The Youth Ecoprenuer Program (YECO) is a global accelerator that powers the green and just transition by investing in young entrepreneurs as catalysts for sustainable development, environmental justice, and climate action advocacy. The project seeks to enhance the competitiveness and scale of youth-led green businesses, with a strong focus on land restoration.
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Through a Global Bootcamp, Accelerator, and Youth Ecoprenuer Program Awards, it provides comprehensive support, including training, mentorship, and financial support, to youth-led green businesses.
About Youth Ecoprenuer Program (YECO)
The programme is powered by the ITC and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD in partnership with WIPO, Sidley Austin LLP, and Google Startup for Sustainable Development. The five-year programme is designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative that allows ITC projects and partners to opt-in, leveraging and scaling within the existing structure. The acceleration program onboards new participants every year.
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.
If selected, you’ll skip the 10-week Bootcamp and go straight to the Accelerator.
Apply only if you meet all criteria:
- Proven traction (paying customers, active users, or partnerships)
- Consistent revenue or a clear path to profitability
- Scalable business model with multi-market potential
- Committed, full-time team
- Investment-ready (e.g. pitch deck, data room, or prior funding)
- Applicants must also answer additional questions and submit a short pitch video.
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
Programme Benefits
- Capacity-building for scaling your venture
- Seed Funding ($100,000 USD for the land-restoration cohort, equity free)
- Access to a Global Network & Exposure
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Legal and IP Guidance
- Preferential access to Pro-Bono Legal Services from Sidley Austin
- Preferential access to the Google StartUp for Sustainable Development Programme
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip to International Conference for Award Finalists
- Win the Youth Ecopreneur Award and get 10,000 USD prize money (1 Award per category)
Selection Criteria
We will take the following criteria into account:
- Business Model: The viability, coherence, and potential for profit and growth of your business idea.
- Impact/Sustainability Assessment: The environmental and social impacts of your project, including its contribution to sustainability goals.
- Market Assessment: Understanding of the target market, customer needs, and potential for market penetration and expansion.
- Team: The skills, experience, and roles within your team that support the success of your business.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates for Youth Ecoprenuer Program are hereby click the link below to apply
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