teams will present their solutions to investors and experts. Applications are open to academics, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and technical experts from for profit and non-profit organizations. High proficiency in English with the ability to engage in complex discussion is necessary. The deadline for applications is 18 April 2019. About
UNIDO ITPO Italy — Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Agribusiness
UNIDO ITPO Italy invites applications for the international contest “Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Agribusiness”. Innovative ideas and technologies relative to the entire agribusiness value chain – developed by startups, businesses, research centers and academia – that could be successfully applied in Developing Countries (DCs) are eligible. Applications from enterprises, startups, universities, research centres, NGOs, researchers, and smallholders farmers are welcome. Winners in 7 categories will be invited to the Award Ceremony at EXCO 2019 (May 2019), receive mentorship, and have access to possible business partnerships. Applications must be received by 31 March 2019. About the contest
African Union — Support for Youth and Women in Livestock, Fisheries and Agribusiness
The African Union aims to promote the entrepreneurial agribusiness as means for job and wealth creation for Africa’s youth and women. Proposed projects under this call should address actions in the thematic areas of fisheries, aquaculture, animal farming and agribusiness networks. Existing agribusinesses and agribusiness startups may request grants of US$10 thousand or US$20 thousand. Deadline for submission of applications is 28 March 2019. Information
EEP Africa — Women in the Clean Energy Sector
EEP Africa seeks innovative approaches to promote gender inclusion and create opportunities for women in the clean energy sector. Applicants can apply for early-stage grants between €200 thousand and €500 thousand. The minimum required co-financing is 30% of the total project budget. Eligibility extends to companies (including start-ups), non-profit organizations and social enterprises from Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The deadline for proposals is 02 April 2019. CfP15 Application Guidelines
Ashoka — ChangemakerXchange for Social Innovators in Europe & MENA
The ChangemakerXchange Summit in Spain will bring together 25 top young changemakers across civil society, media, the corporate sector, government, and more. The aim of the summit is to build a cross-sectoral network of changemakers that work together to address societal issues in a collaborative manner. Eligibility extends to participants who lead, co-lead, have founded, or have co-founded an ongoing social venture that addresses a relevant social problem, including in the theme of Environment (among others). Applicants should be based in Europe (including Turkey, European Russia and Southern Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan) or the MENA region (including Maghreb, North Africa, Middle East). ChangemakerXchange will cover the travel costs and conference costs for the event to be held in Barcelona (Spain) in May/June 2019. The application deadline is 17 February 2019. Here
Ashoka — ChangemakerXchange for Social Innovators in Sub-saharan Africa
The ChangemakerXchange Summit in Nigeria will bring together 25 top young changemakers across civil society, media, the corporate sector, government, and more. The aim of the summit is to build a cross-sectoral network of changemakers that work together to address societal issues in a collaborative manner. Eligibility extends to participants who lead, co-lead, have founded, or have co-founded an ongoing social venture that addresses a relevant social problem, including in the theme of Environment (among others). Applicants should be based in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. ChangemakerXchange will cover the travel costs and conference costs for the event to be held in Lagos (Nigeria) in April 2019. The application deadline is 17 February 2019. Here
U.S. Department of State — YSEALI Bootcamp: Malaysia
The YSEALI Bootcamp, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia in collaboration with Me.reka and Biji-biji Initiative, is an initiative seeking innovative solutions to local challenges across the themes social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, civic engagement, and education. Interested participants must be 18 to 35 years old and demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in at least one of the main areas. Participants will receive 3-month of intensive business training/mentorship and a few selected groups will win a project grant of RM2 thousand to kick-start and implement their solutions. The bootcamp will be held in different locations across Malaysia (please confirm the exact locations in the announcement). The final application deadline is 15 March 2019. Link
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation — Young People for Development
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) seek innovative projects run by young people in the 16–35 age group which aim to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged communities in developing countries. The ‘Together we’re better’ competition sponsors current and planned initiatives run by young people that help advance global sustainable development and fight poverty. Prizes in five categories range from CHF 4 to 10 thousand. Eligibility extends to Swiss citizens or residents but submitted projects have to be relevant for and/or be implemented in developing countries. Deadline for submissions is 31 March 2019. Together we’re better