Calling female founders of sustainable businesses

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is open for applications for 2020. Are you an Aussie female founder changing the world for good?

The 2020 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is currently accepting applications for this year's competition. The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global business competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to create the world we want by 2030.

Previous Awardees and finalists include people like Dr Shimrit Finkel from Israel, who created an eco concrete to rebuild both wharves and marine life rather than killing it - a product now in wharves, marine parks and sea walls around the world.

Leah Lizarondo from USA, who co-founded the organisation 412 Food Rescue, a technology driven food recovery solution that bridges the disconnect between the 40% of food that goes to waste and the 1 in 7 people experiencing food insecurity in the United States.

Brynn Foster from Hawaii, founder of Voyaging Foods, a company bringing back traditional Hawaiian food. She founded a company that makes gluten-free baked goods and dry mixes from Hawaiian-grown heritage canoe plants such as Kalo (Taro), 'Uala (Sweet Potato) and 'Ulu (Breadfruit).

The difference that simply being involved in this competition can make for a business in terms of networks, support and global opportunities is extraordinary. If you are someone advancing the SDGs or know someone who you think is a great applicant, please share this article.

Applications opened on 4 March 2020 and close on 26th April 2020. To be eligible to enter, applicants must meet all of the following criteria: 

• A woman entrepreneur with lead decision making ability in a business or organization
• Your business/organization has been in operation for more than three years
  
  Employ at least three full time staff (or full time equivalent)
• Business/organization generates at least $100,000 USD in annual sales or revenue
• Be proficient in spoken and written English
• Be at least 21 years old
• Be available to travel to NYC between 18 September – 27 September 2020

Five finalists are selected from around the world to receive an all-expense paid trip to New York during the UN Global Goals week (18-27 September 2020) to participate in a series of tailored trainings and events. For example, finalists will:  

• Participate in a live, dynamic pitch event hosted by Diane von Furstenberg that will bring together top business, tech, venture capital and media leaders with an opportunity for one awardee to receive a $20,000 grant to further their business
• Attend high-level events with senior UN Officials, the Council of Women World Leaders, and the UN Global Compact
• Attend a series of individualized trainings, high-level dialogues at the UN, and coaching on communications and speech preparation for Pitch Night
• Participate in Global Citizen week events including a ticket to attend the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on Saturday, Sept 26th 2020
• Be featured as speakers at an intimate high-level dinner reception hosted by the G5 Collective and Vital Voices

You can get more information, tips and apply here. 

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