The International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the G20 Global Land Initiative and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), has officially opened applications for the Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2025.
The programme, designed for entrepreneurs under 35 years old, focuses on supporting innovative youth-led businesses in land restoration and the green and circular economy sector. With up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding and comprehensive business support, the initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs to build profitable, scalable, and sustainable enterprises that also tackle pressing environmental challenges.
Related: NCAN Rejects Raw Cashew Export Ban, Cites Farmer Risks
What the Programme Offers
Selected participants will gain access to a range of opportunities, including:
- Equity-free seed funding: Up to USD 100,000 for ventures in the land restoration track and USD 10,000 cash awards for winners of the Youth Ecopreneur Awards.
- Global visibility and networking: Access to international platforms, investors, and peer entrepreneurs.
- Tailored mentorship: Hands-on guidance from business experts, sustainability professionals, and industry leaders.
- Legal and IP advisory: Intellectual property support to protect and commercialise innovations.
- Investment readiness training: Helping businesses attract and secure funding from investors.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
- Be the founder, co-founder, or CEO of the business.
- Run a legally registered enterprise in the land restoration or green & circular economy sectors.
- Operate in developing countries, as per the ITC’s eligibility list.
The programme particularly encourages applications from female entrepreneurs, founders from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), landlocked developing nations, youth with disabilities, and other marginalised groups often excluded from mainstream funding opportunities.
Beyond the standard 10-week Bootcamp, YECO 2025 offers a Fast-Track option for established startups that have already proven traction. This pathway allows qualified businesses to move directly into the Accelerator Stage.
To qualify for the Fast-Track, businesses must demonstrate:
- Clear market traction
- Steady revenue streams or a roadmap to profitability
- A scalable and sustainable business model
- A dedicated, full-time founding team
- Investment-readiness backed by strong financials and strategy
How to Apply
Interested founders can complete the online application in 30 to 40 minutes. Since the application cannot be saved mid-process, applicants are advised to prepare documents in advance, including:
- A valid passport
- Certificate of business registration
- A business pitch deck (detailing the model, impact, and scalability)
- A short motivational video introducing themselves and their vision
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a 15-minute interview during the week of September 14, 2025.
For young founders across Africa, Asia, and other developing regions, the Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2025 is more than just funding—it’s an opportunity to access knowledge, networks, and global recognition.
As climate change and land degradation continue to threaten livelihoods, this initiative creates a platform for youth innovators to turn bold, green ideas into sustainable businesses that drive real change.
Only businesses registered in developing countries are eligible.
You can find the list of eligible countries here
Click Here to Apply
