Support up to approximately $387,500 to accelerate entrepreneurial success by connecting founders with mentorship, training, visibility, investment opportunities, and the essential resources needed for growth.
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What is the Entrepreneurship World Cups?
The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is one of the largest and most diverse pitch competitions and support programs globally, co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Monsha’at. Open to entrepreneurs at all stages — from idea to growth — the competition offers not only substantial cash prizes but also world-class mentorship, training, visibility, and investment opportunities.
Since its launch in 2019, the EWC has attracted over 400,000 registrations from 200 countries, providing more than US$4 million in cash prizes and over US$250 million in perks, free support, and services.
The EWC is a global platform designed to accelerate entrepreneurial success and connect founders with critical resources, regardless of whether or not they top the podium.
Entrepreneurs can apply under three stages:
- Idea Stage: Conceptual, no revenue, potentially unregistered.
- Early Stage: MVP developed, early market validation, seed/angel funded or bootstrapped.
- Growth Stage: Consistent growth for 3+ years, strong governance, Series A funded or organically growing.
Entrepreneurship World Cups level of support
- Minimum Amount of Funding: Not specified for individual applicants; however, global winners share over US$1 million in cash and/or investment.
- Maximum Amount of Funding: Up to USD$250,000 (or approximately AUD$387,500) for individual winners.
Co-Contribution:
- The provider has not specified any co-contribution requirement.
- Additionally, the top 100 global finalists receive access to a combined USD$100 million worth of in-kind support, services, and investment opportunities.
Entrepreneurship World Cups important dates
- Round 3 Closes: 30 June 2025
- EWC 250 Selections Announced: July 2025
- Virtual Bootcamp: August 2025
- EWC 100 Selections Announced: September 2025
- Global Finals Event (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia): November 2025 (Exact date to be confirmed)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Entrepreneurship World Cups objectives
The key objectives of the Entrepreneurship World Cup are to:
- Support entrepreneurs at all levels by offering prizes, mentorship, and training.
- Enhance participants’ skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.
- Increase startups’ visibility and networking opportunities.
- Connect entrepreneurs with global investors, mentors, and strategic partners.
- Promote entrepreneurial development on a global scale across all industries.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Entrepreneurship World Cups support
Eligible projects include:
- Startups or entrepreneurial ventures across all sectors, whether product- or service-based.
- Businesses or concepts that fit within one of the three categories: Idea Stage, Early Stage, or Growth Stage
Ineligible Expenditure:
- The EWC guidelines do not specify particular ineligible expenditure categories; however, applicants must submit original work and not be affiliated as employees with the organisers, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, or promotional agencies.
Other Entrepreneurship World Cups important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Entrepreneurship World Cups support
Eligible applicants include:
- Businesses registered within their countries or planning to register.
- Individual entrepreneurs developing startups.
- Applicants must be aged 18 years or older (except for the Idea Stage where no minimum age applies).
- Startups must be 10 years old or younger at the time of the Global Finals (based on company registration date).
Headquarters Requirement: Startups must apply from the country where their executive management is located. If in the Idea Stage, applicants must apply from the country where they plan to establish operations.
Language: Global applications must be submitted in English. Some national finals may accept local languages.
See the guidelines for full details of organizational requirements.
Entrepreneurship World Cups assessment criteria
While specific assessment percentages are not provided, selection is based on:
- Innovation and Creativity: Uniqueness and originality of the idea or solution.
- Market Opportunity: Size and accessibility of the targeted market.
- Business Model and Traction: Evidence of early sales, market validation, or strong plans for scaling.
- Team and Execution Capability: Skills, experience, and dedication of the founders and team.
- Financial Sustainability and Fundability: Potential to attract investment or achieve sustainable growth.
Participants are shortlisted into:
- EWC 250: The top 250 applicants globally, who will attend the EWC Virtual Bootcamp.
- EWC 100: The top 100 startups selected to pitch at the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh.
How do I win in the Entrepreneurship World Cups?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the program. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Entrepreneurship World Cups application
Applicants should prepare:
- A detailed business description.
- Information on company registration (or intention to register).
- Proof of company age if already registered.
- Summary of achievements, milestones, or growth indicators (if applicable).
- Market opportunity analysis.
- Business model and/or prototype evidence.
- Pitch deck (recommended for those reaching the finals).
- Founders’ and key team bios and background.
- Plan for scaling or next stage of development.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Entrepreneurship World Cups
Applications must be submitted through the official EWC platform.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Entrepreneurship World Cups resources
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