ACT FOUNDATION’S CHANGEMAKERS INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2024 FOR AFRICAN NONPROFITS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES.

Deadline: July 12th, 2024

Applications are now open for the 2024 ACT Foundation’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge. The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community non-profits and social enterprises in Africa that leverage technology and digital tools to create social change within their communities. 

Eligibility Requirements

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises in Africa. Businesses carrying out innovations that lead to social impact may also apply. 

Organisations must submit social innovations that address challenges in alignment with any of the SDG Goals Click here for more insights on the SDGs

Organisations that have been awarded funding as winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge in the past are not eligible.

Non-profits or social enterprises must be registered with the government agency in charge of organizations’ registry in their respective countries.

All submissions must be innovative solutions that use technology or digital systems as major tools in driving community impact. Evidence of claims must be provided through web links, videos, pictures and any other online presence.

Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years.

All social innovations must be at the growth stage and must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of claim must be provided through pictures, news releases, etc

All social innovations must have been implemented within the past two years. PILOT INNOVATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

Requirements

The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. 

Furthermore, technical support in form of either software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to selected finalists as applicable.

Guideline

Entry for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge opens on Monday, 24th June 2024 and closes Friday, 12th July 2024. Late entries will not be considered.

Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.

No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Technical support will also be awarded as applicable.

Winners will be announced and awarded at the annual ACT Foundation Breakfast Dialogue which is scheduled to hold in October 2024. For more details, visit www.actrustfoundation.org.

APPLY HERE

Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot (2024)

Welcome on the Bold Open Database, the first open and free database that lists and makes visible all female entrepreneurs worldwide.

Since 1972, Maison Veuve Clicquot has continued the legacy of Madame Clicquot by rewarding and promoting daring women entrepreneurs who impact their sector of activity and Society.

The Bold Woman Award rewards an emblematic woman entrepreneur for her career, her journey and the success of her business and the Bold Future Award rewards a woman entrepreneur who has created or taken over her business less than 5 years ago.

The Bold Open Data Base

Launched in December 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bold by Veuve Clicquot Program, The Bold Open Data Base is the first open, free and global database that lists and makes visible all female entrepreneurs on the planet.

The Bold Open Data Base was created by Veuve Clicquot. It allows journalists, researchers, investors or entrepreneurs themselves to find female entrepreneurs with varied profiles, from all sectors, all business sizes, in France and around the world.

Prepare your application

To start your application, please refer to the application calendar further down on the web page. We recommend that you prepare the answers to the questionnaire below in advance before starting the online application process.

Is the candidate the founder / co-founder / manager of a company?

Is the company based in the coutry where the candidate lives?

Is the candidate an adult?

Name / Company name

Company address (department)

Creation date

Company legal number

Describe the main activity of your

 company

Number of employees

2023 turnover

If you have carried out fundraising, please indicate this

How long have you been an entrepreneur and how did you get the desire to start a business?

How was your business project born and what is your involvement in its design?

What makes it an innovative/bold concept?

Have you had any obstacles in your entrepreneurial journey? If yes, which ones ?

What are your future plans and the development prospects for your business?

Does your company adopt a CSR approach? If yes, what actions are you taking?

For you, what role can your company play in society?

How can your business and your journey serve as a model for future women entrepreneurs? What advice could you give them?

Are you taking actions to encourage entrepreneurship outside your company?

 Where would you like to lead one? If so why ?

Have you had role models who have inspired you during your career? If yes, which ones ?

What are your motivations for receiving this Prize?

How did you hear about this Prize?

Do not hesitate to attach any document likely to support your application (CV, presentation model of your company, financial statement, etc.).

READ MORE AND APPLY HERE

2024 GOOGLE FOR STARTUPS ACCELERATOR: AI FIRST FOR MENA STARTUPS.

Application Deadline: August 18, 2024

Applications are now open for the 2024 Google for Startups Accelerator: Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First is a 10-week, equity-free hybrid program for Seed to Series A, AI First startups. In partnership with Google Cloud, the AI First program helps high-potential startups based in MENA and Turkey grow with the best of Google through a mix of in-person and virtual activities, 1:1 mentoring, and group learning sessions.

In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program features deep dives and workshops focused on product design, business growth, and leadership development. Selected startups will also benefit from dedicated Google AI technical expertise and receive credits via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.

Requirements

Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage

Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model

Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI

Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions

Benefits

Equity-free support: Equity-free support: For duration of program.

Mentoring: Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.

Training: Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.

Access to experts: Access to Google’s network of industry experts.

Google product credits: Eligible startups receive product credits.

Early access: Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.

Strategic support: Support on company and product strategy.

Technical project partnership: Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges

APPLY HERE