business/enterprise

Global Resilience Partnership — Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs

December 22, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs supports innovative, locally grounded solutions that strengthen resilience to climate-driven extreme events such as floods, landslides, heatwaves, droughts, and glacial hazards in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The call is open to local organizations, NGOs, research institutions, social enterprises, startups, and community-based groups working in or with communities in HKH countries. Selected innovators can receive up to US$100 thousand in grant funding, along with technical assistance, and mentoring. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs

Categories Cross-Cutting Subjects

Tags agriculture, business/enterprise, january2026, nonprofit orgs, partnerships/collaboration, social enterprise, South Asia, water

Halcyon — Global Climate Fellowship

December 22, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

The Halcyon Global Climate Fellowship is a six-month fellowship designed to support climate-focused startups and social enterprises working on mitigation, adaptation, or resilience solutions, particularly those led by entrepreneurs from underserved or historically marginalized communities worldwide. The program is open to for-profit or nonprofit ventures with a market-ready solution and at least one dedicated founder, and provides up to US$25 thousand in funding, along with tailored business support, mentorship, leadership training, and investor access. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. Global Climate Fellowship

Categories Energy, Climate Change

Tags business/enterprise, climate, fellowships/scholarships, individuals, january2026, social enterprise, worldwide

Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Community Resilience Prize

December 22, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

The Macquarie Community Resilience Prize seeks technology-enabled solutions building climate-resilient communities while creating meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities in Brazil, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The prize is open to organizations, startups, NGOs, social enterprises, and innovators worldwide, particularly those working directly with vulnerable or frontline communities. Selected winners receive US$50 thousand in grant funding. The application deadline is 25 February 2026. Details here

Categories Energy, Climate Change

Tags awards/prizes, business/enterprise, climate, community projects, february2026, forests, individuals, nonprofit orgs, universities, worldwide

BlueActionBANOS — Call for Community-Led Actions

December 22, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

BlueActionBANOS funds large, community-driven projects that contribute to the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030” by protecting or restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, preventing pollution, or advancing a sustainable blue economy in the Baltic and North Sea region. Eligible applicants are consortia of 2 to 12 entities in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden,  and can include local/regional authorities, NGOs, research and educational institutions, SMEs, startups, cooperatives, knowledge brokers, and similar organisations. Selected projects receive €200 thousand to €2 million per action. The call is open until 16 March 2026. Call for Community-Led Actions

Categories Water Resources

Tags business/enterprise, community projects, march2026, marine/coastal, nonprofit orgs, partnerships/collaboration, universities, water

Bridges for Enterprise — Business Incubation Program for Social Enterprises

December 10, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

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

Categories Cross-Cutting Subjects

Tags Africa, april2026, Asia-Pacific, business/enterprise, East Asia, Eurasia/Central Asia, LAC, MENA, nonprofit orgs, october2026, social enterprise, South Asia, training/education

Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions — Blue Food Research Grant Program

December 10, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) offers a global research grant aimed at early-career researchers and practitioners to support innovative work on “blue foods” (i.e., aquatic foods from oceans, rivers, lakes). The grant provides a six-month fellowship, including a US$ 10,000 research stipend plus travel support. Eligible are early-career professionals from academia, government, NGOs or private sector. Applications open on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Blue Food Research Grant Program

Categories Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry

Tags business/enterprise, early-career, fisheries, governments, individuals, no deadline, nonprofit orgs, research, universities, worldwide

African Union Development Agency — Agribusiness Accelerator

December 1, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

The Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A) offers support to established agribusiness enterprises across Africa. Eligible enterprises must operate in high-potential agribusiness value chains beyond primary production (such as agro-processing, input supply, logistics, distribution, digital agriculture, sustainable agriculture inputs). The application deadline is 14 December 2025. Details

Categories Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry

Tags Africa, agriculture, business/enterprise, december2025, partnerships/collaboration

Imagine H2O — Water-Technology Startups Asia

December 1, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program

Categories Water Resources

Tags Asia-Pacific, awards/prizes, business/enterprise, december2025, East Asia, Eurasia/Central Asia, South Asia, water

