Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Social Business Design Competition 2026 invites entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and changemakers worldwide to develop financially sustainable social business ideas that solve real-world social and environmental problems. Winners receive USD 10,000 in funding support to help transform their ideas into practical, impact-driven businesses aligned with the World of Three Zeros framework.
The competition encourages solutions focused on poverty reduction, climate action, job creation, sustainability, and inclusive entrepreneurship. Participants must submit a presentation deck explaining their business model, social impact, and long-term financial sustainability.
What is the Social Business Design Competition?
The Social Business Design Competition is a global innovation challenge that supports early-stage social entrepreneurs and impact-driven business ideas. The competition encourages participants to design businesses that solve major societal and environmental challenges while remaining financially sustainable.
Unlike traditional charities or donation-based projects, social businesses are designed to generate revenue while prioritizing social impact over profit maximization.
The competition aims to inspire innovative solutions that contribute to building a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world.
Core Mission of the Competition
The program is built around the concept of the “World of Three Zeros,” which includes:
- Zero Net Carbon Emissions
- Zero Wealth Concentration to End Poverty
- Zero Unemployment by Unleashing Entrepreneurship for All
Participants are encouraged to create business models that directly contribute to one or more of these global goals.
Key Features of the Competition
Funding Opportunity
Selected winners will receive:
- USD 10,000 in funding support
- Early-stage implementation assistance
- Opportunity to test and validate ideas
- Support for prototype development and pilot projects
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
The grant funding may support:
- Product development
- Prototype creation
- Market testing
- Pilot implementation
- Service development
- Operational setup
- Early business expansion activities
What is a Social Business?
A social business is a financially sustainable business created primarily to solve social or environmental problems.
Unlike traditional businesses that focus mainly on maximizing profits, social businesses reinvest earnings to create long-term impact.
Characteristics of a Social Business
A social business generally includes:
- A clear social or environmental mission
- Revenue-generating activities
- Financial sustainability
- Measurable social impact
- Long-term community benefits
- Scalable and innovative solutions
Focus Areas and Themes
The competition welcomes ideas addressing a wide range of global challenges.
Climate and Environmental Sustainability
- Renewable energy
- Waste management
- Carbon reduction
- Sustainable agriculture
- Water conservation
- Circular economy solutions
Poverty Reduction and Economic Inclusion
- Livelihood generation
- Financial inclusion
- Rural entrepreneurship
- Women-led enterprises
- Community development
Employment and Entrepreneurship
- Youth employment
- Skills development
- Startup ecosystems
- Inclusive job creation
- Digital entrepreneurship
Health and Education
- Affordable healthcare
- Mental health solutions
- EdTech innovation
- Inclusive education access
- Public health technologies
Who is Eligible?
The competition is open worldwide.
Applicants may include:
- Entrepreneurs
- Students
- Researchers
- Innovators
- Startup founders
- Professionals
- Nonprofit leaders
- Social changemakers
There are:
- No age restrictions
- No nationality restrictions
- No geographic limitations
- No mandatory academic qualifications
Anyone with a strong social business idea can participate.
Why This Competition Matters
Encourages Sustainable Innovation
The competition promotes solutions that are both impactful and financially viable. This helps create long-term change instead of short-term aid dependency.
Supports Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
Many social innovators struggle to secure early funding. The USD 10,000 support helps participants test and launch promising ideas.
Addresses Global Challenges
The competition encourages practical responses to urgent global issues such as:
- Climate change
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Social inequality
- Environmental degradation
Builds Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
By supporting innovators globally, the competition helps strengthen social entrepreneurship ecosystems and encourages collaborative problem-solving.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must prepare and submit a presentation slide deck.
What Should the Presentation Include?
The presentation should clearly explain:
The Problem
- What issue does the business address?
- Why is the problem important?
- Who is affected?
The Proposed Solution
- How does the business solve the problem?
- What makes the solution innovative?
- Why is it effective?
Business Model
- How will the business operate?
- What products or services will be offered?
- Who are the target customers or beneficiaries?
Revenue Model
- How will the business generate income?
- What ensures financial sustainability?
Social Impact
- What measurable change will the business create?
- How will success be evaluated?
Alignment with the World of Three Zeros
Applicants should explain how the idea contributes to:
- Environmental sustainability
- Poverty reduction
- Entrepreneurship and employment creation
How to Apply
Step 1: Develop Your Social Business Idea
Identify a social or environmental problem and create a practical, scalable solution.
Step 2: Research the Problem
Collect data, understand the target community, and analyze existing solutions.
Step 3: Build a Sustainable Business Model
Design a revenue strategy that supports long-term operations and growth.
Step 4: Prepare the Presentation Deck
Create a clear and concise slide presentation covering:
- Problem statement
- Solution
- Market opportunity
- Revenue model
- Social impact
- Financial sustainability
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the official submission process before the deadline.
Tips for Creating a Strong Application
- Focus on real social or environmental problems.
- Demonstrate financial sustainability clearly.
- Use data, research, and evidence to support claims.
- Keep the presentation simple and easy to understand.
- Show measurable impact and clear outcomes.
- Explain scalability and long-term potential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unrealistic revenue strategies
- Vague problem statements
- Overcomplicated presentations
- Lack of financial sustainability planning
- No measurable impact indicators
- Unclear target audience or beneficiaries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can participate in the competition?
The competition is open to participants from all countries and backgrounds, including students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals.
Is there an age limit?
No. There are no age restrictions for participation.
What is the funding amount?
Selected winners receive USD 10,000 in funding support.
Can teams apply?
Yes. Teams may participate if allowed under the competition guidelines.
What type of ideas are encouraged?
Ideas related to climate action, poverty reduction, sustainability, employment generation, healthcare, education, and inclusive entrepreneurship are encouraged.
Does the business need to already exist?
No. Early-stage ideas and concepts are generally welcome.
What format is required for submission?
Applicants are required to submit a presentation slide deck explaining the business concept, impact, and sustainability strategy.
Final Thoughts
The Social Business Design Competition provides an important platform for innovators who want to combine entrepreneurship with social impact. By supporting financially sustainable business ideas, the competition encourages long-term solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
For aspiring social entrepreneurs, the program offers more than funding. It provides visibility, validation, and an opportunity to turn transformative ideas into real-world impact. Participants who can clearly demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and measurable social value will be well positioned for success.
For more information, visit Yunus Centre.