FINCA Ventures Prize & CLIC Connector Program 2026 – Funding and Technical Support for Impact Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa
Applications are now open for the 2026 FINCA Ventures Prize Competition and the CLIC Agrifood Investment Connector Program, two complementary opportunities designed to support impact-driven enterprises operating in financial inclusion and sustainable agriculture and food systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
These programmes aim to support early-stage and growth-stage enterprises with grant funding, investment readiness support, technical assistance, and access to global investors. Applicants may apply for either programme or both through a single application process.
The initiative is delivered through FINCA Ventures and the Climateshot Investor Coalition (CLIC), a global coalition focused on scaling climate-resilient and nature-positive agriculture and inclusive finance solutions.
Areas of Focus
Fintech for Financial Inclusion (FINCA Ventures Prize Only)
Solutions that expand access to financial services for underserved populations, including:
• Digital banking platforms
• Savings and insurance products
• Credit and lending solutions
• Financial literacy tools
• Embedded finance solutions
• Mobile-first financial services
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (FINCA Ventures Prize & CLIC Connector Program)
Solutions that support climate-smart and sustainable agriculture, including:
• Climate-smart agriculture technologies
• Sustainable inputs and soil health solutions
• Agricultural financing and insurance
• Digital agriculture platforms
• Irrigation and mechanisation
• Climate and weather intelligence
• Post-harvest and storage solutions
• Market access platforms
• Supply chain innovation
FINCA Ventures Prize – Funding Details
• Grant funding of up to USD 100,000
• Pitch competition in San Francisco
• Travel and participation costs covered
• Exposure to investors and donors
• Technical support and mentoring
• Networking opportunities
Finalists will be invited to pitch at a live competition event, where winners will be selected by a panel of judges.
CLIC Connector Program – Technical Assistance
Selected agribusinesses will receive:
• 4–6 months of hands-on technical assistance
• Climate and nature impact assessment
• Investment readiness support
• Pitch deck and investor materials development
• One-on-one investor connections
• Access to investor engagement events
• Alumni network support after programme completion
The programme is provided at no cost to participating businesses.
Eligibility – FINCA Ventures Prize
Applicants must:
• Be a for-profit company
• Have at least one African founder
• Be post-revenue
• Be operational for no more than five years
• Be operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Work within fintech or sustainable agriculture sectors
Eligibility – CLIC Connector Program
Applicants must:
• Be a legally incorporated for-profit agribusiness
• Operate in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Have at least two years of operations
• Have at least one year of audited financial statements
• Be actively seeking investment
• Demonstrate climate and nature-positive impact
• Have at least two management team members
Benefits
Selected companies will gain:
• Grant funding (FINCA)
• Investor readiness support
• Access to global investors
• Technical assistance
• Visibility and exposure
• Business development support
• Networking opportunities
Application Process
• Single application for both programmes
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
• Shortlisted applicants invited to interviews
• Finalists selected following evaluation process
Deadline
10 April 2026
Geographic Eligibility
Sub-Saharan Africa
Type of Organisations
• Startups
• SMEs
• Agribusinesses
• Fintech companies
• Impact enterprises
• Climate and nature-positive businesses
Contact Information
FINCA Ventures Prize
Melissa Tickle
Email: melissa.tickle@finca.org
CLIC Connector Program
Email: clic@cpiglobal.org
Click HERE to visit the official website.