Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025: Empowering Small Businesses

Discover the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025, empowering organisations to support small businesses through resources, networking, and capacity-building initiatives. Learn how to apply, win up to $60,000, and make a lasting impact in your community. Applications close on February 26, 2025.

The Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025 invites applications from organisations and initiatives dedicated to empowering small businesses. These ecosystem builders provide small enterprises with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in their communities. If your organisation is actively fostering the growth of small businesses, this challenge is for you.

Submit your application by the Early Entry Deadline on January 29, 2025, to unlock exclusive feedback sessions and get a head start in the challenge.

Overview: Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025

Aspect Details
Objective Empower small businesses through equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Application Deadlines Early Entry: January 29, 2025; Final: February 26, 2025.
Prize Pool Up to $60,000; regional winners receive $15,000 each, and a grand prize winner receives $60,000.
Eligibility Organisations impacting specified countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Evaluation Criteria Community connection, impact, innovation, financial and operational viability.

Key Takeaways

  • Empowering Communities: Focused on bolstering local economies by supporting small businesses.
  • Exclusive Opportunities: Early entry applicants receive unique feedback and training benefits.
  • Diverse Awards: Regional winners and a grand prize winner share a substantial prize pool.
  • Innovative Focus: Encourages creative, scalable solutions tailored to small business challenges.
  • Global Impact: Targets key regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

Small businesses form the backbone of local economies, creating job opportunities, fostering leadership, and addressing unique community needs. Their deep connections with the people they serve enable them to respond to local challenges meaningfully. By empowering these businesses, we support individual entrepreneurs and uplift entire communities.

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The Power of Local Challenge seeks to amplify these efforts by identifying and rewarding organisations that strengthen small business ecosystems through innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

Who Can Participate?

The challenge is looking for ecosystem builders who can contribute in one or more of the following ways:

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  1. Collaborative Networks:
    • Building networks that connect small businesses with local stakeholders and partners.
    • Facilitating shared resources to promote collective growth and strengthen community ties.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • Providing training, mentorship, and skills development programs.
    • Equipping small businesses with tools to overcome barriers and achieve sustainability.
  3. Financial Accessibility:
    • Addressing financial challenges by creating pathways to capital and fostering financial literacy.
    • Helping businesses stabilise and expand with robust financial support systems.

Awards and Recognition

All Eligible Applicants Will Receive:

  • Feedback from Ashoka reviewers to improve their applications.
  • Networking opportunities through community events and peer reviews.
  • Self-paced training modules to enhance changemaking skills.

Semifinalists and Finalists Will Benefit From:

  • Refined applications based on expert feedback.
  • Opportunities to connect and learn from peers in the field.
  • Access to a panel of expert judges during the final stages.

Winners Will Receive:

  • Regional Winners: $15,000 each for two winners per region (Latin America, East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, East Asia).
  • Grand Prize Winner: $60,000.

A total of 11 winners will be selected to share the prize pool, with all winners gaining recognition and support for their initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Power of Local Challenge, applicants must meet these requirements:

  1. Country of Impact:
    • Your initiative must primarily impact one or more eligible countries, including Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, Indonesia, and others.
  2. Language:
    • Applications must be written and submitted in English.
  3. Implementation Stage:
    • Your initiative should have at least a minimum viable solution (prototype, pilot, or business plan).
  4. Age Requirement:
    • Applicants must be 18 years or older by February 26, 2025.
  5. Exclusions:
    • Employees and immediate family members of Ashoka, its partners, or affiliates are ineligible.
  6. Single Entry Rule:
    • Organisations may submit only one application.
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Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be judged equally on the following four criteria:

  1. Community Connection:
    • Demonstrates a deep understanding of the community’s needs and actively engages with small businesses.
  2. Impact:
    • Shows tangible, measurable improvements in the lives of small business owners.
  3. Innovation:
    • Utilises creative and unique approaches to overcome challenges and empower businesses.
  4. Financial and Operational Viability:
    • Outlines a clear plan for sustainability, including funding, partnerships, and scalability.

How to Apply for the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025

Applying for the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025 is simple. Follow these steps to submit your application and take the first step toward empowering small businesses in your community:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria

Before you begin, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the challenge. Key requirements include:

  • Your initiative must primarily impact one or more eligible countries (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, Brazil, etc.).
  • Your application must be written and submitted in English.
  • You must be at least 18 years old by the final application deadline, February 26, 2025.
  • Your organisation should have a minimum viable solution (prototype, pilot, or business plan).
  • Only one application per organisation is allowed.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Gather all relevant details about your initiative, such as:

  • Mission and Vision: Clearly articulate how your initiative supports small businesses in your community.
  • Community Connection: Highlight your deep understanding of the needs of local small businesses and how your initiative addresses them.
  • Impact: Provide evidence of measurable outcomes and how your efforts are creating positive change.
  • Innovation: Explain the unique approaches you’re using to solve challenges faced by small businesses.
  • Financial and Operational Viability: Outline your plans for sustainability, funding, and partnerships.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official challenge website at https://home.solutions.changemakers.com/challenge/ and follow these steps:

  1. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  2. Navigate to the application form and fill in all required fields.
  3. Upload any supporting documents or materials that strengthen your application.
  4. Review your application thoroughly to ensure accuracy and completeness.
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Step 4: Submit by the Deadline

  • Early Entry Deadline: January 29, 2025. Early submissions gain access to exclusive feedback sessions with the challenge team.
  • Final Deadline: February 26, 2025.

Ensure you submit your application well before the final deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Step 5: Participate in Peer Reviews

Once the application phase closes, eligible participants will review 10 peer applications. This step allows you to:

  • Gain insights into other innovative ideas.
  • Provide and receive valuable feedback.
  • Access exclusive roundtable discussions with the community.

Step 6: Stay Engaged

Stay connected with the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge team for updates, support sessions, and community events. Attend the scheduled Info Sessions and Office Hours to get clarity on the application process or seek advice.

Application Support and Resources

The Ashoka team is committed to helping applicants succeed. Dedicated support sessions, including info sessions and office hours, provide valuable guidance during the application process. Applicants can ask questions, seek feedback, and gain insights to strengthen their submissions.

Conclusion

The Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025 offers a transformative opportunity for organisations supporting small businesses. By fostering innovation, providing resources, and addressing systemic challenges, this initiative aims to uplift local communities globally. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your efforts, connect with a global network of changemakers, and win up to $60,000 to fuel your impact.

Apply now and be part of this transformative journey.

FAQs About the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025

  1. What is the Ashoka Power of Local Challenge 2025?
    • It’s a global initiative to support organisations empowering small businesses through innovative and sustainable solutions.
  2. Who is eligible to apply?
    • Organisations impacting eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, meeting specific criteria.
  3. What are the key deadlines?
    • Early Entry: January 29, 2025. Final Deadline: February 26, 2025.
  4. What prizes are available?
    • Regional winners receive $15,000 each, and one grand prize winner will be awarded $60,000.
  5. How can I get application support?
    • Attend info sessions and office hours to get expert guidance and feedback on your application.

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