Accelerating innovative enterprises building solutions at the nexus of climate, gender, and health
About the Nexus for Equity Accelerator
The Nexus for Equity Accelerator by Villgro Philippines, backed by the Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF), is a program designed to catalyze gender-responsive, women-led, and women-benefitting enterprises addressing climate change in the Philippines. Through 24 months of tailored support, the program seeks to support enterprises to strengthen business models, unlock fit-for-purpose financing and deepen and measure climate, gender, and health outcomes.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change but are undeniably powerful change agents in climate action – women are innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs, workers, and customers in climate related fields. Despite this, the finance ecosystem does not often embed gender equity, leading to women and women-led solutions being left behind.
The Nexus for Equity Accelerator is on a bold mission to address the gender inequalities that persist in climate finance, and ensure women-led and women-benefitting enterprises have an equal seat at the table and access to the funding, networks, and technical support they need to scale climate solutions.
The program will support 35 enterprises in Phase 1 through capacity building and coaching, and will select 15 enterprises in Phase 2 for a tailored investment readiness and growth support, for access to capital in Phase 3.
Join us to move the needle on gender equality and advance healthy solutions for our planet.
The nexus of Climate, Gender, and Health
Women and girls, especially from marginalized groups, are disproportionately impacted by climate disasters due to poverty and dependence on natural resources. Despite bearing the brunt of these risks, they are vital leaders in climate mitigation and adaptation, with unique skills and local knowledge that drive impactful solutions.
However, gender equity remains largely absent in climate finance, with only 1% of over $600 billion in 2021 flows adopting a gender lens. Addressing this gap requires reducing financial barriers, fostering leadership through networks and mentorship, and equipping women and girls to implement community-driven climate solutions. They are key to building a more inclusive and effective climate movement.
This program aims to support gender-responsive enterprises creating tangible impact at the nexus of climate, gender and health.
Program Structure
Phase 1 | Climate Gateway
35 climate enterprises will be selected in the Climate Gateway phase to take part in an intensive 8-week learning immersion to strengthen your business model, refine value proposition, and build the confidence to scale your climate solution.
The program will support selected enterprises to:
• Strengthen offerings to customers and refine business model
• Develop an articulated, ambitious growth plan
• Understand investment readiness and how to fundraise
Deep-Dive Learning sessions
Access workshops and masterclasses through virtual learning labs led by industry experts on key topics like pricing and unit economics, planning pilots, sales strategies, financial management, climate impact measurement, investment readiness and more.
Leadership Coaching
Enhance your capacity and capability as a leader through a high-impact curriculum with self-paced learning modules on imposter syndrome, unconscious bias, purpose-driven leadership, and personal branding.
Tailored Mentoring
All enterprises can access office hours with business mentors and investment coaches to help refine growth plans, strengthen pitches and storytelling, and identify clear fundraising asks.
Peer Learning
An opportunity to learn with and from peers on business and personal growth through structured sharing circles to unlock practical advice and solutions for you and your business.
Venture Showcase
The Climate Gateway phase shall culminate in a venture competition and showcase to provide an avenue for 35 enterprises to pitch their business models and growth plans, connect with industry partners, network with gender-smart climate finance players and access follow-on support. 15 enterprises will be selected for Phase 2 and be awarded seed funding.
Phase 2 | Climate Runway: Investment Readiness Accelerator
15 selected enterprises will join the Climate Runway phase, a six-month investment readiness accelerator with customized support to help action your growth plans, gear up your business mode for scale, and prepare to raise and infuse capital into your business.
The program will enable enterprises to:
• Understand your enterprises growth objectives and identify gaps
• Conduct lean experiments to grow your customers and sales
• Connect and unlock appropriate financing from investors for sustained growth
Seed Funding
All 15 enterprises will receive seed funding of up to USD5,000* to be used to conduct lean experiments to validate business models or scale operations during the program. At the end of the program, 3 enterprises will be selected to receive an additional non-dilutive funding of USD15,000* to support their fundraising and growth needs.
(*Inclusive of applicable taxes)
Strategy Diagnostic Sessions
Each enterprise will take part in a dedicated diagnostic session designed to be both a needs assessment and a strategy session. A select tailored group of business and industry experts come together with the enterprise’s leadership team in a mini-board style format to dive into gaps and opportunities for the business model and develop growth plans based on the team’s vision. This will support the creation of a customized acceleration plan for each enterprise.
Tailored Capacity Building
A customized program designed to empower enterprises by enhancing their skills and knowledge in key areas of business, finance, climate and social impact, and gender strategies through deep dive masterclasses and coaching from global experts.
One-on-One Business and Sector Mentoring
Each enterprise will have access to one-to-one personalized mentoring by business and domain experts to support fundraising and business growth plans of enterprises.
