About the challenge

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a unique global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are pioneering social entrepreneurship for the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspiring communities’ actions to build the world we aspire to by 2030.

The Challenge recognizes innovative female leaders from across the world who are taking initiatives for SDG through sustainable business practices and motivating others to follow their track.

Details

Application deadline: 10 April 2022

Organizer: Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Arizona State University with a bunch of partners

Location: New York, USA (COVID permitting, if not, virtual)

Contest dates: Physically September 17-25, 2022); virtually (August to October 2022)

Objectives of the challenge

It aims to:

• Recognize pioneering women entrepreneurs
• Invest in the most inspirational and transformational female entrepreneurs.
• Raise awareness among a global community of stakeholders of the brilliant contribution women entrepreneurs can make in contributing to the SDGs and the hurdles they still face.

Benefits

Successful participants will get the opportunity to:

• Get their innovative work recognized and benefit from the capacity-building training sessions.
• Connect with an exceptional global network to improve their enterprises
• The challenge awardees will take part in events surrounding the 76th UN General Assembly and interact with prominent experts from around the world.
• Participate in vibrant pitch competitions hosted by fashion designer, activist, and Vital Voices Board Members von Furstenberg to deliver their work for the chance to win a $20,000 endowment.

Criteria for participation

To qualify for this competition, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements.

• Finalists will be required to present proof of sales (i.e. tax records and/or audited financial records).
• Be a woman entrepreneur with main decision-making ability in a business or organization
• Her business/organization has been operating for more than three years
• The entrepreneur employs at least three full-time employees (or full-time equivalent)
• Her enterprise/organization produces a minimum of $100,000 USD in annual sales or revenue
• Be of high command in spoken and written English
• Be at least 21 years old
• Be available to travel to New York, NY and participate in all events AND if needed, be able to participate in a virtual program.

How to apply for WE Empower UN SDG 2022?

Interested woman entrepreneurs can apply for the Challenge online after completing registration on the application page.

Apply Now

What your application includes:

You need to answer questions about:

• How your work relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and your vision for a sustainable world.
• How you will help enhance gender equality through your work.
• Also, applicants will have to answer many security questions, share social media profile details (if pertinent), and accept the terms and conditions within the contest entry form.
• Finally, candidates must submit a two-minute video considering the submission guidelines.

For more information about the submission guidelines, evaluation considerations, and list of previous awardees, please refer to the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge.

Similar Opportunities: 

• Kurt Schork Memorial Fund Awards in International Journalism  (up to $5000)
• 120 University of Calabria (UniCal) Masters Scholarships for Non-EU Students in Italy
• Call for Nominations: ‘Diana Award  for Outstanding Young Social Leaders’
• Norman Borlaug 2022 Award for ‘Field Research and Application; ($10,000 Award)

Should you have any queries about the contest or have technical issues, please contact info@weempowerchallenge.org.