NOFO: SportTech Entrepreneurship Program (Morocco)

The Embassy’s Public Affairs Office invites proposals from established Moroccan associations, committed, and organized civil-society organizations to implement the “SportTech Entrepreneurship Program” a grant aimed at leveraging the transformative power of sports and technology to empower Moroccan youth through a U.S.-Morocco collaboration. It will bring two U.S. sports technology experts to Morocco to conduct workshops and training sessions, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the participants. This program aligns with Morocco’s hosting of major sporting events, like the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030, capitalizing on these opportunities to showcase national advancements in sports and technology. The program’s goal is to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance education, positioning Morocco as a leading sports technology hub in Africa and strengthening U.S.-Morocco bilateral relations.

Program Objectives

• The program’s goals and objectives are:
  • Economic and Entrepreneurial Empowerment: By infusing a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, the project aims to drive economic growth. The resulting sports-tech solutions can lead to startups, generating employment and revitalizing the local economy.
  • Empowerment through Knowledge Transfer: Introduce Moroccan youth to the range of possibilities where sports and technology intersect, enabling them to create solutions tailored to their local context.
  • Education and Skill Enhancement: Offer a platform where youth can augment their skills and gain practical insights making them more competitive in the global job market.
  • Strengthening U.S.-Morocco Bilateral Relations: By engaging deeply in areas of mutual interest, this collaboration aims to solidify ties between the U.S. and Morocco, fostering a long-lasting partnership based on mutual respect and shared goals.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $40,000 (successful proposals may be expanded pending availability of funding)
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $40,000.
• Length of performance period: 9 to 12 months

Program Activities

• The recipient should organize a mix of online and in-person activities. The program will conclude with a demo day to present the startup proposals to potential investors and partners, timed to leverage Morocco serving as a host for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.
• This program should also feature a robust alumni component, ensuring that the engagement with participants extends beyond the immediate duration of the workshops and training sessions. Following the conclusion of the program, alumni will be actively involved during major upcoming sporting events, such as the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco. This will provide a platform to showcase their innovative work and project ideas to a global audience. The alumni will benefit from continued support and exposure, which will not only highlight their achievements but also the success of the program.

Participants and Audiences

• 40 to 50 participants ages 20 to 30 years old

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Only Moroccan Non-Profit, committed, and organized NGOs and CSOs with full SAM.gov registration will be eligible to receive funds for this funding opportunity.
  • Individual applicants and U.S. organizations and NGOs are not eligible.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.