Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2026/27: $100,000 Funding for Young Green Entrepreneurs
•Programme: Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27
•Organisers: International Trade Centre (ITC) Ye! Community and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD
•Funding: $100,000 equity-free pool for land restoration businesses, plus $10,000 awards
•Open to Nigerians? Yes. The Global Bootcamp is open worldwide. Check the accelerator country list (see below).
Deadline: 22 November 2026, midnight CET
If you are a young Nigerian running a business that protects the environment, restores land, or turns waste into value, this one is for you. Applications for the Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27 are open, and Nigerians can apply.
What is the Youth Ecopreneur Programme?
YECO is a global accelerator for young green entrepreneurs. It is run by the International Trade Centre's Ye! Community and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD, with support from WIPO, Sidley Austin, Google Startups for Sustainable Development and EY.
Its goal is to help youth-led businesses grow, with a strong focus on land restoration and the green economy. It has grown from a one-off awards event into a full programme. In 2025 it received over 1,500 applications from more than 100 countries.
Programme stages
•Global Bootcamp: 225 entrepreneurs join a 10-week programme of training, e-learning, networking and investment-readiness support.
•Global Accelerator: 25 businesses get coaching, mentorship, masterclasses, access to investors and pro-bono legal support.
•Youth Ecopreneur Awards: 6 finalists pitch on a global stage for $10,000 prizes.
•Scale and Impact Phase: continued mentorship, partnerships and access to international events.
Benefits
•Equity-free seed funding from a shared $100,000 pool (land restoration track)
•$10,000 prize for the winner in each award category
•All-expenses-paid trip to an international conference for award finalists
•Mentorship and coaching
•Legal and IP guidance, with preferential access to pro-bono legal services from Sidley Austin
•One-on-one coaching with EY experts
•Preferential access to Google's Startups for Sustainable Development programme
•Access to a global network of young entrepreneurs
Who can apply? (Eligibility)
The applicant must:
•Be under 35 years old by the application deadline
•Be a Founder, Co-Founder or CEO
The business must:
•Be legally registered
•Be majority run by a young person
•Focus on land restoration, sustainability, circularity or the green economy
•Women founders and young people from underrepresented groups were strongly encouraged in previous editions.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. The Global Bootcamp is open to applicants worldwide, so Nigerian founders can apply. The Global Accelerator, which carries the funding pool, is reserved for eligible countries. Nigeria is a developing country and Nigerian outlets have promoted this programme every year. However, I could not open the official list myself, so confirm that Nigeria is on it before you apply. You can find the list on the official YECO page.
Examples of eligible businesses
-Tree planting, reforestation or agroforestry
-Soil restoration and regenerative farming
-Recycling, upcycling and waste-to-value ventures
-Renewable energy and clean cooking solutions
-Sustainable fashion, packaging and circular products
-Documents to prepare
Keep these ready before you start:
-A valid passport
-Your business registration certificate (CAC in Nigeria)
-A pitch deck
-The form takes about 30 to 40 minutes. You can save it and finish later.
Application deadline
22 November 2026, midnight CET. Late applications are unlikely to be accepted, so don't wait until the last day.
How to apply
-Confirm that you meet the age and business requirements.
-Check the accelerator country list.
-Prepare your passport, business certificate and pitch deck.
-Submit your application here:👇
https://social.yecommunity.com/topics/49027/page/apply-now
For questions, Visit Their Official Page,
Frequently asked questions
-Is the Youth Ecopreneur Programme free to apply for?
-The sources I found list no application fee. Confirm this on the official page.
-Can a business name registration qualify?
-The programme requires a legally registered business. Confirm on the application form which registration types are accepted.
-Can I apply if my business is not in land restoration?
-Yes. Applicants can enter the Green Business category. The $100,000 pool is for the land restoration track.
What if I am exactly 35?
The rule is "under 35" by the deadline. Check the live guidelines if you are close to the limit.
Don't miss the next opportunity
Funding windows close fast, and this one has about four weeks left. Bookmark Ganarious Blog and check back every week for new grants, fellowships and business opportunities for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs. Share this post with a friend who runs a green business, and drop a comment if you have applied or have questions. I read them all.
Need your business legally registered before you apply? Ganarious Consults offers CAC registration. Reach out on Instagram at @GanariousConsults
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