8 May 2013: The SEED Initiative has launched its 2013 SEED Awards, calling for entries from start-up entrepreneurs that aim to generate environmental, social and economic benefits at the local level, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, in developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), or emerging economies.

For the 2013 cycle, SEED will provide up to: 15 awards to enterprises in Ethiopia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda; five awards for enterprises in South Africa; three awards for South African enterprises in the provinces of Free State, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal; ten Low-Carbon Awards for enterprises in Colombia, India, Tanzania, Uganda and Viet Nam; and two Gender Equality Awards, for enterprises in other countries, excluding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the EU.

Each award winner will receive the SEED Awards Prize, consisting of, among other things, a financial contribution of US$ 5,000 to cover the enterprise’s most pressing needs, access to relevant organizations and businesses, assistance and advice on developing and improving their enterprises’ business and financial plans, as well as participation in a three-day in-country business-oriented workshop and in a high-level international awards ceremony. The Gender Equality Winners will also benefit from pro bono advice from the international law firm Hogan Lovells.

The SEED Initiative was founded in 2002 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and IUCN to contribute towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other commitments made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002.

The deadline for applications for the 2013 Awards is 12 June 2013, and can be made online. [SEED Initiative Announcement] [CFO Platform Announcement]