Funding Opportunities for Businesses

  1. WGH/Novartis Foundation #Buildbackbetter Challenge

Women-led businesses focusing on health emergency and security in low-middle income countries are invited to participate in the #Buildbackbetter Digital Innovation and AI challenge. The competition aims to identify innovative digital and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions which address health security during COVID-19 and the future. Interested participants will create a 90 sec video pitch their Innovation on digital health and AI. Thereafter, they will upload the video on YouTube and submit a filled application form and proposal stating their idea of innovation, perceived impact of the innovation and its potential scalability. Winners will receive $10,000 while runners-up will receive $5,000 to enhance their Innovation. The deadline for application is October 23. For more information, visit https://www.womeningh.org/buildbackbetter-challenge

 

2. Call For Freelance Journalists By The Reuters Institute For The Study of Journalism (RISJ)

There is an opportunity for dynamic, creative and rigorous journalists to contribute to RISJ’s mission to explore future of journalism worldwide by writing, creating and disseminating a variety of content across a range of distribution channels , with a focus on Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania

Interested applicants should submit their CVs including links to some of their previous works, a proposal including a short personal statement and pitches for two stories they would like to write about journalism in the geographical areas of focus and contact details of two referees.

The Institute is seeking freelance journalists. Articles and stories will be pitched, commissioned and paid for on delivery for fees agreed in advance. The deadline for application is 12pm, 11th of October, UK time. To apply, visit https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5847252/Freelance-journalist-application-form

3. The GSMA INNOVATION FUND FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Africa-based start-ups with innovative ideas driving digital inclusion of people with disabilities can apply for GSMA innovation fund. The aim is to bring about more access to Assistive Technology (AT). Interested start-ups should address availability, affordability, relevance, expertise, safety and security in their projects. Selected projects will receive grant ranging from $130,000-$325,000 to enhance their innovation for up to 18 months. For more information, visit https://youtu.be/Y9OFe9zxK3c. Deadline for application is 16th of October.

Also Read: Funding Opportunities for Businesses

 

4. Microsoft launches Fintech Express To Empower Fintechs in Africa and Middle East

Fintech Express has been launched by Mastercard to provide tailor-made solutions that will enhance market entry and expansion for fintechs in Africa and Middle East. The programme is designed to cater for different needs of different fintechs; from established companies needing a direct license from Mastercard to fintech start-ups having the ambition to innovate through collaboration with the ever-ready Mastercard partners. For more information, visit https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/business/issuers/grow-your-business/fintech.html

 

5. Virtual Voices GROW Fellowship Accelerator Programme For Female-owned Businesses

Women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa and Sub-saharan Africa can apply for participation in the Virtual Voice GROW Fellowship Accelerator Programme. The benefits include business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development and networking access to grow their businesses and increase their leadership impact. For eligibility, interested participant’s business must: have been existing for at least three years, generate up to $40,000 annually and have at least three full time employees. The business owner must be in the same country as her business seven months in a year. She must be proficient in written and spoken English. There is $1,500 participation fee which can be paid in installments on a schedule determined by the organizers. The programme will last for a year. To apply, visit https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5469757/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2021-Application

 

6. Coldhub Wins The Sustainable And Healthy Food for All Category Annual Global Maker Challenge, takes home $100,000

Global Market Challenge is organized by the Mohammed bin Rasheed Initiative For Global Prosperity.

This year, the event was held virtually. The four themes of this year’s edition were: innovation for peace and justice, sustainable and healthy food for all, innovation for inclusive trade and climate change. Four winners and eight runners-up received monetary prizes, mentorship and networking access worth up to $1m

Coldhub was selected as the sustainable and healthy food for all winner, banking a US$100,000 cash prize.

Coldhub is owned by a young Nigerian farmer and social entrepreneur Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu. produces cold rooms and sells them to smallholder farmers, retailers and wholesalers to store and preserve fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods. For more Information, visit https://disrupt-africa.com/2020/09/nigerias-coldhubs-secures-100k-cash-prize-at-global-maker-challenge/

Also Read: Funding Opportunities for Businesses

7. Kenya, Nigerian startups accepted into Hong Kong-based accelerator, secure funding

Betratron has included OkHI ( Kenyan digital addressing start-up) and ThankUCash (Nigerian multi-merchant rewards platform) as part of the start-ups to take part in its accelerator programme.

The programme gives up to $500,000 funding to each selected start-up with other benefits such as mentorship and guidance to aid their expansion. For more information, please visit https://disrupt-africa.com/2020/09/kenya-nigerian-startups-accepted-into-hong-kong-based-accelerator-secure-funding/

 

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