2026/27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO)

The 2026/27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme, a transformative journey powered by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with its Ye! Community and the UNCCD-G20 Global Land Initiative. This programme is designed for youth entrepreneurs who are passionate about pioneering sustainable solutions. Take a look at the website to further learn more about to programme. We look forward to learning more about your impactful and innovative business solutions. The programme will leverage the Ye! Community Platform. Sign up here to join the community. 

The application takes approximately 30–40 minutes to complete. You can either complete it in one sitting or save your progress and return to it later.  Please have your passport, business registration certificate and pitch deck ready before starting. You can review the application questions in advance here.

Please note that the application must be completed in English, as the programme will be conducted entirely in English. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to have at least a B1 (intermediate) level of English proficiency to fully participate in and benefit from the programme.

The Application deadline is on the 22 November 2026.

YECO Application Tracks

YECO offers two application tracks: Regular Track and Fast Track, designed to support businesses at different stages of development.

Regular Track – For Early-Stage Businesses

The Regular Track is designed for early-stage businesses looking to strengthen their foundations, refine their business models, and prepare for growth and investment. Selected businesses will participate in a 10-week Bootcamp before progressing to the Accelerator.

Fast Track – For Advanced, Established, Growth-Stage Businesses

The Fast Track is designed for established pre-seed/seed stage businesses, demonstrated consistent revenue and strong market traction, and have the operational capacity and investment readiness to scale.

Businesses selected for the Fast Track will enter the Accelerator directly and are not required to complete the full 10-week Bootcamp. However, they are encouraged to participate in relevant Bootcamp sessions and will be required to attend selected mandatory masterclasses.

To qualify for the Fast Track, your business must meet ALL the following criteria:

• Market traction:Paying customers, an established customer base, or strong commercial partnerships.
• Financial performance: Consistent revenue and a clear path to profitability.
• Scalability: A proven business model with potential for expansion into new markets.
• Full-time team:A committed team dedicated to growing the business.
• Investment readiness:A professional pitch deck, structured data room, and/or previous external funding.

Fast Track Benefits

• Direct entry into the Accelerator with tailored coaching and mentorship.
• Pro bono legal services from Sidley Austin (subject to due diligence).
• Preferential access to the Google Startups for Sustainable Development Programme.
• One-on-One coaching sessions with experts from EY 
• USD 5,000 in seed funding for selected Land Restoration businesses.

Additional Fast Track Requirements

Applicants must answer additional questions, submit a short motivational video, and, if shortlisted, participate in a 30-minute interview on 30 November 2026.

Only businesses registered in the global South are eligible for the Fast Track. View the list of eligible countries here.

Not sure which track to choose?

If your business does not meet all the Fast Track criteria, we strongly recommend applying for the Regular Track to benefit from the Bootcamp's training, mentorship, and investment-readiness support.

Join the Ye! Community 

All YECO participants benefit from the Ye! Community, a global platform powered by the International Trade Centre that supports young entrepreneurs (up to age 35) in building impactful and sustainable businesses. Open to all youth entrepreneurs and a broad network of stakeholders—including experts, mentors, and support organizations—the Ye! Community provides a dynamic space for connection, learning, and growth.

With over 50,000 members, Ye! offers access to a wide variety of resources, including business tools, country guides, e-learning courses, and peer networks to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures and expand internationally. Participants engage with features like Ye! Groups and Ye! Journeys, gaining tailored support and collaboration opportunities throughout their YECO journey.

In addition to its digital offerings, the Ye! Community includes Ye! Chapters—localized hubs that provide in-person peer support, capacity building, skills development, and connections to business opportunities.

If you are not yet part of the communtiy, sign up here to join the Ye! Community: https://social.yecommunity.com/signup

If you are already part of the community, you can download the Ye! mobile app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yecommunity.social.auyecxzx

iOS App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ye-community/id6742562933

Stay Connected with the G20 GLI Newsletter

Subscribe to the G20 GLI Newsletter and unlock a direct line to everything that matters — from exclusive youth opportunities, funding calls, and international events, to global restoration news, cutting-edge research, training offers, and stories from rising ecopreneurs across the world: https://g20land.org/newsletter

Let’s grow a greener world together — share the call for application with fellow youth ecopreneurs

 Scaling Young Green Entrepreneurs for a Sustainable Future

Ye! Community 

Stay updated and follow ITC's Ye! Community on Social Media!

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Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theyecommunity/

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UNCCD-G20 GLI 

Stay updated and follow G20 GLI/UNCCD on Social Media!

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