Global Refugee Entrepreneurship Seed Fund

Program Overview and Strategic Focus

The Global Refugee Entrepreneurship Seed Fund responds to limited access to capital, legal barriers, and fragile support ecosystems by enabling refugee founders building circular economy, digital, or essential service enterprises within refugee-hosting cities from Amman to Kampala fostering resilient ventures despite regulatory hurdles. It prioritises solutions that can rapidly demonstrate impact while building institutions that champion inclusive, sustainable growth.

Applicants are expected to articulate how their work contributes to self-reliance, job creation for displaced and host populations, and investment-ready models and leverages ecosystems described in alliances with microfinance institutions, accelerators, and municipal inclusion offices. Evaluation panels look for operational plans that balance financial discipline with cultural and environmental stewardship unique to the region.

Funding Structure and Support Services

The program layers seed grants blended with catalytic debt and equity introductions with advisory services so teams can move from pilots to resilient operations. Delivery partners curate expertise across finance, policy, and community engagement to translate strategic visions into executable roadmaps.

The program layers capital with capability-building services such as:

Legal advisory on business registration, intellectual property, and cross-border trade
Investment readiness bootcamps with diaspora angel networks
Peer learning circles connecting refugee founders across continents
Well-being and trauma-informed leadership coaching

Cost Category	Description	Indicative Amount	Expected Outcome
Working Capital	Inventory, staffing, and technology purchases to meet demand	$60,000	Stabilised operations with capacity to fulfil larger contracts
Market Expansion	Localization, export compliance, and partnerships in new geographies	$40,000	Diversified revenue streams across host and international markets
Impact Infrastructure	Data systems capturing social and environmental outcomes	$25,000	Credible reporting attracting additional capital
Community Benefit Programs	Training or services for refugee and host community members	$20,000	Documented social impact and community trust

Eligibility Deep Dive and Readiness Signals

Eligible applicants must already demonstrate momentum in formalising businesses, securing permits, and implementing inclusive governance structures. Proposals should clearly outline governance models, risk management frameworks, and collaboration protocols that honour local stakeholders.

Key eligibility markers include:

Legal right to operate and documented compliance with host country regulations
At least 40% of employees or contractors from displaced populations
Evidence of demand through revenue, contracts, or letters of intent
Governance framework ensuring refugee leadership in decision-making

Application Pathway and Timeline Management

The 2025 cohort emphasises climate-smart refugee ventures with a global investor showcase in Geneva.

Suggested internal timeline checkpoints:

February 2025: Attend information sessions in regional hubs
April 2025: Submit application including pitch deck and impact metrics
June 2025: Participate in due diligence interviews and customer reference checks
September 2025: Join investment readiness sprint and mentorship program
November 2025: Pitch at Geneva showcase and connect with follow-on investors

Strategic Positioning Tips for Competitive Proposals

Competitive submissions highlight differentiated value propositions that reinforce dignified livelihoods and inclusive market systems. Narratives should weave quantitative evidence with community stories that show an authentic commitment to shared prosperity.

Focus proposal narratives on:

Highlight scalable business models addressing pressing needs like energy, health, or education
Quantify social impact with gender and youth disaggregation
Showcase resilience strategies for navigating regulatory or mobility constraints
Detail partnerships with host community organisations to promote cohesion
Present clear path to sustainability beyond grant funding

Impact Measurement and Learning Agenda

Impact management is integral to the opportunity; organisers expect teams to translate entrepreneurs transforming displacement into engines of shared prosperity into measurable indicators and adaptive learning loops. Applicants should describe how data will inform iterative improvements and policy dialogue.

Illustrative indicators to embed in your monitoring framework:

Jobs created for refugees and host community members
Household income increases attributable to the enterprise
Volume of essential goods or services delivered
Investment leveraged from other sources post-grant
Social cohesion indicators gathered through community surveys

Ventures contribute anonymised impact data to a shared refugee entrepreneurship index guiding donors and policymakers.

Documentation and Submission Checklist

Gather legal documentation, customer traction evidence, and social impact dashboards to de-risk funding decisions.

Registration documents and legal status proof
Financial statements or management accounts
Customer testimonials or contracts
Impact measurement framework and baseline data
Governance charter highlighting refugee leadership

Founders who couple resilient business models with community leadership can shift narratives around displacement and unlock global markets.