Nominations open for WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

Deadline: 08-Mar-2026

The We Empower Challenge invites women-led entrepreneurs to submit applications supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative focuses on fostering social and environmental innovation, promoting equity, and advancing sustainable communities by 2030. Eligible participants are women leaders running established organizations with a track record of impact and operational stability.

Program Overview

The We Empower Challenge seeks to accelerate women-led businesses that provide innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges while contributing to the United Nations SDGs. The program emphasizes:

• Women’s leadership and entrepreneurship

• Sustainable and equitable community development

• Innovative solutions addressing social, environmental, and economic issues

Participants will gain visibility, recognition, and access to a global network of like-minded leaders driving impactful social entrepreneurship.

Key Focus Areas

1. Women-Led Social Entrepreneurship – Initiatives with female leadership making strategic decisions in the organization.

2. Innovation for Social Impact – Creative solutions that tackle pressing social challenges.

3. Environmental Sustainability – Projects addressing climate action, resource management, or sustainable business practices.

4. Advancing UN SDGs – Measurable contributions toward global development goals.

5. Equitable Community Development – Promoting inclusion, fairness, and opportunities for underserved populations.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the We Empower Challenge 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: At least 21 years old by August 1, 2026

• Leadership: Identify as a woman and lead decision-making in the organization

• Organization: Operates for at least three years

• Team Size: Employs at least three full-time employees or equivalents

• Revenue: Generates a minimum of USD $75,000 annually (includes nonprofit revenue from grants, donations, and fundraising)

• Language Proficiency: Professional-level proficiency in English

• Financial Documentation: Finalists must submit audited financial records during vetting

Why It Matters

The challenge is designed to:

• Amplify women’s leadership in social entrepreneurship

• Encourage solutions that contribute to the UN SDGs

• Strengthen sustainable, equitable communities globally

• Promote visibility for women entrepreneurs and their innovative approaches

How to Apply / Submission Process

1. Prepare Application:

   • Describe your organization, leadership role, and operational history

   • Highlight your social or environmental impact and alignment with UN SDGs

   • Provide revenue and staffing details

2. Submit Online:

   • Applications are submitted through the official We Empower Challenge portal

   • Ensure all eligibility criteria are documented

3. Finalist Selection:

   • Shortlisted candidates will undergo vetting

   • Submission of audited financial records required for verification

4. Award and Recognition:

   • Selected participants gain recognition, potential funding, and access to a global network of impact-driven women entrepreneurs

Tips for Success

• Clearly demonstrate measurable impact of your project

• Show alignment with at least one or more UN SDGs

• Highlight innovation and scalability of solutions

• Ensure financial and operational data are accurate and verifiable

• Emphasize community or stakeholder engagement in your initiative

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
   Women-led entrepreneurs aged 21+ who run established organizations with at least three employees and $75,000 annual revenue.

2. What types of organizations are eligible?
   Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations with social or environmental impact.

3. Is prior experience required?
   Yes, organizations must have been operational for at least three years.

4. Are startups eligible?
   Only if they meet the minimum operational and financial criteria.

5. Do applicants need to submit financial records upfront?
   Not initially; audited financial records are required for finalists.

6. Is English proficiency mandatory?
   Yes, professional-level English proficiency is required for communication and application review.

7. What is the primary goal of the challenge?
   To empower women entrepreneurs driving social, environmental, and sustainable impact aligned with UN SDGs.

Conclusion

The We Empower Challenge 2026 is a global platform for women-led entrepreneurs to showcase innovation, create sustainable solutions, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By participating, women leaders can enhance visibility, expand networks, and scale impactful initiatives that contribute to equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities worldwide.

For more information, visit WE Empower.