Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
About the Program
For early-stage ventures that are either led by women or primarily benefit women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the C3 EmpowerHer Program 2026 is now accepting applications. This six-month climate resilience accelerator, implemented by C3 – Companies Creating Change and funded by the Resilient Futures Fund (RFF), is designed to provide support. To strengthen business models, refine solutions, receive expert guidance, develop pilot projects, connect with investors and ecosystem partners, and improve investment readiness, the program aims to help promising climate resilience ventures. 30 startups will be selected by the program, with the top 10 startups sharing USD 150,000 in catalytic grant funding. Each of the top 10 has the potential to receive up to USD 20,000 for pilot and impact activities. From October 2026 through Demo Day in Q2 2027, the six-month program runs, offering participating founders the opportunity to work closely with climate, industry, investment, and ecosystem experts.
Program Details
- Host: C3 – Companies Creating Change
- Funding Partner: Resilient Futures Fund (RFF)
- Target Region: Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
- Target Ventures: Early-stage women-led or women-benefitting climate resilience startups
- Number of Startups Selected: 30
- Catalytic Grant Funding: USD 150,000 distributed among the top 10 startups
- Potential Funding per Top 10 Startup: Up to USD 20,000
- Program Duration: Six months
- Program Timeline: October 2026 – Q2 2027 Demo Day
- Core Support: Workshops, mentorship, diagnostics, strategic advisory, pilot support, investor and ecosystem access
- Demo Day: In-person showcase in Egypt in Q2 2027
What the Program Offers
1. Expert-Led Training: Through approximately 8 to 12 virtual workshops, expert-led training will be accessible to every startup selected for the cohort. Across five core modules, these workshops are organized and are intended to strengthen the capabilities of participating founders and teams.
2. Tailored Expert Support: From experts working across climate, relevant industry sectors, investment, business development, and related areas of venture growth, tailored guidance will be received by startups.
3. Mentorship and Strategic Guidance: To help founders address challenges affecting their ventures, the program includes mentorship and advisory support.
4. Investor and Ecosystem Access: To C3’s network of venture capital firms, development finance institutions, corporates, impact funds, and other ecosystem stakeholders, participating startups will gain access.
Additional Benefits for the Top 10 Startups
- Strategic Advisory Sessions: To 10 expert advisory boards, access will be provided, alongside development of a strategic roadmap.
- Catalytic Pilot Funding: For pilot projects and impact activities, each of the top 10 startups can receive up to USD 20,000.
- Pilot Design Support: With market enablers, support in designing pilots will be provided.
- Demo Day in Egypt: During Q2 2027 in Egypt, an in-person showcase will be held to present ventures to investors and stakeholders.
Who Should Apply
1. Women-Centered and Climate-Focused: Be women-led or provide a solution that benefits women as primary beneficiaries, the venture must either. At the core of its mission, the business must also have climate resilience.
2. Early-Stage With Traction: At the pre-seed, seed/early-stage, or pre-Series A stage, the program is intended for ventures. An MVP (minimum viable product) and early evidence of traction should be possessed by applicants.
3. MENA-Based or MENA-Operating: In MENA, the venture must be headquartered or primarily operating within MENA.
4. Intentional Gender and Climate Impact: Intentionally, impact must be incorporated into the venture’s solution. With clear intentionality around both gender outcomes and climate outcomes, the program is looking for businesses.
5. Commitment to the Full Program: To the six-month program, the founding team must be prepared to commit time, including workshops, mentorship, diagnostics, strategic support, pilot execution, and other program activities.
Focus Areas
- Water and Sanitation
- Food and Agri-Climate
- Heat Resilience
- Coastal and Flood Adaptation
- Nature-Based Solutions
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
- Sustainable Livelihoods
- Climate Finance Access
Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Program Commencement: October 2026
- Demo Day: Q2 2027 in Egypt
Why Startups Should Apply
- To specialized expertise in climate, relevant sectors, and investment, access is provided
- Through structured support, business readiness is strengthened
- With funding and design support, opportunities to develop pilots are offered
- Through C3’s network, investor and ecosystem connections are facilitated
- Through Demo Day in Egypt, international visibility is gained
How to Apply
Application Link: Click here to apply
For More Information: Visit the Official C3 EmpowerHer Program Page
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