The Blue Economy Accelerator focuses on Blue economy startups from Africa. The program is designed to support women and youth-owned, ocean-based enterprises to sustain business growth through facilitating access to financing, business support, and technology adoption. The program will secure investment from a pre-selected pool of investors focusing on early stage funding of up to US$500 thousand. The application window will close on 29 August 2021. Blue Economy Accelerator
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Access Bank W Initiative — Support for African Female Entrepreneurs
Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa is a women-in-business support initiative that provides financial grants and MBA certifications to women entrepreneurs in Africa. The program invites female entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Zambia, Sierra-Leone, Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique and Congo to apply to the next pitching competition. Eligibility extends to female business owners from all sectors. Participants have the chance to win ₦5 million (approx. US$12 thousand) in support of their business idea. Applications have to be submitted by 13 August 2021. Womenpreneur
Global Landscapes Forum — Amazonian Storytelling Competition
TThe Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) hosts an Amazonian Storytelling Competition looking for perspectives from Indigenous peoples and local communities, Afro-descendant peoples, peasants and women, farmers, and community leaders. Topics include deforestation, biodiversity loss, land rights, ecosystem restoration, and food security, among others. The three best stories will receive prizes of €500, €300 and €200 respectively. The competition is open to any young person between the ages of 18 and 35 who is currently living in the Amazon (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela). Stories must be submitted by 31 August 2021. Storytelling Competition
African Centre of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development — PhD Program in Energy for Sustainable Development
The University of Rwanda offers PHD research Programs in Energy for Sustainable Development in (1) Renewable Energy, (2) Electrical Power Systems, and (3) Energy Economics. ACE-ESD offers full scholarships to female candidates from the Eastern and Southern Africa Region. The application deadline is 31 July 2021. Link to PhD Program
Florence School of Regulation — Scholarship for Women in Energy
The Florence School of Regulation (FSR) supports eight women around the globe working in energy. The Lights on Women Scholarship provides scholarships to women contributing to innovative solutions, research, and initiatives that accelerate a sustainable, resilient, and just energy transition. The Scholarship provides free access to one of the FSR community courses starting in Autumn 2021. The application must be submitted in English by 27 June 2021. Lights on Women
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2021
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
Estee Lauder — Inspiring Women in Science
The Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Women in Science are open for applications. The prize awards initiatives that support girls or young women to engage with STEM subjects or increase the retention of women in STEM careers. STEM includes natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The winners of the Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Women in Science will receive US$40 thousand. The Prize accepts applications from organizations, departments, individuals or project teams. Entries must be submitted by 20 June 2021. Nature Research Awards
U.S. Department of State — Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Mekong
The U.S. Department of State seeks applications from organizations to support women’s economic empowerment in the Mekong through providing financial literacy training and support. This project should increase the access of women entrepreneurs and business owners to financing, market opportunities, and training to help establish and grow their micro, small, or medium enterprises. The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs anticipates having approximately $395 thousand of economic support funds available to support one successful application. EAP welcomes applications from non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 15 June 2021. Link
ygap — Support for Female Entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region
The yher accelerator provides support to female entrepreneurs and female-led impact ventures across the Pacific Islands region. The aim of the program is to provide solutions to poverty by empowering women. The program provides access to mentors, training and a week-long intensive training workshop. Winners of the peer review will receive AU$10 thousand in funding and the chance to apply for an additional AU$40 thousand in grant funding to help scale their venture. Given the current situation, the application process is kept open until program dates can be confirmed. Link to the accelerator 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