Apply Now: C3 EmpowerHer Program 2026 Opens Applications, Offers Up to US$150,000 in Catalytic Funding
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Women-led and women centered climate ventures across the Middle East and North Africa can now apply for the 2026 C3 EmpowerHer Program, a six-month accelerator designed to help early-stage businesses strengthen their solutions, build climate resilience and prepare for investment.
The program, delivered by C3 – Companies Creating Change and supported by the Resilient Futures Fund, will provide selected ventures with specialized training, mentorship, expert guidance and access to investors and strategic partners.
Beyond the accelerator program, the top 10 participating ventures will have the opportunity to access a combined US$150,000 in catalytic pilot funding, with each venture eligible to receive up to US$20,000.
What the C3 EmpowerHer Program Offers
The six-month program is designed to provide practical support to founders working at the intersection of climate resilience and gender.
Selected participants will have access to:
- 8–12 virtual workshops led by experts
- Tailored guidance from climate, sector and investment specialists
- Mentorship and strategic advisory support
- Connections to investors, development finance institutions, corporates and impact funds
- Support to strengthen their business models and climate-impact strategies
- Opportunities to develop and test climate resilience solutions
The program will be delivered primarily online, allowing participants to take part remotely.
Top 10 Ventures to Receive Catalytic Funding
At the end of the accelerator, the top 10 ventures will receive additional support to help them move their solutions from development to implementation.
Each selected venture can receive up to US$20,000 in catalytic pilot funding.
The top 10 ventures will also receive:
- 10 expert advisory board sessions
- A tailored strategic roadmap
- Pilot design support
- Support connecting with relevant market enablers
- An opportunity to showcase their ventures to investors during an in-person Demo Day in Egypt in Q2 2027
A total of US$150,000 is available in catalytic funding.
Who Can Apply?
The C3 EmpowerHer Program is designed for early-stage ventures that meet specific gender, climate and regional requirements.
Applicants should have ventures that:
- Are women-led or primarily benefit women
- Address climate resilience as a core part of their mission
- Are at the pre-seed to pre-Series A stage
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) and evidence of early traction
- Are headquartered in or primarily operate within the Middle East and North Africa region
- Intentionally address both gender and climate outcomes
- Have a founding team able to commit to the six-month program
Areas of Focus
The program is open to ventures developing solutions across a range of climate resilience sectors, including:
- Water and sanitation
- Food and agri-climate
- Heat resilience
- Coastal and flood adaptation
- Nature-based solutions
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Climate finance access
Program Format
Most program activities, including workshops, mentorship and advisory sessions, will take place virtually.
The program will conclude with an in-person Demo Day in Egypt, where the top 10 ventures will have the opportunity to present their solutions to potential investors and other stakeholders.
Application Deadline
Applications for the C3 EmpowerHer Program 2026 close on August 31, 2026.
Founders are encouraged to apply before the deadline and ensure their ventures meet all eligibility requirements.
Programme Details
Program: C3 EmpowerHer Program 2026
Duration: Six months
Target region: Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Catalytic funding: Up to US$20,000 per selected top venture
Total funding available: US$150,000
Application deadline: August 31, 2026
Demo Day: Egypt, Q2 2027
How to Apply
Eligible founders can apply for the C3 EmpowerHer Program 2026 through the official C3 application platform.
Apply here: C3 EmpowerHer Program
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