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September opportunities for social enterprise
Explore the latest opportunities for changemakers and social entrepreneurs in innovation, sustainability and leadership — and be sure to apply before the deadlines.
Fast Forward Accelerator
Deadline: 8 September 2025
An intensive hybrid accelerator for early-stage tech non-profits from February to May 2026. Provides a minimum of USD 25,000 in unrestricted funding, training from experienced non-profit tech founders and mentorship from leaders in tech and social impact experts. Open to tech non-profits worldwide using technology for public good. Participants also benefit from community exposure, investor introductions and peer support.
Scottish EDGE – Social Enterprise EDGE
Deadline: 10 September 2025
Scottish EDGE is the biggest business funding competition, with a dedicated Social Enterprise category. Social Enterprise EDGE offers up to GBP 75,000 in funding with a 70% grant and 30% loan split, plus business development support and media exposure. Open to limited companies, social enterprises or charities legally registered in Scotland, that have been trading for less than five years. Successful applicants pitch in semi-finals in November.
2025 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO): Call for Applications
Deadline: 14 September 2025
Led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UNCCD – G20 Global Land Initiative, YECO supports young founders scaling solutions in land restoration. Offers expert-led training, 1-on-1 mentorship, legal and IP support, investor exposure and access to an equity-free grant pool of USD 100,000 (including USD 10,000 prize for top performers and a fully-funded trip to pitch at an international forum). Applicants must be under 35, leading a legally registered green business (e.g. in reforestation, agroforestry, circular economy). Women and entrepreneurs from LDCs, SIDS, landlocked and other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2025
Deadline: 15 September 2025
A pan-African competition empowering early-stage young energy entrepreneurs across Africa (ages 18–35) to solve pressing energy and sustainability challenges. Organised by the Nigeria Energy Forum, the challenge invites gender-balanced teams of at least 3 to design and pitch innovative projects in one of four tracks: Youth Employment (energy solutions creating jobs), Agribusiness (clean energy for agriculture and communities), Local Manufacturing (greening African industries), or E-Mobility (clean transport solutions). Winners (one per track) receive grants up to USD 10,000, with top teams showcasing their ideas at the NEF 2025 Forum in Lagos and a virtual forum in November. They’ll also gain mentorship, attend workshops and access an incubator to refine prototypes and scale their impact.
DLR Social Enterprise Award – Ireland
Deadline: 15 September 2025 (extended)
This is an inaugural Social Enterprise of the Year category within the prestigious Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown (DLR) Chamber Business Awards. It’s a unique chance for Irish social enterprises (especially those in the DLR region) to gain recognition and local visibility. Shortlisted finalists will participate in the Awards Gala on 22 October 2025 at the Royal Marine Hotel. This is a compelling opportunity for local social ventures to gain recognition and strengthen their standing within the community.
Giga Accelerator Programme 2025
Deadline: 21 September 2025
A global accelerator (run by UNICEF & ITU’s Giga initiative) fuelling open-source tech solutions to improve school connectivity to the Internet. Provides a USD 50,000 non-dilutive grant alongside expert mentorship, technical guidance and networking with telecom industry partners. Delivered primarily online (anchored at the Giga Tech Centre in Barcelona), the programme helps innovators refine and scale solutions for affordable connectivity. The programme includes two in-person events in Barcelona—Community Day in December 2025 and Demo Day in March 2026—with opportunities to present at Mobile World Congress 2026 and the Giga Connectivity Forum. Any legally registered entity in an ITU member state (worldwide) with at least a proof-of-concept prototype (TRL 4+) and a commitment to open-source its technology is eligible to apply.
GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security
Deadline: 25 September 2025
Awards CHF 10,000 (USD 12,324) to individuals or organisations creating ground-breaking solutions to global security challenges. Hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, the prize spotlights new initiatives, technological innovations, research publications, or institutional accomplishments for their contributions to global peace and security. Open globally to any individual, group of individuals, or organisation from private or public sectors.
Earth Company Impact Hero 2026
Deadline: 6 October 2025
A year-long accelerator nurturing extraordinary changemakers from developing countries in Asia-Pacific. Selected Impact Heroes embark on a hybrid journey – including online seminars (Jan–June) and a 5-day immersive residency in Bali – receiving tailored support in fundraising, leadership coaching, business strategy, communications and more. The programme equips these social and environmental innovators with networks and resources to scale their initiatives. At the mid-point one outstanding participant is crowned Impact Hero of the Year to earn an additional 2.5 years of bespoke support. Visionary leaders, typically aged 20 to 35, from Asia-Pacific developing nations who are driving systemic change in their communities and ecosystems should apply.
Bush Fellowship 2026
Deadline: 7 October 2025
A highly flexible fellowship investing in leaders making positive change across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. About 30 Fellows are selected to receive up to USD 150,000 each over 2 years to pursue the education, experiences and skills they need to become more effective leaders. It’s not a project grant but a personal development award – applicants design their own Fellowship plan to build their capacity to lead equitable, large-scale change. Eligible applicants are individuals aged 24 or older who have been residents of the eligible states or Native nations for at least one year, with a proven record of community impact, a vision for transformative change and a commitment to investing in their own growth to better serve their community.
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