Call for Applications: WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge Rwanda 2022

The United Nations World Food Program (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.

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 WFP’s strong network of public, private, and government partners.

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;
• Ventures that are women-led and/or have taken demonstrated action towards promoting women in their supply chain are especially encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

They will select based on the following criteria:

• Level of innovation: the solution solves a food challenge in an innovative way.
• Impact: the solution has a strong impact on strengthening food systems.
• Financial sustainability: the venture has a clear business model and is financially sustainable.
• Level of traction: the venture shows traction and demonstrates impact already.
• Scalability: the venture has a strong potential to be scaled up
• Team: The team combines the right experience and demonstrates commitment to scale the solution.

How To Apply

Click Here To Apply

For more information, visit WFP IGNITE

Application Deadline: February 6, 2022

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