United Nations opens applications for Youth Ecopreneur Programme

The United Nations has opened applications for the 2026-27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO), an initiative designed to support entrepreneurs under the age of 35 who are developing environmentally focused businesses. Run by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the programme focuses on two primary categories: Green Business Solutions and Land Restoration.

Participants undergo a structured process including a Global Bootcamp and a Global Accelerator, culminating in the Youth Ecopreneur Awards. Winners of the awards receive US$10,000, while those in the Land Restoration category can access an additional US$100,000 equity-free funding pool. The programme emphasizes that participants retain full ownership of their companies.

Beyond financial support, the initiative provides mentorship, intellectual property advice from the World Intellectual Property Organization, and legal support from Sidley Austin. The application deadline is 22 November. The programme specifically targets founders in developing countries to foster sustainability and land restoration efforts globally.