Kenyan entrepreneurs investing in sustainable use of natural resources can enter the Nature Challenge Africa and stand the chance of winning Ksh 2 million. Interested in green businesses? Then apply and show how your enterprise makes a positive impact on your country’s environment! Africa Report showcases.
The competition organized by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya country office, a conservation organization, and the National Environmental Trust Fund (NETFUND), Kenya’s national environment trust, seeks to promote and empower green businesses in the country. So, if you have a business model that supports nature conservation and you would like to access local and international markets, new technologies and financing then you should consider applying for this competition. In addition to the cash prize, you will also receive marketing and technical support needed to turn your business plan into the successful venture you are dreaming of.
Business in areas such as Agro-forestry, eco tourism, forestry for conservation, sustainable agriculture, use of alternative energy, use of waste material to produce bio-charcoal and other products and water conservation are eligible to apply for the challenge.
According to the WWF Kenya Country Office Director, Mohammed Awer the competition is a step towards improving the socio – economic and sustainable development in Kenya where environmental degradation is on the rise.
“We want to empower our people through job creation whereas at the same time ensure that we adhere to protection of the environment for future generations. This competition is open to any entrepreneur with green and innovative business plan that supports conservation and biodiversity that ultimately provide long term benefits to communities,” said Awer.
This competition is open to existing entrepreneurs who run innovative businesses which positively impact conservation, biodiversity and local communities. The business can either be a start up, or a well established venture that requires financing of between USD 10,000 and USD1 million.
To apply you should submit a business plan summary and your proposal online here: www.panda.org/naturechallengeafrica . If your business plan summary is not up to the required standards you will be placed on incubation and receive advice on refining your plan before you can resubmit it in the competitions’ next cycle. A perfect winning scenario as incubation centers can be your way to strengthen your business’ foundations.
So if you don’t emerge the winner remember all will not be lost. After all entrepreneurs with viable business plans will still receive technical assistance and support in writing fundable business plans as well as linkages with potential financiers and business partners.
If your dream is to protect today’s environment for the sake of tomorrow’s generation, then don’t let anything hold your dream. Go for opportunities such as this. Good Luck!
