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We are looking to test new products, features, services, and business models that help organizations better support small businesses; we will not consider any proposals that are seeking funding for the scale up of business-as-usual solutions. Applying entities must have been operational for at least one year prior to applying. We are seeking solutions that have potential for impact at scale. We will not fund the development or delivery of training programs.

What are we looking for?

Have a look at <a href="https://www.strivecommunity.org/innovation-fund/frequently-asked-questions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">our FAQs</a>.

Want to learn more?

<ul><li>Support businesses with fewer than 10 employees</li><li>Leverage digital and data-first solutions</li><li>Be implemented outside of US and Canada</li></ul>

Proposed projects must:

Project eligibility

<ul><li>Single organizations or a consortium of multiple organizations</li><li>Startups, established companies, nonprofits, social enterprises, academic institutions, or other organization types (not government entities)</li><li>Companies or multinational corporations (subject to matched funding requirements)</li></ul>

Applicants can be:

Organizational eligibility

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<ul><li>Be a registered and operating entity with active users, with a proven track record of legal and ethical operations and good work performance for at least 1 year</li><li>Be fully compliant with business licensing, taxation, employee, and other relevant regulations in all countries of operation</li><li>Be compliant with all applicable laws, including adhering to fundamental human rights and all international labor standards</li><li>Be able to prove financial health with adequate financial systems to provide regular reporting&nbsp;</li><li>Have adequate internal human resource capability to implement the proposed project and comply with Strive Community’s reporting requirements</li><li>Not be engaged in unethical activities, such as arms production or tobacco</li></ul>

Applicants must:

Due diligence requirements

Eligibility

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Big ideas for small businesses


Seeking innovative solutions that support small businesses’ growth in the areas of Environmental Sustainability and Data for Market Access.

Strive Community Innovation Fund 2023

This fund invites proposals for digital and data-first solutions that support small businesses in two specific areas: <ol><li><a href="https://medium.com/strive-community/strive-community-global-innovation-fund-data-for-market-access-c8645f0a1a0c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Data for Market Access</a>: Using data to enable small businesses to reach more customers</li><li><a href="https://medium.com/strive-community/strive-community-global-innovation-fund-environmental-sustainability-a98d6b9b63e7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Environmental Sustainability</a>: Driving positive impact for small businesses and the environment</li></ol> Read more about the areas of focus using the links above. Successful applicants will receive up to $150,000 to develop and test their solutions over a 12- to 18-month period.&nbsp;

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Overview

Innovative solutions to support small business growth at scale

<ul><li>Does the project address at least one of the fund’s focus areas: Environmental sustainability or Data for market access?&nbsp;</li><li>What impact could be achieved if the project is successful?</li><li>Does the project focus on supporting small businesses with fewer than 10 employees with digital and data-first solutions?</li></ul>

Significance & Impact

<ul><li>Will the project inspire others to similarly innovate on supporting small business?</li><li>Can other organizations benefit from the learnings and insights generated by this project?</li><li>Can the solution or insights be applied, adapted, or transferred broadly?</li></ul>

Applicability & Transferability

<ul><li>Does the articulated plan seem suitable for reaching the desired outcomes?</li><li>Does the requested budget seem reasonable for the project proposed?</li><li>Does the project center on a solution that has financial viability at scale?</li></ul>

Feasibility & Sustainability

<ul><li>Would the innovative solution, insights, and/or body of evidence be realized without this funding?</li><li>Would the project be implemented in an improved way with this grant?</li><li>Is Strive Community inspiring something truly innovative by de-risking it for the awardee?</li></ul>

Additionality

We will use 4 simple criteria to select proposals:

Selection

Applications Open

Applications Close

Shortlisted Applicants Selected

Shortlisted Applicants Submit Mini Proposals

Finalist Selected

Finalists Applicants Pitch

Winners Selected

Timeline

Applicants can be startups, established companies, nonprofits, social enterprises, academic institutions, or other organization types. Strive Community does not fund government entities. Projects must be implemented outside of the USA and Canada. Applicants can apply as single entities or as a consortium of multiple organizations. See more details in the <a href="https://www.strivecommunity.org/innovation-fund/eligibility" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Eligibility Criteria.</a>

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Who should apply?

Strive Community Innovation Fund winners have the opportunity to build and test innovative and experimental solutions that they may not have otherwise been able to pursue. In addition to funding, they have access to Strive Community and Mastercard expertise, as well as a great opportunity for exposure and publicity.