WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

About The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first-of-its-kind global competition for social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to act to create the world we want by 2030. The WE Empower Challenge honors innovative women leaders from around the world who are pushing the SDGs forward through sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit.

The opportunity is to recognize their innovative work and provides Awardees with capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. This program elevates and showcases the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs and business leaders can make toward the SDGs and solving the world’s greatest challenges.

In 2021, the WE Empower Challenge Awardees will participate in events surrounding the 76th UN General Assembly as well as will connect with renowned business experts from around the world. Awardees will also participate in a dynamic pitch competition, hosted by fashion designer, activist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, to present their business for the opportunity to receive a $20,000 grant.

Why Women Entrepreneurs?

Leadership
Women business owners have a multiplier impact on their staff, their customers, and their broader communities. Global initiatives such as the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law project support and guide women business owners to help advance gender equality

Economic Contribution
Research from McKinsey demonstrates as much as $12 – $28 Trillion could be added to the global economy by 2025 if all countries bridged the gender gap. Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in global wealth creation.

Gender-Based Violence
Violence against women and girls affects one in three girls and women worldwide, undermining both dignity and potential and inflicting huge costs – including economic cost. The economic cost of violence against women and girls underscores the dire need for commitment and action from all sectors, including the private sector. A 2015 study found that domestic violence against women and children costs the global economy $8 trillion.

Our objectives

Honor

Honor innovative women entrepreneurs who are supporting and achieving the SDGs through sustainable business practices and inspiration for others to follow suit.

Invest

Invest in the most inspiring and transformational women entrepreneurs – providing access to seed capital, unique training, capacity building, a network of their peers, visibility, and credibility for their work.

Ignite

Ignite awareness among a global community of stakeholders of the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs can make in contributing to the SDGs and the obstacles they still face.

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).

• I am a woman entrepreneur with lead decision-making ability in a business or organization.
• My business/organization has been in operation for more than three years.
• I employ at least three full-time staff (or full-time equivalent).
• My business/organization generates at least $100,000 USD in annual sales or revenue.
• I am proficient in spoken and written English.
• I am at least 21 years old.
• I am available to travel to New York, NY, and participate in all events from Friday, September 17 through Saturday, September 24, 2022 (COVID-19 travel restrictions permitting) AND if necessary, I am able to participate in a virtual program from August through October 2022.

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 2022 – no exceptions.
• Applicants’ business or organization has a substantial impact on the SDGs and a clear vision for how their business will create the future we want in 2030.
• Help shape the community dialogue about women’s advancement and the SDGs 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.