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Caribbean Islands

December 1, 2025 by terraadmin

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes small grants in support of biodiversity conservation in the Caribbean “Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.” Grants support community-based sustainable small-scale fisheries, protection and conservation of endangered marine species, marine protected areas management, and activities that promote improved marine and coastal ecosystems. Grants are up to US$50 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 23 January 2026. Details here

Categories Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife

Tags biodiversity, business/enterprise, community projects, conservation, january2026, LAC, marine/coastal, nonprofit orgs, research, universities

Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2026

December 1, 2025 by Ilka Westermeyer

Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2026. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that make significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 27 February 2026. Find the call

 

SOURCE: 

Terra Viva Grants

LINK:  https://www.terravivagrants.org/tag/businessenterprise/

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

 Funding for small business development

Written by Sulaiman Philip

In a bid to grow entrepreneurship in South Africa, a number of government funding platforms are available to qualifying enterprises and individuals.

Between June 2015 and May 2016, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) trained 1 037 informal traders, established 29 satellite offices and five centres of business excellence.

The department’s mandate is the promotion and development of sustainable and competitive entrepreneurs, small businesses and co-operatives that contribute to job creation and economic growth.

As long as your business or co-operative meets the criteria, you can access funding or grants through the DSBD or one of its agencies. Bear in mind, public sector funding involves a thorough and careful process, so be patient and plan for longer timelines.

SEFA

Established in 2012, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) helps start-ups and small businesses. They will either fund grants or loans or help entrepreneurs access funding from other sources. SEFA services are designed to help micro, small and medium-sized business enterprises. Co-operatives and survivalist enterprises that need help to grow are especially encouraged to seek assistance.

Loans from SEFA can range from as little as R500 up to R3 million, with the loans paid directly to owners. This direct payment is important in a business sector that is often not part of the traditional banking system. 

Micro, small and medium enterprises and co-operatives with a viable business plan can apply for a loan. SEFA staff will evaluate the application to determine the viability of the loan, and at what rate it can be repaid without damaging the company.

E-mail: helpline@sefa.org.za

Call centre: 086 000 7332

Website: http://www.sefa.org.za/

NEF

If you are directly involved in your business and need funding between R250 000 and R75 million, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) may be able to help. It is mandated to offer financial and non-financial assistance to black-owned businesses.

Funding decisions are guided by the Industrial Policy Action Plan across a variety of sectors. Start-ups can qualify for funding up to R10 million. The NEF also offers assistance for rural and community development, franchise finance and new industry development.

E-mail: info@nefcorp.co.za

Call centre: 0861 843 633

Website: www.nefcorp.co.za / www.nefbusinessplanner.co.za

SEDA

The Small Enterprise Development Agency – an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry – is available to give guidelines and training to entrepreneurs and assist with the processes needed to access funds, such as the drawing up of business plans.

E-mail: info@seda.org.za

Call centre: 0860 103 703

Website: www.seda.org.za

How to access services

Eligibility for assistance is based on:

• A completed application form and business plan by owner or manager
• Ability to repay loan
• Business must be registered
• The business must operate in South Africa
• Assessment of application will be done at a regional office closest to the business.

After due diligence is done, a committee decides on approval.

Upon approval, before funds are transferred, applicants will be required to sign a contract acknowledging debt.

SOURCE: VUK'UZENZELE 

LINK:  https://www.vukuzenzele.gov.za/funding-small-business-development

 

APPLICATIONS/GRANTS/FUNDING

  

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa

Search

Emergency Information for American Citizens

Grants

U.S. Mission South Africa Public Diplomacy Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Mission to South Africa, Public Diplomacy (PD) section of the U.S. Department of State supports projects and activities that strengthen ties between the United States and South Africa.  We seek projects that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation and meaningful exchange by connecting South Africans to Americans.  Unlike development-oriented programs, we seek to projects that are conceived from a public diplomacy perspective, which means that they promote partnerships and information and knowledge exchange between Americans and foreign publics and institutions to enable more effective, mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States.  It also means that we seek projects that broaden and deepen dialogue and empower cooperation between American citizens and institutions, including civil society and educational organizations, and their South African counterparts.

