Finding money for your idea or business is not just about filling out forms or pitching to investors. It’s also about standing out, getting noticed, and sharing your story the right way. If you’re reading this, you probably have a good idea or a growing business, but are not sure how to break into those global funding spaces. That’s okay; many people feel the same way.
In Part 1, I explained some of the top key platforms, where to find global funding opportunities, how to prepare a compelling pitch, and how to use tools to begin. You should check out the Part 1 blog post by clicking this link: Part 1 of How Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries Can Secure Global Funding.
Now, let’s go further. We will discuss how your story and connections can help you get noticed. If you ever wondered why some people succeed while others don’t, this part will help you understand why and give you steps to take.
Are you ready to start?
1. Join Local Impact Competitions to get noticed and funded.
If you have a good idea and want to start a business, entering competitions can help you get money and attention fast. These challenges are great for people in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and some parts of Europe. They can provide cash, help you get noticed, and even offer guidance.
Many of these competitions organised by governments, international organisations, NGOs, corporate foundations or universities do not require you to give up part of your business. They care about making a difference, not just making money.
For example, the Orange Social Venture Prize has helped companies like Prixair and Sayna get funding by doing great work in areas like climate and education.
Another example is MDaaS Global, a health company in Nigeria. They won a challenge and used the prize to grow their business and help more people.
And the best part? There’s almost always a new opportunity open somewhere. Examples include:
- African App Launchpad (by ITIDA in Egypt)
- Anzisha Prize (for entrepreneurs under 22 in Africa)
- UNDP’s YouthConnekt Challenge
- World Bank Youth Innovation Fund
- Hult Prize (global university-based competition with $1M grand prize)
- Jakarta’s Startup Incubator by UN Pulse Lab
2. Use Government and NGO Grants for Social Impact
If your startup focuses on health, education, climate, gender equity, or employment, you have many funding opportunities available to you.
Government agencies, international NGOs, and donor organisations want to support entrepreneurs whose work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are not investors seeking high profits; instead, they look for measurable impact. For example, they want to know if you are helping children learn better, giving farmers better access to markets, or reducing plastic waste in your city.
The GSMA Innovation Fund, supported by the UK government and mobile network operators, funds startups in Africa and Asia that use mobile technology for positive change. For instance, the Nigerian startup CarePay and Bangladesh’s Jachai have received funding and support to help them grow.
Here are some common sources of these grants:
- USAID Development Innovation Ventures
- UK Aid Direct
- Global Innovation Fund
- Echoing Green Fellowship
- UNICEF Innovation Fund
- African Development Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB)