Generously sponsored by the Western Union Foundation

Aisha Ali | Uganda

Hope Hub

Hope Hub equips refugees with the skills and resources to launch and scale businesses in Kampala, Uganda. Its programs include the Digital Economy Program, which has trained 70 participants in digital literacy; Hope Finance, which has empowered 132 refugees through eight self-help groups with a $4,000 revolving fund; and the Business Step Up Series, which has supported 90 entrepreneurs with training and $3,250 in capital. To date, Hope Hub has raised $150,000 in capital raised to support its initiatives and foster economic empowerment for refugees across the country.

Alekza Fabiana | Mexico

Ecumenic

Ecumenic empowers underprivileged youth through education across Tijuana. Offering free digital and in-person workshops on mental, physical, and emotional health, Ecumenic helps teens make better decisions and provides them with donated computers for continued learning. Since its inception, Ecumenic has delivered over 140 workshops, reaching more than 2,000 teenagers, and has donated over 270 computers. Additionally, the venture has raised over $50,000 through annual fundraisers, assisting more than 15,000 homeless individuals with blankets, food, clothing, and flu vaccines.

Akthar Akhgar | Lithuania

Refugee Entrepreneurship Program

The Refugee Entrepreneurship Program, funded by the US Embassy in Lithuania, aims to transform the narrative around refugees from dependents to contributors by empowering them through entrepreneurship. The program focuses on private sector engagement, showcasing refugee impacts through stories and pitching events, and offering free pitching training. To date, around 400 refugees have benefited from their services and the program has successfully raised $200,000 in capital.

Andrea Anahí Rangel García | Mexico

María Josefina Red de Emprendedoras

María Josefina Red de Emprendedoras is dedicated to transforming untapped talents into successful microenterprises led by women, with a mission to eradicate extreme poverty among women in Mexico. The initiative provides training, mentorship, access to funding, and integration into commercial chains. Since its inception five years ago, the venture has supported over 250 women in escaping extreme poverty, reduced domestic violence by up to 40%, facilitated financial independence for 92% of its participants, and raised over $130,000 in capital.

Aris Castillo | Phillippines

Farmtri 

Farmtri is revolutionizing the agricultural supply chain with advanced demand forecasting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions that connect farmers directly to consumers. With $36,000 in capital raised, Farmtri has developed a successful ERP system, onboarded over 360 users, and generated over 10 million pesos in revenue. The platform has improved farmers’ incomes by 15%, reduced operational costs by 20%, and cut food waste by 25%, while lowering the carbon footprint by 18%.

Lodu Victor Jacob | Uganda 

Impact Driven Mission – IDM

Impact Driven Mission (IDM) focuses on empowering South Sudanese refugees in Uganda by fostering leadership and economic development through mentorship and peacebuilding initiatives. With $2,000 in capital raised, IDM has established 15 leadership clubs, each supporting 12-35 youth ever year, and has facilitated 90% of the youth conferences in Palorinya refugee settlement. The program has guided ten youths into entrepreneurship and reached over 3,000 refugees with messages of hope and transformation, with aims to create a generation of empowered leaders who will drive positive change in South Sudan and beyond.

Alonso Marino | Mexico

SciKid Club

SciKid Club addresses limited access to science education in Latin America by offering low-cost workshops and engaging science kits to children aged 5-15 from underserved communities. Using a “frugal science” approach with everyday materials, SciKid Club has sparked curiosity and critical thinking in over 5,000 children across four Mexican cities, impacting over 2,000 families. With $20,000 in capital raised, SciKid Club aims to become a leading STEAM provider in Latin America and the US Latinx community, breaking down barriers to science education and empowering young innovators.

Amanda Wang | United States

Potencia

Potencia addresses the critical gap in English language education for adult immigrants, leveraging a network of college student tutors from six universities in Greater Boston. Potencia has amassed over 1,500 tutoring hours, significantly enhancing English proficiency among learners. With over 84.5% reporting increased daily communication skills and 90% expressing boosted confidence in English, the program has a profound impact on both learners and tutors alike. To date, the venture raised over $80,000 in capital to support its initiatives.

Ana Maria Arboleda | Colombia

AFA Legal Studio

AFA Legal Studio, founded with the mission to restore hope and provide legal protection to the Afro-descendant community of Buenaventura, Colombia, operates with a deep commitment to social change and justice. By offering free legal clinics and handling pro bono cases, AFA empowers marginalized communities, ensuring that they feel protected and supported under the law. To date, the venture has assisted over 50 individuals through their legal clinics and engaged 15 lawyers in community outreach efforts.

Anayo Nworjih | United States

Watering Hope

Watering Hope addresses mental health challenges and food insecurity across the US by delivering nutritious food boxes that include positive affirmations and mental health resources. The venture specifically focuses on underserved communities, military veterans, minorities, and immigrant families. By partnering with 10 schools, including San Diego City College and Primrose School, Watering Hope has provided crucial support to over 300 students. The venture has successfully raised $24,000 in capital, which has been instrumental in furthering its mission to uplift and nourish vulnerable populations.

