Category Archives: business funding

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL AGRIINNO CHALLENGE

Application Deadline: 7 June, 2025

LOCATION: China

Join a global movement of youth innovators and agri-tech entrepreneurs driving change in food and farming. Submit your agrifood systems innovation online. The winners will have an opportunity to pitch their innovations at the Science and Innovation Forum in Rome in October 2025.

Theme: Harnessing emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for sustainable agrifood systems: Advancing climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security.

ELIGIBILITY:

Open to youth innovators (aged 18-35) and startup teams

Women-led teams and entrepreneurs from diverse background

Anyone with a tech-driven idea that can revolutionize food and farming

Innovation: Solutions should demonstrate strong alignment with the challenge theme, offer original use of emerging technologies, and be accessible and inclusive to smallholder farmers and marginalized groups.

Market Potential & Economic Value: Projects will be assessed on their potential for market entry, scalability, profitability, and ability to generate economic opportunities such as employment or investment.

Social, Environmental Impact & Sustainability: Ideas must show how they will improve livelihoods, promote sustainability, reduce food loss or pollution, and contribute to climate resilience and social inclusion.

Project Team: Teams will be evaluated on their operational capacity, relevant experience, technical skills, and commitment to diversity and gender equity.

BENEFIT:

Mentorship: 48-hour co-creation boot camp with global mentors and Expert coaching from UN agencies, investors, and private sector leaders

Seed Funding: Up to 30k dollars Seed funding for winning teams and a Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage

Recognition: Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage and All travel, visa, lodging, and meals covered for finalists attending in China.

Networking: Access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni network and Build relationships with agencies, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and fellow innovators

APPLY

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS LAUNCHED FOR SUPPORT TO WOMEN EXPORTERS THROUGH WTO-ITC WEIDE FUND

Application Deadline: 18 May 2025

LOCATION: Multiple Regions

The WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund launched on 22 April its first call for applications for funding and technical support. Women-led businesses in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia and Nigeria are invited to apply for support aimed at boosting their digital and export capabilities. An application period for Jordan will follow shortly.

ELIGIBILITY:

Registered and operational in the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, or Nigeria

Export-ready and keen to engage in digital trade

Able to demonstrate potential for business growth and job creation

The application period runs from 22 April to 18 May 2025 for the Dominican Republic, Mongolia and Nigeria. Applications from Jordan will be accepted at a later stage.

In each country, the WEIDE Fund collaborates with the following business support organizations (BSOs) to strengthen outreach and local engagement:

ProDominicana

Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO)

Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI)

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)

The WEIDE Fund has been made possible through the support of the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund.

For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit wto.org/weidefund or contact weidefund@intracen.org.

BENEFIT:

The WEIDE Fund offers two types of grants:

Discovery Grant (up to USD 5,000): For early-stage businesses exploring digital trade opportunities.

Booster Grant (up to USD 30,000): For businesses ready to scale up their digital presence and expand into global markets.

APPLY