ITC Ye! Community is currently accepting applications for its Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About ITC Ye! Community - Youth Ecopreneur Programme
The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is an international initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs who are developing innovative business solutions to address environmental challenges, promote sustainability and contribute to a greener global economy.
Implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) through its Ye! Community, in partnership with the G20 Global Land Initiative and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the programme provides young innovators with opportunities to develop, strengthen and scale environmentally sustainable businesses.
Benefits of ITC Ye! Community - Youth Ecopreneur Programme
- Capacity-building support to strengthen and scale sustainable businesses.
- Access to a shared seed funding pool of USD 100,000 for the land-restoration cohort, provided without equity requirements.
- Access to an international network of entrepreneurs, experts and industry stakeholders.
- Personalised mentorship and business coaching.
- Legal guidance to strengthen business operations and development.
- Intellectual property expertise and coaching through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- Preferential access to pro bono legal services from international law firm Sidley Austin.
- Preferential access to Google’s Startups for Sustainable Development Programme.
- Individual coaching sessions with experts from Ernst & Young (EY).
- All-expenses-paid participation in an international conference for award finalists.
- An opportunity to win USD 10,000 in prize money, with one award available in each category.
These opportunities are intended to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, improve business sustainability and help innovative enterprises attract investment, partnerships and new markets.
ITC Ye! Community - Youth Ecopreneur Programme Requirements
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be under 35 years of age by the application deadline.
- Be the founder, co-founder or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the business.
- Operate a legally registered business.
- Ensure that the business is majority-run by a young person.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the environmental challenges being addressed.
- Present an innovative and scalable business solution focused on land restoration or green business development.
The programme welcomes applications globally for its bootcamp component. However, participation in the accelerator is restricted to businesses from eligible countries, as specified in the programme’s official country eligibility list.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
22 November, 2026
Opportunity Application
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ITC Ye! Community - Youth Ecopreneur Programme
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