Youth· May 2026
New Youth Entrepreneurship Call Opens
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Independent global development initiativeBuilding sustainable
Building sustainable
economic futures
for people and communities.
The UN Entrepreneurship Programme strengthens economic resilience, supports entrepreneurship and advances sustainable livelihoods across developing and emerging economies.
50+
Countries reached
12,000+
Beneficiaries supported
3,500+
Small businesses assisted
800+
Community projects funded
Our Mission
Empowering people. Enabling enterprises. Strengthening communities.
UNEP works across multiple sectors to create inclusive economic ecosystems where every individual has access to opportunity, skills and resources to build sustainable prosperity.
- Promote inclusive economic development
- Support entrepreneurship and innovation
- Reduce unemployment through skills development
- Strengthen community-based economic systems
- Facilitate access to development funding
70%
of beneficiaries report income improvement
Core Programmes
Four pillars of inclusive growth
Structured programmes designed to drive long-term prosperity from the ground up.
Economic Empowerment Fund
Direct financial support for individuals, startups and community-based projects.
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Skills Development Initiative
Capacity-building programmes that improve employability and productivity.
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Community Development Programme
Strengthening local economies through sustainable, grassroots projects.
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Global Youth Empowerment Network
Training, mentorship and funding pathways for young leaders.
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A transparent five-step pathway
01
Apply
Submit your online application form.
02
Review
Project review and eligibility screening.
03
Assess
Verification and impact assessment.
04
Approve
Approval and onboarding into the programme.
05
Deliver
Disbursement or programme enrollment.
Latest Updates
View all News & opportunities
Funding· Apr 2026
SME Recovery Funding Round Announced
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Skills· Mar 2026
Skills Training Expansion Across Africa
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Community· Feb 2026
Community Development Grants Now Available
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Real people, real transformation
"UNEP helped us turn our small idea into a functioning business that now employs five people."
"The training gave me skills I never had access to before. Now I work remotely for international clients."
Partner with UNEP for sustainable global impact.
We work alongside development organisations, financial institutions, academia, governments and community-based organisations to maximise global development outcomes.
50+
countries
60+
strategic partners
12k+
beneficiaries