They are looking for small business ecosystem builders – organizations that provide small businesses with diverse and equitable opportunities like resources, tools, networking, and more. If this sounds like you, then you’re in the right place!
All over the world, small businesses are the building blocks of local communities – they offer entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities to community members, infuse the local economy, and serve the needs of their clients in a way only local businesses can. With their deep connection to the people they serve, small businesses are perfectly positioned to address and respond to community needs (or challenges). To support the incredible work that small businesses are doing in communities all over the world, ashoka is launching the Challenge “Power of Local: Supporting Ecosystems for Small Businesses to Thrive.” Through it, they are looking for small business ecosystem builders: organizations, programs, or initiatives that provide small businesses with diverse and equitable opportunities like resources, tools, networking, etc.
They are particularly interested in initiatives that are building small business ecosystems by either:
Weaving collaborative networks for local small businesses: You mobilize collaborative networks that connect small businesses with local partners and stakeholders. This approach activates shared resources and opportunities, driving collective growth and strengthening the community.
Building access to structures of support and capacity building: You establish structures of support that enable small businesses to build essential skills and capabilities. By offering capacity-building initiatives such as training and mentorship, your solution equips businesses to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
Providing support to financial barriers: You catalyze access to financial resources by addressing the barriers that hinder small business growth. Your solution amplifies resilience by creating pathways to capital and financial literacy, enabling the businesses to stabilize and expand.
Eligibility
Your initiative must be primarily impacting at least one of the following countries: Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Your application should be fully written and submitted in English (Applicants, especially finalists, will be expected to engage in activities that require English proficiency).
Employees and their children and grandchildren of the program partner, Ashoka, or its affiliates and participating advertising and promotion agencies are NOT eligible to apply.
If your solution has not been implemented at scale; you must have a clear business plan and a minimum-viable solution (prototype, pilot, or another proof of concept).
You may only submit 1 application per organization.
You must be 18 or above by the application deadline, on February 26, 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
Each of the below 4 criteria will be considered equally in the evaluation of each application:
Connection to Community: Your initiative is rooted in the community you serve. You truly understand and actively engage small businesses and their community members, thus creating solutions that truly meet their needs.
Impact on Small Business Community: Your initiative has made – and is making – a difference in people’s lives. You provide underserved small businesses with access to essential resources and support structures for their long-term success.
Innovation: Your initiative takes unique and creative approaches to tackle the specific challenge small businesses face, inspiring them to rethink the role of these businesses in the community.
Financial and Operational Viability: You have a clear plan and next steps to make sure your initiative can continue successfully over the long term, including funding, partnerships, and planning.
Prizes
All eligible applicants will receive:
Feedback from Ashoka and reviewers on their applications.
Have a chance to connect with a community of changemakers through this challenge (through peer reviews and meeting them through community events).
Access to self-paced training opportunities to support you in your changemaking journey.
All semifinalists and finalists will:
Have the opportunity to refine their application based on feedback received.
Semifinalists and finalists will have access to exclusive opportunities to connect and learn with peers working in the field.
Finalists will be invited to interact with a panel of expert judges from Ashoka and its partners.
A total of 11 winners will be awarded a cash prize of up to $60,000 as follows:
They will award a minimum of 2 winners in each geographical region: Latin America, East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, East Asia.
Ten Winners will receive $15,000 each.
One Grand Prize Winner will be selected and will receive $60,000
