Apply for the BeGreen Program for Young Green Entrepreneurs

The BeGreen Programme is an action-oriented entrepreneurship initiative designed for young innovators who are ready to launch or scale businesses that advance environmental sustainability. Participants gain essential skills to develop, refine, and confidently pitch their ideas while competing for milestone-based grants of up to $5,000 to fuel their ventures.

This year’s BeGreen Programme is delivered through a partnership between Generation Unlimited and UNICEF, reflecting their shared goal of expanding access to green economy opportunities for young people. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the second cycle introduces a broader reach, deeper impact, and enhanced learning experience.

Why Join the BeGreen Programme?

BeGreen equips emerging entrepreneurs with the practical tools and business know-how needed to thrive in the growing green economy. The programme has been redesigned based on insights from last year’s BeGreen Africa initiative to make learning more personalized, immersive, and impactful.

Key enhancements include:

• A customized learning pathway tailored to participants’ business stages.

• Expanded pitching and business development modules for better investor readiness.

• Greater emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, including real-world business challenges and expert-led workshops.

• Broader inclusivity and local relevance, ensuring that learning reflects regional contexts.

• Extended opportunities via the UNICEF Generation Unlimited Yoma platform, connecting entrepreneurs with global peers and investors.

As the global demand for sustainable solutions grows, BeGreen provides a platform for youth-led enterprises to drive both environmental transformation and economic prosperity. The programme doesn’t just focus on skills — it’s about helping young founders create businesses that generate jobs, income, and long-term community impact.

Participants will take part in design-thinking exercises, strengthen their business acumen, and master the art of pitching to investors. The curriculum guides them from foundational business concepts to advanced growth strategies.

BeGreen Programme Objectives

BeGreen’s mission extends beyond entrepreneurship training — it’s about fostering change that benefits both people and the planet. Its core objectives are to:

• Stimulate economic growth through sustainable business models in the green economy.

• Create employment opportunities and new revenue streams via scalable, youth-led enterprises.

• Strengthen local economies by supporting ventures that solve environmental problems while delivering tangible economic value.

• Promote inclusive participation, ensuring diverse young entrepreneurs have access to opportunities in the green economy.

• Build long-term resilience, equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to grow responsible, future-proof businesses.

What Participants Will Gain

The BeGreen Programme offers an ecosystem of support designed to accelerate growth and sustainability for young ventures:

• Seed Funding: Up to 85 entrepreneurs will receive grants of up to $5,000 USD to develop or scale their businesses.

• Micro-Grants & Continuous Support: Tailored business development assistance and wrap-around services based on participants’ needs.

• Customized Learning Pathways: Training tracks adapted to each participant’s business maturity and growth ambition.

• Sector-Focused Curriculum: Learning content aligned with participants’ specific industries and sustainability goals.

• Learning Resources: Access to a range of courses and materials that enhance business and leadership capabilities.

• Mentorship & Coaching: One-on-one guidance from industry leaders, investors, and subject matter experts.

• Incubation & Post-Programme Support: Continued mentorship to help entrepreneurs sustain and scale their impact.

Learning Platforms

Participants will learn and collaborate through leading global learning platforms that provide access to high-quality educational resources:

• Coursera: Skill-based courses covering areas such as digital marketing, business finance, and leadership.

• StartUp Tribe: A library of entrepreneurial insights, tools, and success stories from startup founders.

• OpenLearn (Open University): Courses focused on sustainability, innovation, and sector-specific knowledge.

• Google Classroom: The central hub for coursework, assignments, progress tracking, and announcements.

Programme Structure

The BeGreen Programme unfolds across three progressive phases, each designed to move participants closer to investor readiness and the final grant pitch.

Participants advance through structured learning modules, practical challenges, and three key assessments. After each stage, top-performing entrepreneurs are selected to proceed to the next phase.

Even after the final selection and funding stage, participants continue to receive ongoing support, mentorship, and access to networks to ensure their businesses thrive long-term.

The BeGreen Programme 2025 isn’t just about launching green businesses — it’s about building a new generation of entrepreneurs who will lead Africa’s transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Who Can Apply — and Why It Matters

The BeGreen Programme welcomes young innovators at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re nurturing a fresh idea, building your first prototype, or scaling an existing venture, there’s a tailored learning path designed just for you.

1. Ideation Stage (0–3 months; concept not yet tested)

If you have a brilliant idea that hasn’t yet been tested, this track is your perfect starting point. You’ll receive hands-on guidance to shape and develop your concept through human-centered design (HCD) workshops and creative learning sessions in Learning Block 1.

2. New Business Stage (3–6 months; prototype tested)

Entrepreneurs who have already developed or tested a prototype will refine their business model, strengthen their market positioning, and use design thinking to build a solid foundation. You’ll also create a detailed, practical business plan ready for investors and partners.

3. Existing Business Stage (6+ months; revenue-generating)

For founders already running businesses, the programme offers advanced support to scale operations and increase profitability. Participants in this group may qualify to move directly to the Live Pitching Event, with access to earlier stages for additional support if needed.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the BeGreen Programme, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 34 years old.

• Reside in South Africa or Nigeria.

• Have a strong passion for building or expanding a sustainable, environmentally conscious business.

By joining BeGreen, you’ll gain essential business skills, funding opportunities, and a strong professional network, all aimed at helping you grow your venture while creating jobs and advancing sustainable development in your community.

Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

BeGreen is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The programme prioritizes participation from young women and individuals who face challenges accessing digital resources. To make this possible, data bundles and additional allowances may be provided, ensuring that every qualified participant can fully engage — even in areas with limited internet access.

If You Don’t Qualify or Advance

Not every applicant will move through all stages of the BeGreen Programme — but that’s not the end of your journey. Participants who don’t qualify or progress can still access a range of alternative learning opportunities through Coursera and other partner platforms. These resources are designed to strengthen your entrepreneurial skills and help you prepare for future opportunities.

No effort is wasted — every step taken brings you closer to your business goals.

Application Process

Ready to take the leap? Here’s how to get started:

1. Submit Your Application Form — Fill out the online application (takes about 15–30 minutes).https://www.umuzi.org/be-green-programme

2. Complete the Skills Assessment — Take a short test (30–45 minutes) to evaluate your entrepreneurial strengths.

3. Wait for Review — You’ll receive feedback and next steps within 3–4 business days.

Application Deadline: 21 October 2025 — don’t miss your chance to join!

Programme Support

The BeGreen Programme is structured to fit around your schedule while providing end-to-end support. From mentorship and business tools to funding access and networking opportunities, participants receive all the resources needed to transform their ideas into thriving green enterprises.

Course Fees

The entire programme is fully funded — your only investment is your time, energy, and commitment to success.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about your application, eligibility, or next steps, the BeGreen Help Desk is always available. You’ll find FAQs, support materials, and a contact form to reach the programme team directly.

This journey promises to be a transformative experience, and we’re thrilled to have you join us as we build a greener, more sustainable future together.