Applications open for the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge: Empowering Refugee Communities in Rwanda

Impact Hub Kigali, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), will be extending its support to the third edition of the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge: Empowering Refugee Communities in Rwanda. The main objective of this collaboration is to empower refugees and address their livelihood needs. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and investment in ventures that improve food systems, combat hunger, and enhance food security, with a specific focus on serving refugee populations.

Program Requirements: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge: Empowering Refugee Communities in Rwanda

1. We are currently looking for dynamic and impactful businesses, including startups, MSMEs, and cooperatives, that are operating in Rwanda to participate in our program.
2. We invite applicants with commercially viable solutions that aim to enhance the livelihoods of refugees.
3. Eligible businesses must be registered in Rwanda and actively involved in operations that are either owned by refugees or significantly benefit refugees.

The program focuses on various areas to empower and improve the lives of refugees.

1. These areas include refugee empowerment and livelihood solutions,
2. food systems innovations that benefit refugee communities,
3. leveraging digitization to improve refugees’ access to food and resources,
4. facilitating access to financial resources and entrepreneurship opportunities for refugees,
5. enhancing refugees’ access to employment opportunities and markets,
6. infrastructure development to support refugee settlements and communities,
7. providing training and skills development programs tailored to refugee needs,
8. promoting social enterprise and cooperative models to benefit refugee entrepreneurs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for Non-Refugee-Owned Businesses

1. To be eligible, the business must have a direct impact on refugees in Rwanda or aim to improve their livelihoods.
2. The business must be registered in Rwanda and have been in operation for a minimum of 2 years.
3. A valid RDB/RCA certificate must be provided.
4. The business must have a team of at least two full-time members dedicated to the MSME or cooperative, including the founding team.
5. At least 50% of the founding or senior management team must be Rwandan.
6. Proof of revenues of at least RWF 5,000,000 for the entire year of 2023 is required.
7. The business must have existing key operations in Rwanda.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for Refugee-Owned Businesses

1. The refugee owner must be registered in Rwanda.
2. The business must be registered in Rwanda and have been in operation for at least 1 year.
3. A valid RDB/RCA certificate must be provided.
4. The business must have a team of at least two full-time members dedicated to the MSME or cooperative, including the founding team.
5. Proof of revenues of at least RWF 2,000,000 for the entire year of 2023 is required.
6. The business must have existing key operations in Rwanda.

BENEFITS: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge: Empowering Refugee Communities in Rwanda

Selected ventures will have access to the following benefits to support their business growth:

1. Up to $25,000 in grant funding
2. 5-month tailored technical support from experts
3. Networking opportunities and access to events
4. Access to market and industry resources
5. Exposure to potential investors and funding opportunities

APPLICATION PROCESS: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge: Empowering Refugee Communities in Rwanda

• 1. Review the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that your venture meets the eligibility criteria mentioned above before applying.
• 2. Begin the Application: Click the ‘apply button’ to fill out the application form.
• 3. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application in less than an hour.
• 4. To apply visit the Official Webpage of the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge.
• Deadline June 23, 2024