Visa-backed Inclusive Action Awards offers $50K grant to impact startups supporting women

Looking for a way to drive social change and inclusivity forward as an entrepreneur? The Inclusive Action Awards 2025 has officially opened applications, offering up to $50,000 in grant funding to accelerate impactful projects worldwide. 

Launched by the Inclusive Action Hub, the awards are funded by Visa Foundation and led by impact advisory firm, Value for Women. The program targets entrepreneurs solving gender inequality, economic exclusion, and community-driven challenges, particularly for women in underserved regions. The primary goal of the Inclusive Action Awards 2025 is to support and recognise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that create better opportunities for women, fostering social impact, and driving community-focused change in the emerging economies.

Who can apply to the Inclusive Action Awards 2025

• SMEs, startups, and nonprofits committed to advancing social impact with less than 250 staff members
• Entrepreneurs working to improve opportunities for women in emerging economies
• Organisations that has projects that align with sustainability, social justice, or inclusive economic growth
• Applicants must demonstrate measurable impact in supporting women and underserved communities
• Must be legally registered and operating in an eligible country

What makes a strong application for the Inclusive Action Awards 2025

Strong applications should go beyond surface-level commitments to gender inclusion, demonstrating scalable models, clear social impact, and plans for long-term sustainability. A strong application needs to show a real commitment to gender inclusion, not just in words but in action. The selection panel is looking for businesses that actively create opportunities for women in meaningful ways. It is not just about having a good idea, it is about showing real impact and a plan to keep it going. Sustainability matters, so applicants should have a clear strategy for scaling their efforts and making a lasting difference.

What does the Inclusive Action Award 2025 on offer?

• Up to $50,000 in unrestricted grant funding
• Increased visibility and credibility within the industry globally
• Access to industry leaders, investors, and like-minded changemakers
• Runner-up receive mentorship, exposure, certificate, and potential funding opportunities

How to apply for Inclusive Action Awards 2025

• Before you begin, ensure your organisation meets the stated criteria
• Register or log in to the Inclusive Action Hub portal to access the application form. You can save your progress and return to it anytime
• Review all necessary details to understand what’s required before filling out the form
• The form includes multiple-choice and short-answer sections. It takes about an hour to complete, and you can work on it in stages
• Double-check all details before finalising
• All applications must be submitted by April 10, 2025. Late entries will not be considered

Application timeline for the Inclusive Action Award 2025

The official deadline for submission is Thursday, April 10, 2025. Founders can apply via the Inclusive Action Hub portal, with winners expected to be announced in July 2025 after a rigorous judging process. All applications must be done by then, as judging and selection process starts in April and ends in June 2025. 

The selection panel will review applications and evaluate projects based on their impact, as well as sustainability, and commitment to gender inclusion. 

Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities or solves bold problems? Then you`ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with SUBJECT “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to editorial@smepeaks.com