APPLY: Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025 for Small Businesses ($60,000 cash prize)

Spread the love

The Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025 invites changemakers to empower small businesses through innovative solutions and stand a change tp win a $60,000 prize. Apply Below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is February 26, 2025. 

Tell Me About The Ashoka Power of Local Challenge:

The Power of Local Challenge: Supporting Ecosystems for Small Businesses to Thrive is an initiative designed to empower small business ecosystem builders. These organizations, programs, or initiatives create diverse and equitable opportunities for small businesses by offering resources, tools, networking, and capacity-building structures. The challenge seeks innovative solutions that mobilize collaborative networks, build capacity, and address financial barriers to support small businesses in thriving locally and globally. Organized by Ashoka in partnership with Prudential, the challenge offers cash prizes and capacity-building opportunities to recognize and scale impactful solutions.

Check: PAID OPPORTUNITY: African World Heritage Fund Announces 2025 Internship Program 2025 for Young Changemakers

Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.

Got Admission to Study in US or Canada? See if you are eligible for international student loan

Which Fields are Eligible?

Initiatives that are building small business ecosystems

Type:

Challenge/Contest 

Who can Apply For The Ashoka Power of Local Challenge?

To be eligible for the Ashoka Power of local challenge, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Your initiative must primarily impact one of the eligible countries listed.
  • Applications must be submitted in English.
  • Employees, children, or grandchildren of program partners, Ashoka, or its affiliates are ineligible.
  • Solutions not yet implemented at scale must have a clear business plan and a viable prototype or pilot.
  • Applicants must be 18 years or older by February 26, 2025.
  • Only one application per organization is allowed.

How are Applicants Selected?

  • Connection to Community: Solutions rooted in and engaging the small business community.
  • Impact on Small Business Community: Demonstrable impact in providing underserved businesses with resources and support.
  • Innovation: Creative and unique approaches to addressing small business challenges.
  • Financial and Operational Viability: Clear plans for long-term success, including funding and partnerships.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The following fields are eligible: Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

Check: Margaret McNamara Education Grants 2025 For Female Students From Developing Countries- Apply Now!

Where will the Award be Taken?

Remote. The physical location will be disclosed later

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge?

Additionally, the challenge comes with the following benefits:

  • All applicants receive feedback from Ashoka and reviewers.
  • Access to self-paced training opportunities.
  • Opportunities to connect with changemakers and engage in community events.
  • Semifinalists can refine their applications and access peer learning opportunities.
  • Finalists interact with expert judges.
  • Winners receive cash prizes, with a minimum of two winners per region:
  • Ten winners: $15,000 each.
  • One grand prize winner: $60,000.

How Long Will the Award Last?

Unspecified 

How to Apply:

To begin your application, visit the official application page

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a writer, storyteller, and study abroad counselor who has spent nearly a decade turning complex information into engaging and helpful content. With over 1,000 education-focused articles and scholarship posts online, she has built a reputation for making study abroad opportunities clearer and more accessible. She currently works as a study abroad counselor at EdXtra, leveraging her expertise to guide students through their academic journeys. She holds certifications in the United States Counselor Course from ABCC and Ethical Business Practice in International Student Recruitment from TrainHub, reinforcing her commitment to ethical and informed student advising. Beyond writing and counseling, Mercy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring new ideas because for her, learning never stops.