Through this intervention, the Fund is running competitive challenges or calls for proposals aimed at Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that show the potential to create work opportunities for young women and men with limited financial means, including refugees and those living with disabilities in the Fund focus countries. Women-led SMEs are encouraged to apply. So far, the challenges will focus on four sectors to establish a robust portfolio of innovative SMEs as they create work opportunities.

THE AGRIBUSINESS CHALLENGE FUND  The Agribusiness Challenge Fund was a rolling call for proposals that started on 18 March 2024. The third and final harvest of applications received in this challenge was on 22 November 2024. READ MORE

THE CLIMATE IMPACT CHALLENGE FUND  The Climate Impact Challenge will be two-round application call for proposals that opens the first round on 20 January 2025. Each application round will be open for 16 weeks.  READ MORE

THE DIGITAL ECONOMY CHALLENGE FUND  The Digital Economy Challenge will be a call for proposals that will launch in 2025. Details of the challenge will be provided at a later stage.

THE HEALTH CHALLENGE FUND The Health Challenge call for proposals details will be provided at a later stage.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

In stage one, an SME must first create a profile on our application platform with an email and password. This registration needs to be done once only and is the access point to any application forms in any current or future challenge. Once registered, an applicant is given access to the application form template and can apply in a round of a challenge and before the deadline. Thereafter, shortlisting takes place for the next stage.

Evaluations and shortlisting of applications to the next stage then follows.

At the business plan stage, successful SME applicants shortlisted in stage one can prepare and refine their business plans. Evaluations of business plan applications follows, and successful applicants are selected by a Selection Committee. 

 
Note: Applicants that are unsuccessful in the first round can refine and resubmit their applications in the second round. 

 

Below are key dates around the Agribusiness Challenge Fund and Climate Impact Challenge Fund 

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION 

Each sector-specific challenge fund call for proposals eligibility and selection criteria is different. However, all challenges will seek proposals from SMEs that are innovative, commercially viable, and that will create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young women and men with limited financial means, including refugees and those living with disabilities.

In each challenge, applicants will be required to meet certain criteria. Selection will be based on applications meeting a certain threshold of the Fund selection criteria. Women-led SMEs are encouraged to apply. Read more about this on the specific challenge page.

REFERENCES/SUPPORT DOWNLOADS