Ecostart has launched a call for projects in Morocco with the aim to support startups working in the green and digital economy in the country. The initiative is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German international development cooperation agency. Interested project leaders have until July 7, 2020 to apply.
“The Covid-19 crisis shows us the urgent need to change our lifestyles, and to rethink our economic and social model. It is an opportunity to rebuild a fairer and more sustainable economy. It is about enabling entrepreneurs to exploit new niches linked to the green economy and to develop economically sustainable and competitive businesses contributing to an economy and a society more resilient in the face of crises ”, explain the organizers of Ecostart.
Here Is What You Need To Know
- The Ecostart call for projects is for green startups Morocco.
- The purpose of this competition is to highlight and support self-entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises, start-ups and researchers who act in favor of a green economy.
- Ecostart is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German international development cooperation agency, as part of its Taahil Al Mokawalat program (TAM III).
- GIZ organizes the competition in partnership with the National Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (Maroc PME) and with the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency (Amee).
- Ecostart is also part of the Morocco-European Union cooperation program for “competitiveness and green growth” (Pacc).
How Ecostart Will Support Successful Startups
- Ecostart aims to train 50 entrepreneurs over a period of 3 months, then to reward 10 winners with a financial price to support their investment in the fields of energy efficiency, that is to say solutions for the building or the energy audit.
- The competition also concerns entrepreneurs working on renewable energies (solar, wind, biomass, etc.) and on waste management with recycling or recovery solutions.
- Entrepreneurs working in the field of water and liquid sanitation can also participate in Ecostart.
- They will have to propose concrete projects on the purification of water or on the reduction of water consumption.
- The competition also aims to support entrepreneurs offering ecological solutions for transport and eco-mobility, sustainable building, sustainable agricultural transformation processes, Green IT and digital solutions, services related to the green industry, as well as for eco-solutions that can contribute to the management or response to economic or health crises such as the Covid-19.
- The entrepreneurs selected after the Ecostart call for projects may also receive financial support for the acquisition of equipment, materials and digital solutions at a cost of 500,000 Moroccan dirhams (over 46,000 euros). The program also plans to pay more than 46,000 euros for 10 winners of the Ecostart initiative.
Read also: Why More South African Startups Have Raised Funds This Year
What Sort Of Projects Are Wanted?
To apply you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a self-entrepreneur, a micro-enterprise, a start-up or a researcher
operating in Morocco.
- Have a green project in the initial development phase.
- Have a prototype or other elements proving your concept.
- Have an environmental impact or potential impact.
- Want to have access to an innovative support program and network of entrepreneurs.
- Not currently benefit from CCG and Maroc PME funding.
How And When To Apply
- Project leaders interested in Ecostart have until July 7, 2020 to apply.
- Application may be made by following this link https://ecostart.business/
For more information on the competition, click here.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer