Deadline:
September 14, 2025
Location(s)
Online
Overview
Details
Welcome to the Youth Ecopreneur Programme, implemented by ITC's Ye! Community and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD, where passionate young innovators drive the future of green business! What started as just an awards program has now grown into the Youth Ecopreneur Programme and in 2024, we received 850 applications from over 100 countries, showcasing incredible talent in Land Restoration and Green Business Solutions.
Join our vibrant community today, apply now, and be part of shaping a more sustainable future!
* Youth is defined as individuals aged 15 to 35.
Our approach and target stakeholders
Youth-led Green Business Solutions (Ecopreneurs)
- Empower young entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development, environmental justice, and climate action.
- Provide tailored support, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
- Focus on land restoration, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience
Enhancing the Land Restoration Ecosystem
- Strengthen institutional capacities to support land restoration and provide green business opportunities for youth through Business Support Organizations.
- Expand and strengthen the service offering of the young entrepreneur developing green business solutions.
Advocating for a green and just transition
- Showcase green youth-led solutions to tackle the triple planetary crisis in international fora.
- Advocate for an inclusive green and just transition with youth voices.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The YECO Programme is built for youth entrepreneurs under the age of 35 who are founders, co-founders, or CEOs.
We’re looking for passionate innovators with a clear understanding of the environmental challenges they tackle and scalable solutions ready for acceleration.
Applicant must be:
- Must be under the age of 35 (by the application deadline)
- Must be Founder, Co-Founder or CEO
Eligible businesses must be:
- Legally registered and majority-run by a young person
- The bootcamp is open globally, the accelerator is reserved for eligible countries – see the list here
- Focused on Land Restoration or Green Business solutions
The programme consists of a:
- Global Bootcamp to kickstart your journey with dynamic training and e-learning.
- Global Accelerator to get personalized coaching, mentorship, and masterclasses to take your sustainable solutions to the next level.
- Youth Ecopreneur Awards to showcase your solutions on a global stage.
Dates
Deadline: September 14, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Programme Benefits
- Capacity-building for scaling your venture
- Seed Funding (shared pool of $100,000 USD for the land-restoration cohort in total, 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)
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