Binisha Shrestha | United States

Colorado Nepalese Community

The Colorado Nepalese Community promotes equitable access to education, health, and economic opportunities by fostering relationships within the Nepalese community and organizing action-oriented initiatives. To date, they have raised $60,000 in capital and offer free skill-based training, benefiting nearly 200 individuals in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center and local experts. In 2023, the venture organized events like the Nurse Navigation Program and Nepal Day Parade, reaching over 2,000 people.

Brittanie Richardson | Kenya

Art and Abolition

Art and Abolition exists to heal, educate, and protect young women in Kenya who have survived child rape or molestation, helping them build successful futures. With $400,000 raised, their Circle of Care program supports 11 survivors through therapy, emotional support, educational opportunities, and a safe home. Over the past 12 years, nine girls have completed or are completing high school, with five being the first in their families to do so. Eight have enrolled in college, while one has entered the workforce.

Carlos Garcia | Colombia

Barrio Adentro

Barrio Adentro pioneers the electrochemical exfoliation of synthetic graphite derived from organic residues like plastics into graphene nanoplatelets, enabling the creation of solid-state batteries. With a focus on utilizing local carbon waste, including biomass and single-use plastics, the venture aims to not only reduce landfill burdens but also stimulate economic growth by providing technological opportunities to marginalized communities through his work. Barrio Adentro is currently supported by Universidad del Quindio, Universidad Distrital de Bogota, and Universidad del Atlántico, with additional interest from Colombia’s Ministry of Science.

Dwaood Shah Tareen | Pakistan

Art for Afghan Refugees

Art for Afghan Refugees empowers Afghan artisans in remote Afghan communities in Pakistan by digitizing their sales through online platforms and providing them with digital marketing training and financial literacy education; over 500 artisans have joined the venture’s community, increasing their incomes by 120%. Art for Afghan Refugees has sold over 10,000 handcrafted products globally, generating $50,000 in revenue, and has improved financial and business skills for 75% of participants.

Eddy Balina | Uganda

Ripples of Hope Initiative (Rohi Uganda)

Ripples of Hope Initiative combats poverty and illiteracy in Uganda through education and economic empowerment. hey operate a Nursery and Primary School that serves a total of 302 students each year, including 80 orphaned and vulnerable children this past fiscal year. Their Community Skills Center trains 151 unemployed youth and women, with 75% of them finding employment or starting businesses. Additionally, the initiative has empowered 55 marginalized women through micro-loans and mentored over 850 adolescents, contributing to reduced crime and social issues. The venture has raised $165,000 in capital.

Edith Valencia Diaz | Mexico

Via Erismar

Vía Erismar addresses Sustainable Development Goal 10.7, which focuses on facilitating safe, orderly, and responsible migration. The venture provides crucial information on security, rights, routes, and legal processes to migrant communities through courses and workshops in shelters and camps. Launched in February 2024, Vía Erismar has formed partnerships with key shelters and local citizen networks, collaborated with a law firm to deliver legal workshops, and have engaged in public consultations for Cartagena 40+, the expanded framework of the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees.

Emmanuel Ssekitto Kalule | Uganda

Faces Up Uganda

Faces Up Uganda uses arts education to address the psychosocial needs of Uganda’s youth, many of whom face significant mental health challenges. Since 2016, the organization has impacted over 9,000 vulnerable young people in 15 under-resourced schools, reaching 1,050 learners each term. With $226,000 raised, Faces Up Uganda has seen 75% of participants gain confidence about their future and 85% show increased creativity. The organization has been recognized by HundrED, a global education innovation platform, as one of the 100 most impactful organizations worldwide.

Esreal Thembo | Uganda

Thembo Multi Action Wood and Metal Works Ltd.

Thembo Multi Action Wood and Metal Works Ltd. empowers refugee-led organizations (RLOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Kyaka II refugee settlement and host communities through capacity-building workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities. With over $22,000 raised, their initiatives have established a nursery school for 300 pupils, a secondary school for 1,086 students, and a vocational training center for over 400 learners. They also advocate for alternative learning methods and have created a refugee-led network to enhance collaboration and resource sharing, significantly contributing to community empowerment

Gabriela Sarahí Rivera | Mexico

Restaurantera Feminista

Restaurantera Feminista promotes gender equality and labor rights in Mexico’s restaurant industry by providing legal support, training, and advocacy to empower women workers. With over $24,000 raised, the venture has addressed over 100 reports of labor rights violations, facilitated 15 workshops educating 300 women on their rights, organized 4 protests to raise public awareness, and engaged in 3 political initiatives to propose labor law reforms, which led to the drafting and proposal of amendments aimed at strengthening labor protections and ensuring fair treatment for all workers in the restaurant industry.

Geraldine Patricia Córdoba | Colombia

Wake Up Generation

Wake Up Generation promotes English learning as a tool for empowerment and peace-building across Colombia. Its main program, ENGLISH VACATION KT, offers immersive language experiences to children, teenagers, and young adults in Buenaventura District, Colombia, and online. Since 2017, it has grown from 25 children and 4 volunteers to impacting 90 children with 30 volunteers. The venture is currently funded by Manos Visibles, Escuela Robótica del Chocó, Fondo Acción, and supported by Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios.

