Application Deadline: 6th February 2022
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Impact Hub Kigali (IHK), with the support of USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are looking for Rwanda’s brightest and newest entrepreneurial solutions 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 Rwandan start-ups, SMEs and cooperatives to scale up their solutions, contributing to the economy while creating a positive social impact by addressing different gaps in the food system. The Challenge will provide a platform to pitch to win both financial and technical support.
Eligibility
- Your entity must possess a valid registration/certificate of incorporation for operating in Rwanda
- Have proof of a revenue-generating business (total turnover in the case of cooperatives) of at least the equivalent of 5,000 USD for the year 2020-21
- Be a team of at least 3 full-time members dedicated to the SME/cooperative, including the founding team
- At least 50% of your founding and/or senior management team must be from Rwanda/East Africa
- The entity must have key operations in Rwanda
Requirements
Startups, SMEs, and cooperatives contributing towards food security in areas such as resilience to shocks and stress, access to safe and nutritious food, optimizing food supply chains, empowering smallholder farmers, and advancing food security for all.
The scope of the Challenge is kept broad, covering food production, food transformation & food consumption. Furthermore, entities covering goods and services required for processing, marketing, consumption, and disposition of goods from agriculture, forestry or fisheries are also eligible to leverage this opportunity and apply. Similarly, entities in the agro-processing/value-addition parts of the supply chain, such as post-harvest handling and storage, agricultural financing, and strengthening smallholder market access, are particularly relevant and encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Funding: Apply to receive up to $50,000* in equity-free funding
- 6 months acceleration support:Benefit from technical support to strengthen your skills and address any gaps in your business, with a tailored made curriculum and direct connections to experts and mentors
- Networking and exposure:You will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners
Timeline
- Applications close: 6th February 2022
- Announcement of shortlisted startups: Mid February
- Skills trainings & due diligence: February – March 2022
- Pitch Day: March 2022
- 6 months acceleration phase: April – September 2022
If you have any questions, please contact at [email protected]
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge Rwanda Accelerator Program