Current Funding Opportunities

1. Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) Program 2026

• • NOFO – Notice of Funding Opportunity – 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)
  • Full announcement 
  • Deadline for submissions: 11:59 p.m. SAST on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Application Forms

• • Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 – Solicitation Document
  • AEIF 2026 – Budget Form
  • AEIF 2026 – Proposal Form

 

 

2. Fulbright South Africa Exchange Program Logistics Management 2025

• • NOFO – 2025 Fulbright South Africa Exchange Program Logistics Management
  • Full announcement 
  • Deadline for submissions: 23H59 SAST, February 14, 2025.

Application Forms

• SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (PDF, 132KB)
• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance (PDF, 145KB)
• Suggested budget template (Excel spreadsheet, 54KB)

 

 

3. Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 2025

• • Notice of Funding Opportunity – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs
  • Full announcement 
  • Deadline for submissions: 23H59 SAST, March 14, 2025.

Application Forms

• SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (PDF, 132KB)
• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance (PDF, 145KB)
• Suggested budget template (Excel spreadsheet, 54KB)

 

4. Annual Program Statement 2025

• View full Annual Program Statement 2025
• Deadline for submissions: Quarterly: February 14, 2025. May 9, 2025, July 11, 2025

Application Forms

• APS Google Form 
• View grant opportunity on Grants.gov

 

 

Additional Resources

Grants Information Session

• We recently held a virtual grants information session for potential applicants.  Click here for a link to the video and to post any follow up questions.

Grant Application Forms

• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance  (PDF, 145KB)
• SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (PDF, 132KB)
• SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (PDF, 65KB) (N.B. Applicants with an active SAM.gov registration do not need to submit this form.)
• Suggested budget template (Excel spreadsheet, 54KB)
• Alternative budget template for proposals $25,000 or less (Excel spreadsheet, 25KB)

 

Paying for SAM.gov registration: real or scam?

Kindly note that the U.S. government does not charge a fee to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) system. The U.S. government does not use social media to directly contact you. No government staff will call or text you to solicit business.

There is no payment that is required for you to register and maintain your entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) system.

We advise for you to be vigilant on all messaging networks for proposals from company(s) offering to help you register or activate your registration in SAM for a fee.  No government staff will request money to renew or activate your registration or to be eligible for an award. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming, or implying, affiliation with the government (or which a reasonable person could confuse with an official message from the government), you can:

• Forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission, specifically its Unsolicited Consumer Emails (UCE) program at spam@uce.gov

Please see below for additional resources about verification:

• Do I need to pay a fee to register or keep my SAM.gov entity registration active? Click here!

• How do I know if an email is a legitimate U.S. Government email? Click here!

• What are phishing and spear phishing emails and how do I recognize them? Click here! 
  

SOURCE:  U.S EMBASSY

LINK: https://za.usembassy.gov/

SMME SUPPORT

 

Masisizane Fund

We see business finance as a partnership, not just a transaction.
Apply for business funding from R1 million to R20 million.

APPLY NOW

businesssolutionsmasisizane

Business finance for entrepreneurs

The Masisizane Fund is dedicated to providing Enterprise Development to small, medium enterprises in South Africa. We accomplish this through Development and Commercial Financing as well as Business Support, targeting our funding towards Black-owned businesses, women, youth, and people with disabilities. This non-profit organization funds SMMEs to establish and grow their businesses, thereby reducing poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

We pride ourselves in walking the journey of success with our clients and partnerships for a better tomorrow. By doing this, we contribute meaningfully towards employment creation, poverty eradication and reduction of inequality, economic growth, and the attraction of investment.

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We offer funding support

We offer finance for small businesses and to entrepreneurs. Funding applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the project qualifies for development or commercial funding.

The minimum criteria for development finance includes:

• Business operation of less than 3 years
• At least one shareholder 100% operationally involved in the business
• Requires end-to-end business support
• Funding limit of R10 million

The minimum criteria for commercial funding includes:

• Business operations of more than 3 years
• The owner/s or appointed manager with capabilities must be actively involved in the business on a full-time basis
• Requires minimal business support

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

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What are our qualifying criteria?

Masisizane Fund generally applies the following funding criteria:

• The enterprise must be owned by a majority of 51% black South Africans or naturalised South Africans.
• The main shareholders or business owner(s) must be operationally involved in the day-to-day management of the enterprise.
• The enterprise must have a formalised registered business structure (co-operative, company or close corporation) and comply with all relevant statutory requirements governing that type of entity, company or close corporation.
• The enterprise must have clearly defined marketable products or services.
• There must be a demonstrable commitment by the business owner(s), including financial and/or non-financial contributions.

