The Orange Social Venture Prize recognizes entrepreneurs and start-up organizations that make innovative use of technology in agriculture, energy, and other fields of development. The geographical focus is Africa and the Middle East. Prizes range from €10 thousand to €25 thousand, plus professional support for a period of six months. In addition, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20 thousand. The registration deadline is 26 May 2024. Orange Social Venture Prize
social enterprise
Vital Voices — Fellowships for Women Entrepreneurs
Vital Voices offers GROW Fellowships to women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. Thematic business areas may include agriculture, fisheries, and forestry with potential for growth. A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2024. GROW Fellowships
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2024
African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 19 May 2024. African Business Heroes
SEED — Replicator Workshop for Eco-Enterprises
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED Replicator Program currently invites applications from entrepreneurs in India. Participation is free, although participants need to cover their transportation costs and accommodation. The application deadline is 26 February 2024. Click here to join
YALI Regional Leadership Center — Africa Regional Leaders Program
The YALI Africa Regional Leaders Program provides business and entrepreneurship training to young African leaders from Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The program will teach young leaders (between 18 to 35 years) about modern leadership through coursework (in-person or online), a mentorship program, internship or community service, and report writing. Applicants have to be proficient in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. Applications close on 01 March 2024. YALI Center East Africa
Swedish Institute — Women’s Social Enterprise in the MENA Region
The Swedish Institute supports “She Entrepreneurs” to develop women’s leadership in social enterprise in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region). She Entrepreneurs is intended for women who have already started to build a social business (possibly in subject areas relevant to the Terra Viva Grants Directory). The program consists of seminars, workshops, and interactive learning methods mixed with reflection sessions, team-building, and practical exercises. The Swedish Institute covers the costs of participating in the training program. Eligibility to apply extends to women ages 22 to 45 in Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, or Palestine. Applications can be submitted until 12 March 2024. She Entrepreneurs
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises looking to scale a proven impact model. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. 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. There are no geographical limitations. Participants are selected on a rolling basis. The application deadline for the upcoming accelerator is 15 March 2024. Link to Miller Center
Bridges for Enterprise — Business Incubation Program for Social Enterprises
Bridges for Enterprise (BfE) works with social impact startups from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Incubation Program supports entrepreneurs seeking to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The program is open to for-profit and non-profit social enterprises and startups at the pre-seed or seed stage. Participating entrepreneurs receive 3 to 4 months of professional advice and mentorship. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis year-round. However, social entrepreneurs must submit their application before specific deadlines to be considered for specific cohorts: 01 April (Autumn Cohort) and 01 October (Spring Cohort). Link
African Impact Initiative — Business Challenge
The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge