MENA

WeMENA empowers and equips women entrepreneurs to solve the future’s most difficult problems. Application Deadline: 17th January, 2017 Eligible Countries: Countries in MENA Region About the Award: Through a business model challenge, WeMENA accelerates innovative solutions that will help eight cities across the Middle East and North Africa region build resilience and better adapt to chronic stresses and shocks. As the region continues its fast-paced urbanization, city residents will become increasingly more exposed to the adverse effects of climate change, and subject to social, economic, and financial stresses and shocks. In order to build more resilient cities capable of withstanding such hazards, we are looking for women entrepreneurs who are innovating in the following categories: Agriculture and Food Security Sustainable Energy & The Environment Water & Sanitation Urban Development (Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing) Governance and Civic Engagement Healthcare & Disease Prevention Technology, Fintech & Smart Cities Economics & Society Disaster Risk Reduction Type: Entrepreneurship/Contest Eligibility: The WeMENA Business Model competition attracts women who are seeking investment and support to accelerate their idea or solution into the market. This competition is open to women participating as individuals, as teams, or on behalf of a legal entity. Participants applying on behalf of the legal entity must prove they have partial or full ownership of the business model they propose. Applicants from around the world may participate, but the solutions proposed must use principles of resilience-thinking and must address issues in the following cities:, Alexandria, Amman, Beirut, Byblos, Cairo, Casablanca, Ramallah or Tunis. We don’t limit the contest, so don’t limit your ideas. However, give some thought to what you think will have the best chance to win, so pay attention to how the ideas are judged. Value of Entrepreneurship: Contestants in this challenge will receive business training, guidance from mentors in the Silicon Valley and beyond, and a chance to win $150,000 in cash awards. There is no cost to submit a venture, but participants will have to cover their travel costs to the Grand Finale in Casablanca, Morocco. How to Apply: Click here to apply Visit Entrepreneurship Webpage for details Award Provider: The World Bank