Empowering Early-Stage Enterprises for a Resilient Future

The Swiss Re Foundation is accepting applications from founders of early-stage enterprises in USA who offer innovative, market-based solutions to problems related to climate solutions and healthcare access. Donor Name: Swiss Re Foundation State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 06/01/2025 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Shine supports social innovators in translating their ideas and solutions into scalable business models to maximize social impact. The winning applicant will undergo a four-month immersive learning programme in which they will be partnered with Swiss Re experts and leadership and business coaches to develop a strategic, financially viable business. After completing Shine, the selected entrepreneur stands a chance to win financial award of up to USD 40 000 to fuel their enterprise’s growth. Focus areas Applicants’ impact areas must be aligned with one of the Swiss Re Foundation’s supported topics: Nature based solutions in coastal & urban areas Disaster risk reduction Transformation to Net-Zero (circular economy solutions) Access to Health Healthy Nutrition. Phases  Phase 1: Application process for selecting the social innovator Phase 2: Action Learning Programme Phase 3: Impact monitoring. What Shine offers to social innovators? Hands-on support in developing a focused strategy and viable financial and execution plan Access to diverse experts from Swiss Re businesses and functions Business mentoring and leadership coaching to accelerate the professional and personal development of the enterprise founder(s) Financial grant of up to USD 40,000 to scale the solution Connections and visibility in the social entrepreneurial ecosystem. Who is eligible for Shine? Of the more than 15 entrepreneurs who have completed Shine to date, all say that they would recommend the programme to other social enterprise founders. They look for changemakers who have: A strong sense of purpose combined with an impact-focused mindset Nuanced understanding of the social or environmental challenge and an innovative solution to addressing it A proof of concept for their solution Openness to collaborating with Swiss Re employees through a six-month learning programme. For more information, visit Swiss Re Foundation.