Application Deadline: February 26, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Ashoka Power of Local Challenge. The program is looking for small business ecosystem builders – organizations that provide small businesses with diverse and equitable opportunities like resources, tools, networking, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
Participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Country of Impact
Your initiative must be primarily impacting at least one of the following countries: Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Language
- Your application should be fully written and submitted in English (Applicants, especially finalists, will be expected to engage in activities that require English proficiency).
Additional Criteria
- Please note that all eligible participants will be invited to take part in peer reviews: once the application phase closes, you will each be asked to review 10 applications each. Doing so will give you access to exclusive feedback roundtables with the community.
Prizes
All eligible applicants will receive:
- Feedback from Ashoka and reviewers on their applications.
- Have a chance to connect with a community of changemakers through this challenge (through peer reviews and meeting them through community events).
- Access to self-paced training opportunities to support you in your changemaking journey.
All semifinalists and finalists will:
- All semifinalists will have the opportunity to refine their application based on feedback received.
- Semifinalists and finalists will have access to exclusive opportunities to connect and learn with peers working in the field.
- Finalists will be invited to interact with a panel of expert judges from Ashoka and its partners.
All Winners will:
A total of 11 winners will be awarded a cash prize of up to $60,000 as follows:
- We will award a minimum of 2 winners in each geographical region: Latin America, East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, East Asia.
- Ten Winners will receive $15,000 each.
- One Grand Prize Winner will be selected and will receive $60,000
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge