20 July 2010: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the opening of applications for the 2010 SEED Awards. The annual competition, run by the SEED Initiative, which is hosted by UNEP, aims to identify and help develop the most promising social and environmental start-ups in emerging and developing countries.

Through the SEED Awards, UNEP aims to identify inspiring examples of partnership-based enterprises that can help meet sustainable development challenges. SEED Awards winners receive expert advice on developing their business plans, take part in tailor-made workshops and benefit from high-level profiling of their initiatives through link-ups with SEED’s international network. Entrepreneurs from developing and emerging economies can apply for a SEED award. This year, as part of UNEP’s Green Economy project, particular emphasis will be placed on seven target countries in Africa: Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. A total of 35 start-up initiatives will be awarded in 2010. [UNEP Press Release]