Call for Applications: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) – Investing in Young Climate-Driven Businesses

Program Overview
Goodwell Investments, in collaboration with Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (YBA WE4A), invites applications from ambitious women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. The newly launched two-year initiative seeks to support innovative, climate-aligned ventures led by women who are driving transformational impact within their communities and sectors.

The WE4A program offers a unique blend of technical assistance, tailored business support, and financial backing, with the goal of helping women entrepreneurs strengthen their business models, expand their market reach, and achieve long-term sustainability while contributing to climate resilience.

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Program Benefits

Approved applicants will receive:

• Technical Assistance via NYUMBA: All selected applicants will gain access to NYUMBA, an exclusive online knowledge hub and peer network for impact-driven entrepreneurs.

• Tailored Business Support: Selected businesses will benefit from expert advisory services aimed at scaling operations, refining strategy, enhancing sustainability, and amplifying impact.

• Financial Support: Up to 35 applicants will be selected to receive low-interest concessional loans or loan guarantees to unlock critical growth capital.

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Eligible Sectors

Applications are sought from businesses operating in the following climate-relevant industries:

• Sustainable agriculture

• Renewable energy

• Blue economy / aquaculture

• Eco-tourism

• Circular economy / waste management / biomass

• Sustainable transport and logistics

• Green construction

Your business must clearly demonstrate a link between your operations and positive climate outcomes, such as emissions reduction, green job creation, or improved environmental resilience.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Women Ownership & Leadership: The company must be women-owned or co-owned and led by women in senior executive roles (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO).

• Niche and Dynamic Venture: Your business should have a strong unique value proposition, an innovative business model, or market-disruptive potential.

• Revenue Generation: A minimum of one year of operations with demonstrated annual revenues (ideally exceeding €200,000).

• Sector Focus: Must be active in one of the climate-aligned sectors listed above.

• Geographical Location: Must be legally registered and operating in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, or Mozambique.

• Climate Commitment: Demonstrated contribution to achieving climate or environmental goals.

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Application Timeline & Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting June 2025, with the first review scheduled for the end of June. Early submission is encouraged to ensure consideration in the next funding cycle.

How to Apply

Applicants can apply for either or both of the support streams:

• For Financial Assistance

• For Technical Assistance

Apply Now

• Business profile (1–2 pages)

• Two years of financial statements

• Growth plan (max 500 words)

• Proof of company registration and evidence of women ownership/leadership

Review Process

• All applications are reviewed monthly by a dedicated project management team.

• Shortlisted businesses will undergo a screening and due diligence process (within 30–45 days).

• Successful applicants will be notified and selected for technical assistance, financial support, or both.

• Disbursements will begin from 60 days post-application.

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Why You Should Apply

This program offers a valuable opportunity to:

• Receive expert guidance and capital to help scale your business sustainably.

• Build partnerships and knowledge through an active peer-learning network.

• Drive climate impact while creating jobs and growing your influence as a woman entrepreneur.

• Join a community of Africa’s leading women-led, impact-driven enterprises.

Whether you’re revolutionizing food systems, redefining eco-tourism, or disrupting waste management, this program is designed to invest in your potential and the future of Africa’s climate economy.

For questions or support, reach out via email: iyba_we4a@goodwell.nl.

Apply today

For more opportunities, visit the Opportunities for Youth website.