Applications are now open for the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025! This initiative seeks young, innovative changemakers and organizations committed to supporting small businesses. If you’re creating impactful ecosystems that help small businesses thrive, this challenge is for you!
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities, driving entrepreneurship, fostering leadership, and fueling economic growth. They are uniquely positioned to address local challenges and create meaningful solutions. Through the Power of Local Challenge, Ashoka aims to support ecosystem builders who provide small businesses with access to resources, tools, networking, and opportunities for equitable growth.
Key Details of the Challenge
- Type: Contest
- Sponsor: Ashoka
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Benefits: Cash prizes of up to $60,000
- Deadline: February 26, 2025
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Ashoka Power of Local Challenge
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Focus Areas: Your initiative must fall under one of these categories:
- Building collaborative networks: You mobilize partnerships that connect small businesses with local stakeholders, fostering collective growth.
- Capacity building: You provide training, mentorship, or other programs that equip small businesses with skills and tools for sustainable development.
- Addressing financial barriers: You create solutions that improve access to funding and financial literacy for small businesses.
- Country of Impact: Your initiative must primarily impact at least one of these countries:
Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe. - Language Proficiency: Applications must be in English, as engagement in activities will require English proficiency.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older by February 26, 2025.
- Scalability: If your solution hasn’t been implemented at scale, it must include a clear business plan and a viable prototype or pilot.
- Exclusions: Employees, their children, or grandchildren of Ashoka and its affiliates, including associated advertising and promotion agencies, are not eligible.
2025 Ashoka Power of Local Challenge Benefits
All applicants will receive:
- Feedback from Ashoka and reviewers on their submissions.
- Access to a community of changemakers through peer reviews and community events.
- Self-paced training resources to support your change-making journey.
Semifinalists and Finalists:
- Opportunities to refine applications based on feedback.
- Access to exclusive learning and networking opportunities with peers and experts.
- Finalists will interact with expert judges from Ashoka and its partners.
Winners:
- Cash Prizes:
- 10 Regional Winners: $15,000 each.
- 1 Grand Prize Winner: $60,000.
- A total of 11 winners will be selected across regions (Latin America, East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, East Asia).
Selection Criteria
The evaluation will focus on the following equally weighted criteria:
- Connection to Community: Your initiative deeply engages with small businesses and the communities they serve, creating tailored, impactful solutions.
- Impact: Your work makes a measurable difference in the lives of underserved small businesses.
- Innovation: You employ unique and creative strategies to solve challenges faced by small businesses.
- Financial and Operational Viability: Your initiative demonstrates a clear, sustainable plan with funding, partnerships, and growth strategies.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Sign Up:
- Log in or create an account on the Ashoka platform.
- Accept the Challenge Terms & Conditions.
- Submit Your Application:
- Click on “+ Add Your Application.”
- Provide detailed information about your project and its impact.
- Engage in Peer Reviews:
- After submitting, you’ll be required to review 10 other applications. This process provides valuable insights and connects you with other changemakers.
For detailed application instructions, visit the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025 webpage or email poweroflocal@ashoka.org for inquiries.
Deadline
Submit your application by February 26, 2025.
Apply Here for the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025
Seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community and contribute to the global ecosystem of changemakers!
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