Call For Applications: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge 2024 (Up to $25,000 in grant funding)

Impact Hub Kigali, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), will extend its support to the third edition of the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge: Empowering Refugee Communities in Rwanda, with a primary focus on empowering refugees and addressing their livelihood needs. This initiative seeks to foster entrepreneurship and investment in ventures that enhance food systems, combat hunger, and elevate food security, with a particular emphasis on serving refugee populations.

Eligibility Criteria:

Non-Refugee-Owned Businesses

• The business must directly impact refugees in Rwanda or seek to enhance the livelihoods of refugees.
• Must be a registered business in Rwanda with at least 2 years of operations.
• Provision of RDB/RCA certificate.
• Must have a team of at least two full-time members dedicated to the MSME or cooperative, including the founding team.
• At least 50% of the founding or senior management team must be Rwandan.
• Must have proof of revenues of at least RWF 5,000,000 for the full year of 2023.
• Must have existing key operations in Rwanda.

Refugee-Owned Businesses

• The refugee owner must be registered in Rwanda.
• Must be a registered business in Rwanda with at least 1 year of operations.
• Provision of RDB/RCA certificate.
• Must have a team of at least two full-time members dedicated to the MSME or cooperative, including the founding team.
• Must have proof of revenues of at least RWF 2,000,000 for the full year of 2023.
• Must have existing key operations in Rwanda.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation process for the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge (Second Edition) will be based on the following criteria:

• Level of innovation: The solution solves a food challenge in an innovative way
• Impact: the solution has a strong impact on strengthening food systems
• Financial sustainability: the venture has a clear business model and is financially sustainable
• Level of traction: the venture shows traction and demonstrates impact already
• Scalability: the venture has a strong potential to be scaled up
• Team: The team combines the right experience and demonstrates commitment to scale the solution

Benefits:

Selected ventures will have access to the following benefits that will support them to scale their businesses:

• Up to $25,000 in grant funding
• Tailored technical support with experts
• Networking opportunities and access to events
• Access to market and industry resources
• Exposure to potential investors and funding opportunities

Application Process

Applications are reviewed by WFP, their implementing partners, and external experts. While they welcome applicants working across all stages of the food systems, preference will be given to those who already show traction and market validation to support their growth.

Deadline: June 23, 2024

Click HERE to Apply