Social and environmental entrepreneurs can win expert help and support, including a financial contribution, in the 2014 SEED Awards.
The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurs in Sustainable Development is an annual awards scheme designed to find the most promising, innovative and locally led start-up social and environmental entrepreneurs in countries with developing and emerging economies.
An international jury of experts selects enterprises that have the potential to make real improvements in poverty eradication and environmental sustainability while contributing to a greener economy.
SEED Awards prize
SEED offers winners a package of individually tailored support for their enterprises.
While no support package to SEED winners is the same, the prize consists of:
- Assistance and advice on developing and improving the enterprise’s business and financial plan
- A three-day in-country business-oriented workshop also covering the key elements and factors which help to build a successful social and environmental enterprise, which is also gender responsive
- Participation in a high-level international awards ceremony with senior government and UN officials, development institutions, financial institutions and businesses
- Profiling of the enterprise nationally, regionally and internationally
- Assistance with access to relevant organisations, businesses, and to other SEED winners and SEED alumni, and SEED partners, supporters and associates
- A financial contribution of $5 000 to cover the enterprise’s most pressing needs, as agreed between the winner and SEED
- Gender Equality winners will, in addition, receive support from the international law firm Hogan Lovells, who have an established pro bono practice advising women entrepreneurs across the world.
12 SEED Awards for Africa
Through the support of the government of Flanders, eight SEED South Africa Awards are made available to enterprises in Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia. Additionally, four SEED South Africa Awards are made available to enterprises in three South African provinces, namely Free State, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal.
Application details
The deadline for applications is 8 April 2014. For more information on the 2014 SEED Awards, visit the awards’website.