Deadline: December 15, 2021
Apply to receive up to $40,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship and support from world’s largest humanitarian organization. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), are looking for South Sudan’s brightest and newest ideas on how to tackle hunger, improve food security and strengthen food systems.
The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge is a first of its kind initiative to support South Sudanese entrepreneurs and their businesses. The Challenge will provide a platform for youth to pitch and showcase their businesses to win both financial and technical support. With this program, WFP, UNDP and its partners seek to foster an enabling environment for start-ups and SMEs in South Sudan to scale into commercially viable businesses that contribute to the economy while creating a positive impact in society by addressing different gaps in the food system.
Benefits
- Funding: Apply to receive up to $40,000 in equity-free funding
- Access to WFP & their Partners: Teams will work with WFP, UNDP, and their expert entrepreneur support partners.
- Bespoke, Flexible Support: You’ll have the chance to request specific support on what your business needs most, with a bespoke curriculum and direct connections with experts and mentors to troubleshoot challenges your business is facing to scale.
- Networking and exposure: Teams will be able to tap into and leverage WFP’s strong network of public, private, and government partners, and the power of their combined brands.
Eligibility
- Open to youth-led (between the ages of 18 and 35) and women-led start-ups;
- Have a valid business license for operating in South Sudan;
- Have annual revenue turnover of at least $5,000 USD equivalent for the previous year;
- Be at least 3 full-time working members/ founders dedicated to the business;
- At least 50% of the senior management/ founding team is from South Sudan;
- Based and operating in South Sudan.
Selection Criteria
- Impact on strengthening regional food systems
- Feasibility, time to deliver impact, and demonstrable traction
- Clarity of vision, market demand, and execution strategy
- Financial sustainability with a clear business case
- Team strength, experience, and commitment
Application
Applications can be submitted until December 15, 2021 at 11:30 pm (EAT). Applications submitted for the WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge are assessed according to a standard set of criteria and are reviewed by both WFP, their implementing partners, and external experts.
While they welcome applicants working across all stages of the food system – production, manufacturing, and consumption – preference will be given to those who already show traction and market validation to support their growth.
For more information, visit WFP IGNITE.
