Youth Ecopreneur ProgrammeYouth Ecopreneur Programme
Green BusinessLand restorationPre-seedSeed

Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO)

Global accelerator for youth-led green ventures in land restoration & sustainability

Organizer: International Trade Centre
Deadline: September 14, 2025 (in 9 days)
Categories: Accelerator, Bootcamp
Regions: Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Tanzania, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sudan, Central African Republic, Djibouti, South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Gambia, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Botswana, Mozambique, Comoros, Mauritius, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, Chad, Cabo Verde, Namibia, Somalia, Niger, Seychelles, Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali, Eritrea, South Sudan, Egypt, Gabon, Malawi, Angola, Eswatini, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Sao Tome & Principe, Libya, Zambia, DR Congo
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The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is a global initiative designed to accelerate youth-led green enterprises addressing sustainability and climate challenges. With a focus on land restoration and green business solutions, the program provides structured support through training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and international visibility. Organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD, and supported by partners such as WIPO, Sidley Austin LLP, and Google Startup for Sustainable Development, YECO serves as a launchpad for the next generation of “ecopreneurs.”

Programme Structure

Global Bootcamp

  • 10-week online training covering topics such as investment readiness, intellectual property, legal insights, marketing, and stress management.
  • Accessible to businesses legally registered in both developed and developing countries.
  • Includes masterclasses, digital training, and peer networking.

Accelerator

  • Tailored business assessment with personalised coaching and mentorship.
  • Preferential access to pro-bono legal services (Sidley Austin) and Google Startup for Sustainable Development.
  • Seed funding (equity-free) for businesses in the land restoration category.
  • Integration into investment networks and exposure to global stakeholders.

Youth Ecopreneur Awards

  • Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to an international conference.
  • Personalised pitch training and global visibility.
  • Awards ceremony offering $10,000 USD per category.
  • Post-award opportunities include coaching, networking at international trade fairs, and alumni community membership.

Programme Benefits

  • Capacity Building: Training and masterclasses tailored to scaling ventures.
  • Funding Support: Up to $100,000 USD equity-free seed funding for land restoration projects; $10,000 cash prize for award winners.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Continuous guidance from experts across industries.
  • Legal & IP Assistance: Access to professional intellectual property and legal support.
  • Global Exposure: Opportunities to network with investors, industry leaders, and policy stakeholders.
  • Travel Opportunities: Funded participation in high-profile international events for finalists.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

  • Applicants must be under 35 years old, serving as Founder, Co-Founder, or CEO.
  • Businesses must be legally registered and majority youth-led.
  • Commitment to sustainability, circularity, and/or land restoration is required.

Programme Categories

  • Land Restoration (200 spots): Projects in reforestation, soil enrichment, agroforestry, wetland restoration, erosion control, and related areas. Seed funding available.
  • Green Business Solutions (25 spots): Innovations in renewable energy, waste reduction, eco-friendly packaging, circular economy, and energy-efficient technologies.

Geographic Scope

  • Bootcamp: Open globally to businesses from any UN-recognised country.
  • Accelerator & Awards: Open to businesses registered in developing or least developed countries.

Fast Track Option

  • Designed for ventures with proven traction, consistent revenue, or raised investment.
  • Allows businesses to skip the Bootcamp and move directly to the Accelerator stage.
  • Includes tailored coaching, pro-bono legal services, preferential access to Google Startup for Sustainable Development, and $5,000 seed funding for land restoration participants.

Programme Partners

  • International Trade Centre (ITC): Joint agency of WTO and UN, supporting SME internationalization.
  • G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD: Working to reverse land degradation and promote sustainable land use.
  • WIPO: Providing intellectual property training and resources.
  • Sidley Austin LLP: Offering pro-bono legal services.
  • Google Startup for Sustainable Development: Extending technical resources and mentorship.

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme is a multi-year global accelerator empowering young entrepreneurs to scale environmentally sustainable businesses. With its emphasis on capacity-building, funding, and international exposure, YECO is shaping a new generation of ecopreneurs dedicated to land restoration, circular economies, and climate action.