Applications Invited for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

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About the Organization

The emergence of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory® at Arizona State University is rooted in the conviction that we can and must make a meaningful contribution to ensuring a habitable planet and a future in which well-being is attainable for all humankind. This laboratory draws on ASU’s deep commitment to use-inspired research, our ongoing work in sustainability and service to the global community in which we live, explored across five core spaces: discovery, learning, solutions, networks and engagement.

Vital Voices works with women leaders with a daring vision for change. One of the ways they accomplish this is through their signature programs in economic empowerment, political leadership, leadership development and protecting human rights. Vital Voices searches the world for women leaders and partners with them to make that vision a reality. Through long-term investments that expand her skills, connections and visibility, Vital Voices accelerates her efforts, improving the world for us all.

About the Fellowship

First-of-its-kind global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Launched by the UN Secretary General, President of the World Bank and the Council of Women World Leaders at the UN General Assembly in 2018, the WE (women entrepreneurs) Empower UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Challenge is the first-of-its-kind global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN SDGs and inspiring entire communities to create the world we want by 2030.

The opportunity recognizes 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 social entrepreneurs and business leaders can make toward the SDGs and solving the world’s greatest challenges.

In 2024, the WE Empower Challenge Awardees participated in events surrounding the 79th UN General Assembly and connected with renowned business experts from around the world.

The WE Empower Challenge is co-convened by ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and Vital Voices Global Partnership.

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 trainings, capacity building, a network of their peers, visibility and credibility for their work.
• Ignite: Ignite awareness and catalyze change among policy makers and financiers, of the contributions women entrepreneurs make in contributing to the SDGs and the legislative and the obstacles they still face, from legal discrimination to access to capital.

Eligibility

• You must identify as a woman entrepreneur.
• You must have lead decision-making ability within your entity.
• Your business or organization must have been in operation for at least three years as of August 1, 2025.
• You must employ at least three full-time employees or full-time equivalents.
• Your business or organization must generate a minimum of $75,000 USD in annual revenue. For nonprofit organizations, revenue may comprise donations, grants, and funds raised through various fundraising activities.
• You must be professionally proficient in English.
• You must be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2025.
• You must be available to travel to New York, NY, and participate in all events from September 21 - September 28, 2025, and if necessary, able to participate in a virtual program from August through December 2025.

How to Apply

Applications are open from 12:01 AM United States Eastern Time on Friday, March 14, 2025, through 11:59 PM United States Eastern Time on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Apply here

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Tags Entrepreneurship Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Women Empowerment Others