Apply for WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

The WE Empower Challenge is a global business competition for women entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to create the world they want by 2030.

The successful Awardees will be notified by July 2024 and will receive the opportunity to travel to New York City, New York (NY) during the UN Global Goals/Climate week September 22 – 27, 2024 to participate in a series of tailored trainings contributed by leading and supporting partners and engage in high-profile events with UN Officials.

What to expect?

• Applicants must answer basic identifying information about themselves, their business and their primary country of business. Applicants must identify which world region they are located in from the following regions:
  • Europe and North America
  • Middle East and North Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America and Caribbean

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible to enter this competition, applicants must meet all of the following criteria. Finalists will be required to provide evidence of sales (i.e. tax returns and/or audited financial records).
  • You must identify as a woman entrepreneur.
  • You must have lead decision-making ability within your entity.
  • Your business or organization must have been in operation for at least three years as of August 1, 2024.
  • You must employ at least three full-time employees or full-time equivalents.
  • Your business or organization must generate a minimum of $75,000 in annual revenue. For nonprofit organizations, revenue may comprise donations, grants, and funds raised through various fundraising activities.
  • You must be professionally proficient in English.
  • You must be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2024.
  • You must be available to travel to New York, NY, and participate in all events from September 22 – September 29, 2024, and if necessary, able to participate in a virtual program from August through December 2024.

Considerations

• Applicants will be assessed based on a variety of factors, including the following considerations.
  • Commit to the entire week of the in-person program (travel permitting) or a virtual program held from August through October 2024 – no exceptions.
  • Applicant’s business or organization has a substantial impact on the SDGs and a clear vision for how their business will create the future they want in 2030.
  • Help shape the community dialogue about women’s advancement and the SDG’s in their region, and wield the influence necessary.
• Applicants with more than one business or organization, please complete the application regarding the business/organization that you would like to focus on during this Global Challenge opportunity, if you are selected to participate in the program.

For more information, visit ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.