Needs-Based Technical Assistance
Based on needs, each enterprise will have its own tailored technical assistance on accounting, finance, regulatory compliance, market positioning, and/or brand building to help build investment-ready scalable climate ventures
Gender-Responsive Training
Enterprises shall undergo a gender-smart data collection and assessment, and receive corresponding training and support to promote gender inclusivity and develop gender responsive policies across the business’ value chain and organization.
Follow-on Funding Access
Enterprises that are ready and have investment potential will have the opportunity to get matched and connect with Villgro Philippines’ partner investors and financial institutions at the end of the accelerator program to unlock fit-for-purpose capital appropriate to business needs.
Phase 3 | Climate Accelerate: Access to Finance
Enterprises that connect with investors or need continued support to raise capital will have dedicated support from our investments team to go through investor due diligence, help with deal structuring and closing for an additional 12 months, through the program’s Climate Accelerate phase.
Investment Learning Sessions: Enterprises can access key learning sessions on impact investment led by investment experts on to enhance their fundraising journey.
One-on-One Fundraising Support: Enterprises will be connected to the Impact Pioneers Network to access continued support on identifying the appropriate investors, support through investor due diligence, and deal closure.
Eligibility
We are looking for enterprises engaged in climate action. Eligible enterprises are those who are:
1. Women-owned, women-led, AND/OR women-benefitting enterprises
• Women-owned: Enterprises founded by a woman or a group of women that retain an active role OR at least 50% of shares owned by women
• Women-led: Enterprises where least 45% of senior management is women or 30% of board members are women
• Women-benefitting: Enterprises owned or led by founders of any gender but with products/services offered that directly enhance the well-being of women/girls and/or drive gender equity
2. Climate-focused SMEs, with social/ environmental outcomes in any of the following (although not limited to) sectors:
• Regenerative agriculture
• Waste management
• Renewable energy
• Sustainable housing
• Sustainable food production
• …And more.
3. Early-stage enterprises operating in the Philippines:
• Must be operating and creating impact in the Philippines
• Must have demonstrated traction with at least early revenue
4. Legally registered with DTI, SEC or other relevant agencies
• Must have a dedicated bank account for the business
5. Committed to growing an impactful and socially responsible business:
• Must be open to monitoring gender, climate impact, or health outcomes
• Must be willing to document and track key impact metrics for the duration of the program
*Applications from other underrepresented founders and marginalized groups across the Philippines, especially non-metro cities are highly encouraged.
How to Apply
Every applicant must submit a complete application form for the program via Google Forms. Along the application form, applicants are also requested to submit the following:
- Proof of business registration in the Philippines (e.g. DTI, SEC)
- Certificate of Registration (i.e. BIR 2303) and Official Receipt (for the registered entity)
- Audited annual financial statements (for 2023)
- An updated business overview deck or business plan
All information submitted in your application will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy of Villgro Philippines.
Deadline: January 17, 2025 (11:59 PM +8 GMT)*
Program Timeline
Phase 1: Climate Gateway
January to March 2025
Phase 2: Climate Runway
April to September 2025
Phase 3: Climate Accelerate
October 2025-September 2026
Nexus for Equity
Accelerating innovative enterprises building solutions at the nexus of climate, gender, and health
About Us
ABOUT VILLGRO PHILIPPINES
Villgro Philippines is a gender-smart incubator that funds, mentors and nurtures enterprises addressing the most pressing social and climate issues. Over the last 5 years, Villgro Philippines has supported more than 120 enterprises across climate, health, education, agriculture, affordable housing, and women and girls in South and Southeast Asia. Villgro Philippines established the Nüshu Network (formerly WE Rise Community) in partnership with UN Women in 2021 to connect women entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and resources. In collaboration with xchange and USAID, Villgro launched the Impact Pioneers Network, providing early-stage impact entrepreneurs access to debt and equity investments. Their gender-focused initiatives have earned numerous awards, including recognition as a Youth Gender Champion in 2020 and a Gender Responsive Marketplace for SMEs in 2021 by the UN Women Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. Villgro Philippines is certified under the GLIA standards by ygap and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF)
CGEF is a public-private partnership led by USAID with partners Amazon, Reckitt, The UPS Foundation, Visa Foundation, and the Skoll Foundation which seeks to increase access to climate finance for gender-responsive, women-led, and women-benefiting organisations. Grantmaking under CGEF is managed by 2X Global.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline of applications?
The deadline is on January 17, 2025 (11:59 PM +8 GMT). Please see the application form here.
Why is the program seeking enterprises with impact at the nexus of gender, climate, and health?
The Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF), which seeks to increase access to climate finance for gender-responsive, women-led, and women-benefiting organisations, focuses on enterprises at the intersection of climate, gender, and health.
