Apply to the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026

 Apply to the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 - Fully funded!

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These entrepreneurs also inspire positive change within their communities. The challenge supports women leaders who are building impactful enterprises. These enterprises contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world by the year 2030. Moreover, participating in the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 offers invaluable recognition for those committed to the UN’s targets.

About the Program

Selected awardees will be notified by mid July 2026. Awardees will have the opportunity to travel to New York City to participate in activities during Climate Week. In addition, they will attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly from September 19 to September 26, 2026. Participants will engage in a high impact agenda. This agenda includes pitch workshops and tailored support from leading partners. Furthermore, it includes curated networking sessions with global leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy.

 Notably, the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 is designed to connect awardees to international opportunities.

The program will conclude with the WE Empower Pitch Challenge hosted by philanthropist and fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg. Diane is also a board member of Vital Voices. During this session, awardees will present their enterprises to a panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding. Additionally, presenting at this event highlights the spirit and goals of the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 for women leaders.

Due to possible changes in United States visa policies, the organizers are also considering hosting the 2026 WE Empower Challenge in Geneva, the second headquarters of the United Nations, during the week of June 14 to June 20, 2026. Applicants should be ready and willing to travel to either location during either timeframe. Furthermore, flexibility is key for those joining the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements before applying:

- Applicants must identify as a woman entrepreneur. For the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026, this includes founders who are dedicated to sustainability.

- Applicants must lead decision making within their organization or business to be considered for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026.

- The business or organization must have been in operation for at least three years as of August 1, 2026 for WE Empower UN SDG Challenge eligibility.

- The business or organization must employ at least three full time employees or full time equivalents as part of the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 requirements.

- The business or organization must generate a minimum of seventy five thousand United States dollars in annual revenue. For nonprofit organizations, revenue may include donations, grants, and fundraising income. This is a criterion for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026.

- Applicants must be professionally proficient in English, as the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 programming is conducted in English.

- Applicants must be at least twenty one years old by August 1, 2026 for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 consideration.

- Applicants must be available to travel to New York City and participate in all in person events from September 19 to September 26, 2026. They must also participate in virtual programming from August to October 2026. Commitment to the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 schedule is essential.

Application Timeline

Applications open at 12 00 AM United States Eastern Time on Monday January 26, 2026 for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 cohort.

Applications close at 11 59 PM United States Eastern Time on Sunday March 8, 2026. This deadline applies for all entries to the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 program.

Apply using the link below 👇🏼 

https://weempower.awardsplatform.com