WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 for Women Entrepreneurs [Fully Funded Trip]: Apply by 8 March

Applications are open for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026, a global competition recognising women entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their businesses.

Selected awardees will receive international recognition, leadership training, global networking opportunities, and a fully sponsored trip to attend major global events.

Application Deadline: 8 March 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

About the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge supports women-led enterprises that are contributing to the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The initiative recognises women leaders who are running successful businesses while creating measurable social, environmental, or economic impact in their communities. Awardees gain global visibility and access to decision-makers across business, policy, and philanthropy sectors.

What Selected Awardees Will Receive

Women selected for the 2026 cohort will be invited to travel to New York City from September 19–26, 2026 to participate in:

• Climate Week
• The 81st UN General Assembly
• Leadership and business training workshops
• Curated networking events
• Pitch workshops

The program concludes with the WE Empower Pitch Challenge, hosted by Diane von Furstenberg, where participants present their enterprises before global judges for grant funding opportunities.

Due to possible U.S. visa restrictions, the program may alternatively take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 14–20, 2026. Applicants must be willing to travel to either location.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Identify as a woman entrepreneur
• Be the primary decision-maker in the business or organisation
• Business must have operated for at least 3 years by August 1, 2026
• Employ a minimum of 3 full-time employees (or equivalent)

• Generate at least USD $75,000 in annual revenue

• For nonprofits, grants and donations count
• Be at least 21 years old
• Be professionally proficient in English

• Be able to participate in: 

  In-person events (New York or Geneva) & Virtual sessions (August–October 2026)

Important Dates

• Applications Open: January 26, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 8, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
• Awardee Notification: Mid-July 2026
• Program Period: August – October 2026

Late applications will not be accepted.

Focus Areas

Women entrepreneurs working in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Climate action
• Social impact
• Community development
• Sustainable business
• Gender equality
• Innovation for good

Why Apply?

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge provides:

• International recognition
• Global exposure
• Access to policymakers and industry leaders
• Leadership training
• Opportunity to compete for grant funding

It is a platform to scale your impact and represent your country on a global stage.

Contact Details

For queries regarding the application process: Email: edorn123@asu.edu

Applicants are advised to visit the official WE Empower website for detailed guidelines and application submission.