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Young entrepreneurs developing environmentally sustainable businesses and land restoration solutions are invited to apply for the 2026-27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO), a United Nations-backed initiative offering business training, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to funding.

The programme, jointly run by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), is aimed at entrepreneurs under 35, with a particular focus on participants from developing countries.

Successful applicants will take part in a structured programme comprising a Global Bootcamp and a Global Accelerator. The initiative culminates in the Youth Ecopreneur Awards, where finalists pitch their ventures to an international audience. Winners will receive $10,000 in prize money.

Entrepreneurs applying under the Land Restoration category will also be eligible for a $100,000 pool of equity-free funding, enabling businesses to secure financial support while retaining full ownership.

Organisers said participants will continue to receive support beyond the awards stage through a Scale & Impact phase designed to help businesses grow, strengthen partnerships and increase their environmental impact.

The programme also provides access to a global network of entrepreneurs. Participants will join a community of more than 350 YECO alumni and gain access to the ITC Ye! Community, which connects more than 50,000 young entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners worldwide.

Additional support is provided through partnerships with several organisations. Participants can benefit from intellectual property expertise from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), pro bono legal assistance from the international law firm Sidley Austin, business coaching from EY, and preferential access to Google's Startups for Sustainable Development programme.

Applications are open for two categories: Green Business Solutions and Land Restoration.

The Green Business Solutions track targets businesses developing environmentally sustainable products, services or business models, including circular-economy initiatives, low-carbon technologies, sustainable materials and eco-design innovations.

The Land Restoration track is aimed at enterprises engaged in ecosystem protection and rehabilitation, including reforestation, agroforestry, soil conservation, wetland restoration, carbon farming, wildfire management, and technologies that support these activities.

Applications close on 22 November 2026.

Organisers highlighted the programme's growing international reach, noting that the previous cycle attracted more than 1,500 applications from over 120 countries.

According to programme data, 96% of participants said YECO enhanced their credibility, 94% reported expanding their professional networks, and 90% said they gained valuable knowledge and skills.

Several former participants have also received major recognition and investment. Satellites on Fire, the winner of the 2025-26 Land Restoration category, was nominated for the Earthshot Prize and raised $2.7 million in seed funding.

Meanwhile, Hellen Munyasa of Uganda's Helton Traders Limited, the winner of the 2025-26 Green Business Solutions category, received a $20,000 grant from the PayPal Small Business Impact Awards and showcased her business at international events.

Reflecting on her experience, Munyasa said the programme had helped her scale her business internationally.

“YECO didn’t just grow my business; it prepared me to grow beyond borders,” she said. “It changed how I think, how I lead and how I build a green business that creates value, uplifts communities and reaches international impact.”

The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation. The organisation supports small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to compete in global markets and contribute to sustainable economic development.

The UNCCD-G20 Global Land Initiative aims to halve degraded land worldwide by 2040 through engagement with the private sector, civil society and governments.