Call For Applications: Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2025 (USD 1000 in Funding)
The International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the G20 Global Land Initiative and UNCCD, invites young entrepreneurs under 35 to join the Youth Ecopreneur Programme. YECO supports youth led green and circular businesses, as well as land restoration solutions, through training, mentorship, global networking, and investment readiness support.
Eligibility Criteria
Businesses must be:
- Founded and led by youth under 35 (Founder, Co-Founder, or CEO)
- Legally registered and fall under one of two tracks:
- Land Restoration (e.g. reforestation, soil rehabilitation)
- Green & Circular Economy (e.g. renewable energy, waste innovation)
Strongly encouraged to apply:
- Female entrepreneurs
- Founders from LDCs, SIDS, and landlocked countries
- Persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups
Funding Details
Participants can access an equity free seed fund of up to USD 100,000 (land restoration track), legal and IP guidance, tailored mentorship, and visibility through global platforms. Winners of the Youth Ecopreneur Awards will receive USD 10,000 each.
Before you begin your application
- The application will take around 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
- Please ensure you have all your documents (Passport, Business Certificate, Pitch Deck) ready before you begin your application.
- This application should be completed in one go. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the questions. You can review them here
NEW Fast Track Option
The Fast Track is designed for businesses that are already beyond the early startup phase and ready to scale. If selected, you will skip the 10-week Bootcamp and move directly to the Accelerator stage.
You should only apply for the Fast-Track if your business meets all of the following criteria:
- You have proven market traction
- You are generating consistent revenue or have a clear, realistic path to profitability.
- You have a scalable business model
- You have a committed, full-time team in place.
- You are investment-ready
In the application you will be asked to upload a short motivational video, and if selected will participate in a 15-minute interview during the week of September 14th.
Only businesses registered in developing countries are eligible.
You can find the list of eligible countries here