Propel: grow and deepen impact.

A 6-month venture-building program with performance-based grants for SMEs ready to scale adaptation impact among climate-vulnerable users.

Who is Propel for?

SMEs with a product already in market and evidence of early traction, working in climate adaptation for vulnerable communities. You don’t need to have done Ignite. Companies that demonstrate strong adaptation impact for women-led households or women smallholders are especially encouraged to apply.

Like Ignite, we aim for cohorts that are at least 40% women in leadership positions (ideally women-led or women co-led). Roughly half of each cohort is expected to be AI-first or AI-embedded in their delivery model.

What you’ll get

$20,000 upfront grant to extend runway and improve your solution’s reach
$50,000-$70,000 in milestone-based grants unlocked as you hit pre-agreed adaptation impact targets
6 months of bespoke technical support: innovation pilots, user research, AI capability building, or any other support geared towards supporting your growth among target users
AI, product, growth and other specialists working directly with you
Investor introductions, fundraising narrative support

What you leave with

Greater user uptake, clearer evidence of adaptation impact, sharper AI capability where relevant, and a stronger case for the next round of catalytic or commercial capital.

Cohort size and format

5-6 SMEs per cohort. Primarily remote with Propel specialists traveling to work with the teams in-person at least once during the support period. Venture-building scope defined based on the specific companies’ unique needs.

Propel Journey

Months 1 – 4

Apply & due diligence

Application, deeper DD, selection committee decisions.

Months 4

Background check, onboard, plan, first grant

Clear background checks, sign grant agreement, sprint plan, baseline, $20K upfront.

Months 5-9

Build, pilot, scale

Technical support sprints. Milestone-based grants.

Months 9-10

Wrap and follow-on

Final disbursement, investor warm intros.

Apply to Propel

Expression of interest forms are open year-round. Those who express interest are notified and invited to apply when the application window for their region opens.