The Resilience Innovation through Scaling Entrepreneurship (RISE) Urban Challenge, launched by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), aims to scale innovative urban ideas that address resilience challenges in informal urban contexts. The challenge provides customized support, leadership mentoring, investor connections, and funding to help selected initiatives achieve sustainability and impact.

Focus Areas:

• Urban resilience in informal settings
• Climate risk, resilience retrofitting, water security, urban migration, and displacement
• Prioritizing solutions that benefit women and youth

Eligibility

The challenge is open to:

• Urban entrepreneurs, innovators, and organizations (including startups, SMEs, grassroots organizations, and civil society groups)
• Applicants from low- and middle-income countries
• Youth-led and women-led initiatives are strongly encouraged

Awards & Support

Selected projects will receive:

• Up to $50,000 in funding for scaling and implementation (until December 2026)
• Leadership and mentoring program facilitated by subject matter experts
• Communications support and visibility through GRP networks
• Connections to investors and partners

Application Process & Timeline

• Webinar: March 27, 2025
• Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
• Shortlist Announcement: June 2025
• Leadership Academy & Mentoring: June – September 2025
• Final Winners Announced: November/December 2025
• Implementation Phase: Until December 2026

Apply here by April 11, 2025. For inquiries, email challenge@globalresiliencepartnership.org.