Deadline: August 23, 2017
Does your business or not-for-profit organization use solar energy or solar technology to improve the lives of poor communities, especially for women and girls? Is it eco-inclusive, delivering environmental and social benefits? Apply now for the Hogan Lovells Community Solar Innovation Awards 2017. The Community Solar Innovation Awards recognizes and supports outstanding eco-inclusive businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing countries that use solar energy or technologies. Sponsored and supported by international law firm Hogan Lovells, there are ten Awards available to the successful winners. Judges will be looking for businesses which are locally-led and significantly help the lives of women and girls, particularly those which focus on gender equality or female empowerment.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, or Global Goals, were adopted in September 2015 by 193 countries to end extreme poverty, tackle inequality and injustice, and safeguard our planet. To achieve the 17 goals over the next 15 years, governments, the private sector and civil society must all play their part. Recognizing that the opportunities for enterprises to impact sustainable development vary across industries, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or Global Goals call for collaboration – Global Goal 17. The Community Solar Innovation Awards represent a visionary partnership across business sectors to lift people out of energy poverty and support community.
Prizes
The ten winners of the Hogan Lovells Community Solar Innovation Awards will each receive a package of tailored support consisting of:
- Peer-to-Peer networking session: Each winner will be invited to attend a peer-to-session to be held in South Africa, where they will be able to meet others facing similar challenges and learn from their experiences to grow their own business;
- Capacity Building: One-on-one support and mentorship providing each winner with individual assistance with their business and financial plans;
- Legal Advice: Law firm Hogan Lovells will provide up to USD30,000-worth of legal advice for each winner;
- Profiling: A high-level awards ceremony in South Africa, as well as additional marketing and promotional activities by SEED, Barefoot, and Hogan Lovells;
- Replication Support: Each winner will receive support from SEED to replicate their business model in other regions around the world;
- Financing: Hogan Lovells will provide USD10,000 to one overall winner to cover the organization’s most pressing needs. The details to be agreed in a support plan between the winner and the firm.
The Awards are implemented by adelphi with outreach support managed by SEED and Barefoot College.
Eligibility
- Open to eco-inclusive businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing countries that use solar energy or technologies to benefit lives in poor communities;
- Activities of organizations should demonstrate entrepreneurship and innovation;
- The enterprise should utilise solar technology as an integral part of the business model;
- An applicant enterprise can be from a non-profit or for-profit background but should be able to explain how the enterprise is financially viable; it should have a sound business rationale;
- Local partner/s should be fully engaged in and have the prospect of benefitting from the enterprise, which should reflect the expertise, interests and commitments of the local communities;
- The main activities and the origination of the enterprise need to be in an eligible non-OECD country and non-EU member state.
Application
There are two ways to apply for the Community Solar Innovation Awards 2017. You can submit an online application form or download a PDF form, fill it completely and send it to [email protected]
Timeline
- Stage 1: Submission of the application form – before August 16, 2017, 23:59 CET
- Stage 2: Selection of shortlisted applicants – end of September 2017
- Stage 3: Submission of Additional information – mid-October 2017
- Stage 4: Winner Selection – December 2017
- Stage 5: Award Ceremony – March 2018
For more information, visit Hogan Lovells Community Solar Innovation Awards.