The enterprise must be a viable enterprise or have the potential to be viable and reflect a clear ability to meet its ongoing commitments, including loan repayments.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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We assist with job creation

One of the aims of the Masisizane Fund is to foster job creation, increase the participation of black-owned entities in the economy, and improve the communities in which the approved SMEs operate in. Here are some statistics to showcase what we have achieved so far:

• Masisizane has supported 400 SMEs across various economic sectors and throughout the country.
• Of these, 65% are women owned, 24% are youth owned, and 2% owned by people living with disabilities.
• R1 billion worth of funds have been deployed since inception
• A staggering 13 000 jobs have been created and retained through investments
• We support 37 386 women-led micro enterprises in rural areas

Statistics are from inception to end June 2024 except for * which is as at October 2024.

SOURCE: Old Mutual

LINK:  https://www.oldmutual.co.za/business/solutions/masisizane/

BLACK BUSINESS SUPPORT

Black Founders Fund: Africa

Google for Startups Black Founders Fund: Africa provided cash awards — without giving up equity in return — and hands-on support to help Black entrepreneurs in Africa build and grow their businesses.

Africa - Hybrid

6 months

About

the initiative

Established in 2020, the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund awarded more than $40 million to help Black-led startups secure funding, strengthen communities, and create generational change.

In addition to equity-free cash awards, Black Founders Fund recipients received ongoing Google mentorship, Google Cloud credits, and product support to help them navigate every stage of their startup journey.

Like many founders, we’re always dreaming of growth and this Black Founders Fund helped us craft a path to growth and really amplified our efforts globally

Tebogo Mokwena,

cofounder of Akiba Digital 

 

SOURCE: Google

 

LINK:  https://startup.google.com/programs/black-founders-fund/africa/

SUPPORT AFRICAN BUSINESSES

WIDU.africa supports job creation in Africa by redirecting remittances from the African diaspora in Europe into micro and small businesses of relatives or friends in participating African countries

WIDU.africa

provides funding and coaching to small businesses in participating African countries

 

Now open to the entire European Union!

Support your Friends and Family in Africa from any country in the European Union

Apply Now

Risa Reiyan, founder of Renil Olchekut Ranch

Meet Risa Reiyan, the founder of Renil Olchekut Ranch in Kajiado East, Kenya. Discover how through her sustainable business, she created 12 new jobs.

Subscribe now to WIDU in Tunisia!

Do you belong to the African Diaspora and want to support your friend’s or family’s business?

Apply now

Learn How WIDU Works

Participating Countries

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Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors

 

Our Success in Numbers

7550

Businesses Supported

46%

Female Entrepreneurs

12.5 M€

Disbursed Grants

12M€

Private Investment

16665

Created & Maintained Jobs

Success Stories

Fresh and healthy vegetables for Kenyans living in cities

Florence produces locally grown und frozen vegetables full of vitamins for people living in cities.

Nohi’s Chocolate is 100 % Cameroon – Thanks to Private Investment by Diaspora

Chocolate from Cameroon for Cameroonians: The Nohi factory produces 100% locally.

Bright Start Childcare: Supporting Women and Families in Ethiopia

Bright Start Childcare expands quality childcare services while empowering working women

Lilian Kiganga’s Journey from Home Kitchen to Thriving Bakery

Lilian turned her passion for baking into a business, a thriving bakery that empowers others.

About WIDU

WIDU.africa is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In collaboration with the African diaspora in Europe, WIDU applies an innovative approach that combines financial support and coaching to strengthen new and existing small businesses in Africa, which then leads to the creation of new jobs. 

Find out more about WIDU.

WIDU is always free of charge

We do not ever ask diaspora donors or African entrepreneurs, nor their relatives or friends, to pay for our services. WIDU funding and coaching is and will always be provided for free.
Do not under any circumstances agree to give a share of your WIDU grant to a broker or a middle-man. These brokers/middle-men are breaking the law and will be sued by us.

SOURCE: WIDU.africa

LINK: https://widu.africa/