The C3 EmpowerHer program supports women-led and women-benefiting climate resilience startups in the MENA region to strengthen solutions addressing urgent climate challenges such as water security, food security, heat resilience, and coastal adaptation.
Application Deadline:
31 August 2026.
Tell Me About the Opportunity:
The C3 EmpowerHer Program, funded by the Resilient Futures Fund (RFF) and delivered by C3 – Companies Creating Change, is a 6‑month accelerator supporting women‑led and women‑benefitting climate resilience enterprises across the MENA region. The program equips founders with expert‑led workshops, mentorship, strategic advisory sessions, and catalytic grant funding to strengthen solutions addressing urgent climate challenges such as water security, food resilience, heat adaptation, and coastal protection.
Which Sectors are Eligible?
Focus areas include:
- Water & sanitation
- Food & agri‑climate
- Heat resilience
- Coastal & flood adaptation
- Nature‑based solutions
- Climate‑resilient infrastructure
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Climate finance access
Type:
Accelerator programme + catalytic grant funding.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be women‑centered and climate‑focused (women‑led or women‑benefitting).
- Operate an early‑stage venture (pre‑seed to pre‑Series A) with MVP and traction.
- Be MENA‑based or MENA‑operating.
- Drive gender and climate impact intentionally.
- Have a founding team able to commit to 6 months of workshops, mentorship, and pilot execution.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Climate resilience focus and gender impact.
- Evidence of MVP traction and scalability.
- Commitment to programme participation.
- Potential for market access and investment readiness.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Ventures headquartered in or primarily operating within the MENA region.
Where will the Opportunity be Taken?
Hybrid programme delivered virtually and in‑person, culminating in Demo Day in Egypt (Q2 2027).
How Many Opportunities?
- 30 startups selected for the cohort.
- Top 10 startups receive additional funding and advisory support.
What is the Benefit of the Opportunity?
For all startups:
- Expert‑led training (8–12 workshops across 5 modules).
- Tailored mentorship and strategic guidance.
- Access to C3’s network of VCs, DFIs, corporates, and impact funds.
For the top 10 startups:
- Strategic advisory sessions (10 expert boards + roadmap).
- Catalytic pilot funding (up to USD 20,000 each).
- Pilot design support with market enablers.
- Showcase at Demo Day in Egypt.
How Long Will the Support Last?
6 months (October 2026 – Q2 2027).
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application form before 31 August 2026.
- Prepare details of your venture’s mission, MVP traction, and climate resilience impact.
- Register for the live info session to learn more.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
