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The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is a global accelerator that powers the green and just transition by investing in young entrepreneurs as catalysts for sustainable development, environmental justice, and climate action advocacy. The project seeks to enhance the competitiveness and scale of youth-led green businesses, with a strong focus on land restoration.
Through a Global Bootcamp, Accelerator, and Youth Ecopreneur Awards, it provides comprehensive support, including training, mentorship, and financial support, to youth-led green businesses.
The programme is powered by the ITC and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD in partnership with WIPO, Sidley Austin LLP, and Google Startups for Sustainable Development. The five-year programme is designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative that allows ITC projects and partners to opt in, leveraging and scaling within the existing structure. The acceleration program onboards new participants every year.
Programme Categories
- The YECO Programme is segmented into two main categories, each designed to support innovative solutions in the realm of environmental sustainability. These categories not only define the type of projects they’re looking to accelerate but also outline the specific benefits associated with each. They seek solutions that meet the following profile:
- Land Restoration
- Green Business Solutions
Programme Benefits
- Capacity-building for scaling your venture
- Seed Funding (USD 100,000 for the land-restoration cohort, equity-free)
- Access to a Global Network & Exposure
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Legal and IP Guidance
- Preferential access to Pro-Bono Legal Services from Sidley Austin
- Preferential access to the Google StartUp for Sustainable Development Programme
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip to International Conference for Award Finalists
- Win the Youth Ecopreneur Award and get 10,000 USD prize money (1 Award per category)
Who are they looking for?
- The YECO Programme is designed for young ecopreneurs looking to elevate their initiatives to new heights. Ideal candidates are innovators with a clear understanding of the environmental challenges they address, offering scalable solutions ready for acceleration. This program serves as a launchpad for those ready to make a substantial impact in environmental innovation.
- They seek candidates that meet the following profile:
- Applicant
- Must be under the age of 35 (by the application deadline)
- Must be Founder, Co-Founder or CEO
- The Business
- Must be majority run by a young person
- Must be legally registered
- Must promote land restoration, sustainability, circularity, and/or the green economy
- Applicant
