As of April 26, 2026, the types of businesses that get funding are changing to include those that have a social impact and are based on new ideas. There have just been a few major government cycles for the 2026 intake, but right now is the best time to apply for a number of high-value private fellowships, global competitions, and “seed-grant” scholarships.
Here are the main opportunities for entrepreneurs who are currently active in the 2026/27 cycle.
1. The Eisenhower Global Programme for 2027
A top fellowship for visionaries and business owners who want to make a bigger difference by working with people from other countries and spending six weeks in the United States.
- Status Right Now: Applications Are Open.
- Due date: May 15, 2026.
- The award provides full funding for a nearly six-week leadership programme in the US, which includes travel, housing, and professional mentoring.
- Target: Established leaders and creative businesspeople (usually between the ages of 32 and 45) who have made a difference in society.
- Interviews are set to take place between June and August 2026.
2. D-Prize 2026 (Social Entrepreneurs in Their Early Stages)
Instead of coming up with new products, D-Prize is all about getting proven solutions to poverty problems out to more people.
- Status Right Now: Applications Are Open.
- • Deadline: May 17, 2026.
- • The regular deadline is June 7, 2026.
- • The prize: up to $20,000 in seed money (a convertible grant) to start a pilot organisation.
- • Must be an early-stage entrepreneur (usually a first-timer) ready to start a business that can grow in a low- or middle-income country.
3. The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) in 2026
A worldwide contest that asks business owners ages 13 and up to send in ideas that help the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Status Right Now: Applications Are Open.
- Due date: May 4, 2026 (8 days left!).
- The prize: mentoring, international experience, and specialised certificates. After a public voting phase, an expert jury picks the top winners.
- Requirement: Send in a short pitch and finish two required entrepreneurial design courses.
4. One Young World Summit—Scholarships for Specific Fields
One Young World gives entrepreneurs and “change-makers” a chance to go to their global summit and join their permanent network by giving them fully funded scholarships.
- • The 2026 Zurich Foundation Scholarship:
- Due date: May 5, 2026.
- Focus: Young leaders who are working to make the world a better place for people and the environment.
- 2026 Roche Scholarship:
- Due date: May 6, 2026.
- Focus: Innovators in healthcare and medical technology.
- The Allianz CE MoveNow Scholarship:
- Deadline: May 19, 2026.
- Focus: Creating a better financial future and long-lasting economic models.
- Benefit: All costs for travel, lodging, and getting to the summit are covered.
5. SI Scholarship for Global Professionals in Sweden
The winners for 2026 were just announced (April 23–26, 2026), but this is an important planning goal for business owners.
- The prize: a full tuition waiver for a master’s degree in Sweden and SEK 12,000 a month.
- Focus on Innovation: Specifically target programs in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- 2027 Cycle: Portals for university admission typically open in October 2026.
6. Essential 2026 Strategy for Entrepreneurs
To win an entrepreneurship-based grant this year, your application must demonstrate “High Agency”:
- The “SDG” Alignment: By 2026, almost all major fellowships (Eisenhower, CEC, One Young World) will require your business to be in line with one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Set specific goals for your business model, such as Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
- Proof of Execution: Judges for seed grant programmes like D-Prize care more about your logistical plan than your “big idea”. They want to know exactly how you plan to get your first 100 customers.
- Leadership Narratives: Scholarships backed by the government, like Sweden’s SI, are looking for “Global Professionals.” Don’t just list your company; talk about your experience leading teams and making changes in the organisation.
- • Video Pitching: The 90-second video pitch is the most important tool for the Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition and many US-based accelerators. Make sure your lights and sound are professional. High production value shows that you care.
7. A list of important deadlines (April/May 2026)
- The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition will take place on May 4, 2026.
- The Z Zurich Foundation (One Young World) is on May 5, 2026.
- • The Roche Scholarship (One Young World) deadline is May 6, 2026.
- The Eisenhower Global Fellowship ends on May 15, 2026.
- • The D-Prize’s early deadline is May 17, 2026.
- The Allianz CE MoveNow will happen on May 19, 2026.