APPLY FOR URUMURI Program on Climate Action and Circularity, SPECIAL EDITION 2025
Apply before 1st August 2025
What´s the Urumuri Special Edition on Climate Action and Circularity all about?
BK Foundation is pleased to announce the 1st Edition of the Urumuri Program on Climate Action and Circularity. Themed “Empowering Green MSMEs,” the 2025 program focuses on growth-stage micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that offer innovative, climate-relevant technologies, products or services and/or support circular approaches. Corporate measures to reduce the carbon footprint or introduce circular schemes will also be supported.
The BK Urumuri on Climate Action and Circularity is an initiative organised by the BK Foundation in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Up to 135 MSMEs will get the chance to undergo an exciting curriculum, shape their business ideas towards maximum bankability and climate impact, and might eventually get access to a zero-interest loan to implement their climate- and circularity-relevant business cases. Towards this end, BK Foundation together with GIZ Rwanda, on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, have earmarked the immense amount of 250.000 EUR this year.
Benefits for the selected Green MSMEs:
Selected Green MSMEs have successfully completed a comprehensive Business Development Training, which equipped their teams with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to strengthen and scale up their business models in the areas of climate action and circular economy.
The program now enters its next phase: submission of Business Plans, which will be used to assess and select the 30–40 most promising MSMEs to receive interest-free loans of up to RWF 30 million.
In addition, selected MSMEs will benefit from a 6-month one-on-one mentorship program, tailored to their specific needs and business growth priorities. This mentorship will support them in refining their business models, accessing finance, and achieving measurable climate and circularity impacts.
Entrepreneurs have also had the opportunity to build strong networks, engage in knowledge sharing, drive business acceleration, and form innovative partnerships in support of Rwanda’s climate and environmental goals.
Eligibility Criteria:
The selection process is designed to identify and support MSMEs that align with the goals of the Urumuri Green MSMEs Initiative.
The specific criteria include:
- Business Classification: The applicant must fit the definition of a MSME according to Rwandan legislation, ensuring they are classified appropriately within the economic framework if applicable.
- Legal Registration: Documentation must be provided to prove the business is legally registered with relevant authorities in Rwanda, demonstrating compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Relevance for Climate Action: ongoing business has to be in a sector that is relevant for climate change (mitigation/adaptation) or circular economy such as agriculture, energy, transport, forestry, manufacturing/industry, tourism, etc. Business operations within the service sector, such as IT or finance, may be relevant if they are addressing climate change or circular economy. The business idea needs to clearly contribute to a positive climate change/environmental impact in line with Rwanda’s policies and targets.
- Operational Duration: Applicants must submit evidence that their business has been operational for a minimum of six months. This could include business registration documents, tax identification numbers, or proof of revenue generation.
- Impact and Sustainability: The business idea should demonstrate scalability and an economic, climate- and environment-related, and social impact
It is an asset if the business already addresses climate change and environment related challenges
Inclusivity: Special consideration will be given to applications from:
- Youth-led businesses, particularly those owned by individuals aged 18-35
- Women-led enterprises, which empower women in leadership roles
- Businesses owned by individuals with disabilities, promoting diversity and inclusion. People with disability are encouraged to apply
Note:
The Urumuri Program will create an inclusive environment that amplifies the voices and participation of all eligible entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on those from marginalized and vulnerable backgrounds. This inclusive strategy prioritizes social inclusion, youth inclusion, gender equality, and disability inclusion, adhering to Rwanda’s national policies and international standards. By embracing this comprehensive approach, the program aligns with Rwanda’s policies on social inclusion, gender equality, youth empowerment, and disability rights, while enhancing the quality of the Urumuri Program by involving a diverse and motivated group of entrepreneurs. This diversity fosters a more dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial environment in Rwanda.
For any inquiries, please reach out to this number: 4455 / (250) 788 143 000 or bkfoundation@bk.rw