WE Empower UN SDG Awards 2022 are open

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2022 is open for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN SDGs and inspiring entire communities to act to create the world they want by 2030

Is this you? The WE Empower Challenge honors innovative women leaders from around the world who are pushing the SDGs forward through sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit. The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge seeks applications from women entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs who are helping to promote women’s empowerment and the SDGs in their region, and wield the influence necessary to do so.

The opportunity recognizes their innovative work and provides Awardees with capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. This program elevates and showcases the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs and business leaders can make toward the SDGs and solving the world’s greatest challenges.

Objectives

HONOR: Honor innovative women entrepreneurs who are supporting and achieving the SDGs through sustainable business practices and inspiration for others to follow suit.

INVEST: Invest in the most inspiring and transformational women entrepreneurs – providing access to seed capital, unique training, capacity building, and a network of their peers, visibility and credibility for their work.

IGNITE: Ignite awareness among a global community of stakeholders of the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs can make in contributing to the SDGs and the obstacles they still face.

Opportunity

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 events around UN General Assembly with organizations like the UN Global Compact;
• Attend a series of individualized trainings and coaching on communications and speech preparation for the Pitch Event; 
• Participate in trainings and networking opportunities with lead partners on topics from fundraising to SDG storytelling and advocacy; 
• Be featured on panels and speaking events hosted by lead partners, such as UN Global Compact and University of Oxford, Saїd Business School. 

Funding Information

Awardees will also participate in a dynamic pitch competition, hosted by fashion designer, activist and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, to present their business for the opportunity to receive a $20,000 grant.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to enter this competition, applicants must meet all of the following criteria. Finalists will be required to provide evidence of sales (i.e. tax returns and/or audited financial records):

• I am a woman entrepreneur with lead decision-making ability in a business or organization
• My business/organization has been in operation for more than three years
• I employ at least three full-time staff (or full-time equivalent)
• My business/organization generates at least $100,000 USD in annual sales or revenue
• I am proficient in spoken and written English
• I am at least 21 years old
• I am available to travel to New York, NY and participate in all events from Friday, September 13 through Saturday, September 27, 2022 (COVID-19 travel restrictions permitting) AND if necessary, I am able to participate in a virtual program from August through October 2021.

For more information, visit Arizona State University.

Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below: