Applications are currently open for the C3 EmpowerHer Program, a six-month accelerator designed to support women-led and women-benefitting climate resilience enterprises across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Delivered by C3 – Companies Creating Change and funded by the Resilient Futures Fund (RFF), the initiative is structured to assist early-stage climate ventures in strengthening their solutions, accessing expert support, developing pilots, and enhancing their investment readiness.
Programme Benefits
• Expert-led training through 8–12 virtual workshops
• Tailored guidance from climate, sector, and investment experts
• Mentorship and strategic support
• Access to C3's network of VCs, development finance institutions, corporates, and impact funds
• Support to strengthen their business and climate-impact strategies
Additional Benefits for the Top 10
• Up to US$20,000 each in catalytic pilot funding, with a total of US$150,000 available across the cohort
• 10 expert advisory board sessions
• A tailored strategic roadmap
• Pilot design support with market enablers
• An opportunity to showcase their venture to investors at an in-person Demo Day in Egypt in Q2 2027
Eligibility Criteria
• Women-centered: The venture must be women-led or its solution must primarily benefit women.
• Climate-focused: The core mission must address climate resilience rather than climate mitigation alone.
• Early-stage with traction: The venture should be at the pre-seed to pre-Series A stage, with an MVP and early evidence of traction.
• MENA-based or operating: The business must be headquartered in or primarily operate within the MENA region.
• Gender and climate impact: The business must intentionally address both gender and climate outcomes.
• Ready to commit: The founding team must be able to participate in the six-month programme, including workshops, mentorship, diagnostics, and pilot execution.
Focus Areas
• Water and sanitation
• Food and agri-climate
• Heat resilience
• Coastal and flood adaptation
• Nature-based solutions
• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Climate finance access
Programme Format
• The programme is delivered primarily online, with training, mentorship, and advisory sessions conducted virtually.
• The programme culminates in an in-person Demo Day in Egypt for the top 10 enterprises.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: August 31, 2026.
• Review Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.
• How to Apply: Interested founders can review the full eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official C3 programme page.
This program presents a significant opportunity for early-stage, women-centered climate ventures in the MENA region to accelerate their growth and impact. Through a combination of expert-led training, tailored mentorship, pilot funding, and access to a wide network of investors and partners, participants are positioned to scale their solutions and contribute to a more resilient future.