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Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026

Deadline: 09-Mar-2026

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 supports young entrepreneurs from Africa and the Middle East who are leading scalable start-ups or SMEs with clear social or environmental impact. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with One Young World, the scholarship provides full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, along with capacity-building and global networking opportunities. It aims to strengthen inclusive, sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging and frontier markets.

Overview of the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is a global entrepreneurship support initiative designed for young founders and business leaders driving social impact, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

The scholarship targets entrepreneurs who are already operating scalable start-ups or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and need access to international exposure, skills development, and global networks to expand their impact.

The programme is jointly offered by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and One Young World, one of the world’s largest platforms for young leadership and innovation.

Key Focus Areas and Themes

The scholarship prioritizes businesses and initiatives aligned with the following areas:

  • Youth entrepreneurship and leadership

  • Scalable start-ups and SMEs

  • Social impact and environmental impact

  • Sustainability-driven business solutions

  • Inclusive and equitable economic growth

  • Innovation in emerging and frontier markets

  • Strengthening local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems

These themes reflect the programme’s emphasis on long-term economic resilience and sustainable development.

What the Scholarship Offers

Successful candidates receive access to a comprehensive entrepreneurship support package, including:

  • Participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa

  • Engagement with 2,000+ young leaders from over 190 countries

  • Exposure to global business leaders, policymakers, and impact investors

  • Capacity-building sessions focused on entrepreneurship and innovation

  • Pre-programme and post-programme learning and engagement activities

  • Opportunities to build long-term international partnerships and networks

The Summit runs from 30 October to 7 November 2026, with additional mandatory activities before and after the event.

Why the Enterprising Futures Scholarship Matters

Young entrepreneurs in emerging markets often face structural barriers that limit growth and scale.

The scholarship directly addresses these challenges by:

  • Expanding access to international networks and global platforms

  • Enhancing entrepreneurial skills and strategic thinking

  • Amplifying the visibility of impact-driven businesses

  • Supporting local job creation and economic resilience

  • Encouraging sustainable and inclusive business models

By investing in entrepreneurs who are already making a difference, the programme strengthens business ecosystems at both local and regional levels.

Who Is Eligible?

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the following countries:

Business and Professional Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be leading or actively involved in a scalable start-up or SME

  • Demonstrate clear social or environmental impact through their business

  • Show potential for growth and sustainability

  • Be committed to contributing to local economic development

Language and Availability Requirements

  • A working understanding of English is required

  • Full availability is required between 30 October and 7 November 2026

  • Participation in mandatory pre- and post-programme activities is required

The programme encourages applications from entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, including those from rural and underserved communities.

How the Programme Works

  1. Applicants submit an online application detailing their business, impact, and leadership experience

  2. Applications are reviewed by the programme partners based on impact, scalability, and alignment with scholarship goals

  3. Selected scholars participate in preparatory activities before the Summit

  4. Scholars attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town

  5. Participants continue engagement through post-programme activities and global alumni networks

How to Apply

To apply for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026:

  • Visit the official One Young World scholarship application portal

  • Complete the online application form in English

  • Provide clear information about your business model, impact, and growth potential

  • Demonstrate your leadership role and commitment to sustainability

  • Submit the application before the official deadline announced by One Young World

Applicants are advised to prepare supporting information about their enterprise and its measurable impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without clearly demonstrating social or environmental impact

  • Failing to explain how the business is scalable

  • Submitting incomplete or unclear application responses

  • Underestimating the importance of leadership experience

  • Ignoring the English language requirement

Strong applications clearly link business growth with sustainable development outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the Enterprising Futures Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship covers participation in the One Young World Summit and associated programme activities. Specific coverage details are provided to selected candidates.

2. Do I need to have a registered company to apply?

Applicants must be leading or actively involved in an operational start-up or SME. Early-stage but functioning enterprises with impact may be considered.

3. Can social enterprises and for-profit businesses apply?

Yes. Both social enterprises and for-profit businesses are eligible if they demonstrate measurable social or environmental impact.

4. Is English fluency mandatory?

A working understanding of English is required, as all programme activities are conducted in English.

5. Can entrepreneurs from rural areas apply?

Yes. The programme actively encourages applications from both rural and urban communities.

6. Is attendance at the Summit compulsory?

Yes. Full participation in the Summit and associated programme activities is mandatory for selected scholars.

7. Can previous One Young World participants apply?

Eligibility depends on One Young World’s scholarship rules for the specific year. Applicants should review the official guidelines.

Conclusion

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is a high-impact opportunity for young entrepreneurs driving sustainable change across Africa and the Middle East. By combining global exposure, skill-building, and international networking, the programme empowers founders to scale their businesses and deepen their social or environmental impact.

For entrepreneurs committed to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, this scholarship offers a powerful platform to accelerate both business success and positive global change.

For more information, visit One Young World.