Apply for the International Finance Corporation: She Wins Climate Acceleration Program 2025

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) invites women founders who are passionate about combating climate change to apply for the She Wins Climate Acceleration Program.

📅 Application Deadline: March 17, 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your vision for a sustainable future into a reality!

This distinguished 10-month accelerator is specifically designed to empower women-led startups across Eastern Europe and Central Asia with the necessary tools, mentorship, and investment opportunities to scale their impactful ventures.

For the program, the IFC is in partnersships with adelphi, VC4A, and EBAN.

Eligible Countries

Women-led startups based in the following countries are encouraged to apply:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bulgaria
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Poland
• Romania
• Serbia
• Tajikistan
• Türkiye
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

Program Overview
The She Wins Climate program offers participants a diverse array of benefits, including:

• Investment Opportunities: Network with top-tier investors and engage in curated pitch events dedicated to budding climate startups.
• Mentorship: Gain insights from experienced global experts in climate innovation and female entrepreneurship, providing personalized guidance to navigate your unique challenges.
• Visibility: Showcase your startup to a wide array of international partners and stakeholders eager to support innovative climate solutions.
• Tailored Training: Enhance your skills in areas such as investment readiness and effective pitching techniques, tuned specifically to the needs of climate tech.
• Business Technical Support: Obtain ongoing assistance in optimizing your daily operations.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Collaborate and learn from fellow women entrepreneurs, sharing experiences and strategies in a supportive environment.

Who Should Apply?
The program is tailored for visionary women founders leading startups dedicated to combatting climate change, specifically focusing on tech-enabled solutions.

Before commencing your application, please ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Criteria for Participants:

• Age: Must be 21 years or older.
• Gender Identity: Must identify as a woman.
• Role: Must be the founder, co-founder, owner, or executive of the startup.
• Language: Must be fluent in English.

Criteria for Startups:

• Ownership: Startup must be owned or led by women (defined as ≥ 51% owned by women; or ≥ 20% owned by women with specific leadership structure).
• Legal Status: Must be a legally registered for-profit entity, actively operating for a minimum of one year at the time of submission.
• Market Presence: Must offer a product or service that is commercially available and generating revenue.
• Stage: Must be in an early-stage of growth (pre-SEED, SEED, or Series-A funding), with more mature businesses considered unless at growth or exit stage.
• Regional Base: Majority of employees, assets, or operations must be located in the eligible countries listed above.
• Mission Focus: Solutions must address climate change explicitly, with core operations centered around this objective. Ineligible topics include those that only marginally relate to climate change.

How to Apply
Applications are now open! Submit your application by March 17, 2025, to secure your place in the She Wins Climate cohort, which commences in April 2025.

Selection Process
The selection process will be highly competitive, with all applications undergoing an initial eligibility filter. A secondary review led by regional investors and climate change experts will assess applications based on:

• Innovation (20%)
• Impact (20%)
• Scalability and Growth (30%)
• Market Traction & Financials (30%)

Applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and accurately to facilitate a fair evaluation process. Providing misleading information may result in disqualification.

Why Apply?
Participating in the She Wins Climate program opens doors to numerous invaluable opportunities, including:

• Investment & Funding: Engage with potential investors and participate in exclusive pitch events that could secure crucial funding for your startup.
• Mentorship & Training: Access expert guidance and training tailored specifically for women in climate tech, facilitating personal and professional growth.
• Visibility & Networking: Increase exposure to an international audience of stakeholders interested in sustainable innovation and climate solutions.
• Business Support: Strengthen your startup’s operational foundation and funding strategy through dedicated technical support.

Get Involved
For collaboration inquiries from partners, fund managers, or ecosystem supporters, please reach out at blum@adelphi.de.

Together, let’s foster an inclusive and sustainable future driven by innovative climate solutions. Know a women-led climate-tech startup in Eastern Europe or Central Asia? Referral opportunities are welcomed!

For further inquiries about the program, please contact blum@adelphi.de.

This is a unique opportunity for women-led startups aiming to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.

The She Wins Climate Acceleration Program empowers participants to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses while contributing to a greener planet. Apply now and be part of the change!