The effects of climate on human society, and our ability to mitigate and adapt to them, are mediated by social factors, including gender. As the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes, there is evidence for gender differences in health risks that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change as well as in adaptation and mitigation measures that can help to protect and promote community health.
What sub-sectors does the gender, climate, and health nexus cover?
The program is open for applications from any sector as long as the enterprise can demonstrate climate impact alongside positive gender and health outcomes. Given the nexus, we expect applications from, but not limited to, the following sub-sectors:
- Regenerative agriculture
- Biodiversity and nature-based solutions
- Waste management
- Circular economy
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable housing and construction
- Sustainable packing, transport, and logistics
- Sustainable food production
- Sustainable consumer goods
- Green technology
- Sustainable tourism and community health
What documents do I need to submit as part of the application?
The following documents are required from each applicant:
- Proof of business registration in the Philippines (e.g. DTI, SEC)
- Certificate of Registration (i.e. BIR 2303)
- Official Receipt (for the registered entity)
- Audited financial statements from the last year of operations (i.e. 2023)
Who can see the information I submit in the application?
All information submitted may be seen by Villgro Philippines, the CGEF team, and collaboration partners, which includes judges and evaluators. All members of the team are bound by confidentiality agreements.
Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, you can submit more than one application provided they are for separate enterprises, if you are involved in both.
However, we would like to understand your involvement and commitment levels for the businesses.
How shall the funding be disbursed?
15 enterprises shall be selected to receive seed funding of up to USD 5,000* (inclusive of corresponding taxes) to be used over the course of the accelerator program and shall be approved and disbursed after completing key milestones. At the end of the accelerator program, the top 3 enterprises with demonstrated progress shall receive an additional stipend of USD 15,000* (inclusive of corresponding taxes) each.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee. The program is free for all selected applicants.
What is the selection process?
Applications shall be evaluated by a selection panel composed of representatives from Villgro Philippines, the CGEF team, and other partners.
Applications shall be assessed through the following criteria:
| Feasibility of Business Model | The enterprise must have a clearly defined customer segment and a well-established product-market fit. It should be aware of the magnitude of the pain/problem, have a deep understanding of it, and provide a solution that effectively addresses it. |
| Gender Impact | The enterprise is majority owned by women (50% or more) or was founded by a woman. Women founders or management must play an active leadership role in the business, with at least one female in a C-level position. Alternatively, the enterprise should offer products and services that directly and tangibly impact women and girls. Additionally, the enterprise must maintain gender-disaggregated data on women within its value chain. |
| Climate Impact | The enterprise pursues climate action and environmental sustainability through its business model, and has a tangible impact on environment/ areas/ resources utilized in its specific sector. The enterprise is able to identify and measure its impact in the environment, and is open to fortifying their operations to become more green. |
| Potential of Scale | The enterprise precisely identifies a need or problem and offers a compelling value proposition to address it. It has a detailed understanding of its target market, including customers’ willingness to pay. Additionally, it conducts thorough analysis of market size, growth potential, and potential competitors and substitutes, demonstrating potential for future funding. |
| Sustainability | The enterprise is capable of sustaining itself through its profits and is adaptable to industry changes, leveraging them for growth. |
| Team | The team driving the enterprise must possess relevant experience or domain knowledge, demonstrate strong passion and commitment, exhibit leadership qualities, and have the ability to take risks. |
What publicity will there be about my application?
Once companies have been selected and admitted into the program, Villgro Philippines and the CGEF team may publicize your involvement through communications channels including but not limited to websites and social media platforms of Villgro Philippines and collaboration partners, as well as other public communications channels. A consent form shall be accomplished to confirm consent of participants.
How will I know If I am successful?
Following initial screening and selection, the program team shall conduct virtual due diligence interviews on each selected enterprise to validate the eligibility and program fit. Following due diligence, the shortlisted enterprises shall proceed to a meeting with a selection panel. Upon finalization of the cohort by the selection panel, selected enterprises shall be informed via email/ provided contact touchpoints.
How long will the program run for?
The first two phases of the program shall run for 9 months from January to September 2025; 35 enterprises shall participate in the Climate Gateway phase from January-March, with 15 to be selected for additional hands-on investment readiness support in the Climate Runway phase until September 2025. The same 15 enterprises shall be eligible for the Climate Accelerate phase, i.e. post-program investment readiness support and access to capital between October 2025-September 2026.
Is this an in-person or virtual program?
The Nexus For Equity Accelerator is a hybrid accelerator program, with most of the activities running virtually but with some in-person touchpoints at the start and end of the program. These in-person activities are tentatively scheduled for: January 2025 (program kick-off), March 2025 (demo day), and September 2025 (impact showcase).
What resources/ tools do I need in order to participate in the program?
Due to the virtual nature of the program, participants are required to have access to a laptop/ desktop setup, stable internet connection, and a conducive work environment.
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