Gloire Nudekuza | Uganda

Plethora Social Initiative

Plethora Social Initiative, a refugee-led organization, empowers refugees through entrepreneurship, skill-building, and regenerative agriculture. With $70,000 raised, the initiative has trained over 500 refugees in entrepreneurship, resulting in 120 new businesses launched. The organization’s women empowerment programs support them to become artisans and have boosted household incomes by 75% for 200 participants. In regenerative agriculture, 300 people have been trained in permaculture, establishing 10 community gardens benefiting 500 families with sustainable food sources.

Hassan Mutjaba Zaidi | Pakistan

Discovering New Artists

Discovering New Artists (DNA) promotes quality education and inclusiveness through creative learning for marginalized and refugee youth. With over $120,000 raised, DNA uses arts and design to engage youth in addressing global issues through the Sustainable Development Goals, advocating for their rights. DNA has impacted 156,114 students and directly involved 78,057 children. Their one-for-one registration model allows 36,889 economically disadvantaged students to participate for free. DNA’s exhibitions across Pakistan and the USA showcase artwork on social issues, reaching over 14.1 million through media coverage.

Jesca Nayebare | Uganda

Farmplus Agrovets Uganda Ltd.

Farmplus transforms the animal feed industry with sustainable insect-based protein feeds, promoting livestock health and reducing environmental impact. Since inception, Farmplus has produced over 5,000 kilograms of protein supplements from Black Soldier Flies, benefiting 500+ farmers in Uganda and reducing feed costs by 30%. The venture creates jobs for local women and youth, offers training on sustainable farming practices with 90% of farmers reporting improved livestock health, and has raised $7,000 in capital.

Jessi Calzado-Esponda | United States

Refugee Connect

Refugee Connect is a unified platform for refugee agencies, refugees, and immigrants to communicate, share resources, and highlight opportunities. By fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of staff and refugees, the venture enhances community support and drives positive change. Since its inception, Refugee Connect has developed a user-friendly app, launched a pilot to 500 users, expanded to 1,500 active users, and raised $5,000 in capital to support its mission.

Jonathan Katende | United States

Lipaworld

Lipaworld is a digital voucher platform that enables undocumented Africans to send remittances to their unbanked families in settlements and rural locations. Since its inception, Lipaworld has partnered with seven channel partners, achieving 80-90% coverage in target recipient countries. With 50 waitlisted customers and 200 prospects, Lipaworld ultimately aims to continue driving forward financial inclusion for the African diaspora. To date, the venture has raised $30,000 in capital to support its efforts.

Juan Maya Hernandez | Mexico

PREPARE LLC

PREPARE LLC empowers undocumented students to start their own businesses through a 5-hour introductory bootcamp and an 8-week virtual incubator program culminating in a pitch competition. To date, PREPARE LLC has secured contracts with seven institutions, including Roosevelt High School and several colleges in California. By the end of June, they will reach $28.5K in revenue with a 76% profit margin and have helped 100 undocumented students launch businesses; the venture has also raised over $27,000 to support its mission.

Juan David Jaramillo | Colombia

Digitalmente

Digitalmente tackles educational inequality in Latin America with affordable, AI-enhanced courses on a virtual platform. By partnering with universities and employers, offering personalized AI tutoring, and providing locally relevant content, Digitalmente democratizes education for social impact. In less than ten months, the initiative has reached 3.6 million learners and trained over 96,000 individuals with €2.7 million in scholarships. Recently, Digitalmente was named one of the “Top 90 Higher Education Podcasts on the Web” by FeedSpot.

Julian Orlando Cifuentes | Colombia

Copywrite Education

Copywrite Education is committed to providing affordable and accessible educational resources to underserved communities across Latin America. The platform connects students with top-tier tutors, most from public universities and rural areas across Colombia, empowering them in STEM fields. Through a two-sided marketplace, students are matched with tutors in under 10 minutes, ensuring fair compensation and economic empowerment. To date, the platform has served over 15,000 students, achieving significant month-over-month growth and generating $136,000 in sales across five countries.

Lavina Nagpal | United States

The BoomerEm (Boomer Empowerment)

The BoomerEm bridges the digital divide by providing accessible digital education to older adults and people with disabilities, empowering them to stay connected, access essential services, and engage in lifelong learning. Through partnerships with community centers and disability organizations, the initiative has impacted over 10,000 individuals. Having raised $140,000 in capital, The BoomerEm continues to expand its reach and empower more individuals in navigating the digital world confidently.

Margy Nataly Sánchez | Colombia

Magic World School

Magic World is a non-profit school in Arauca, Colombia, dedicated to bridging the educational gap for underserved children through their ‘Seeding a Better Future’ scholarship program. Since its inception, Magic World has provided quality education and holistic support, empowering students and families despite regional challenges. Situated in a town affected by armed conflict and facing geographical isolation, Magic World addresses the educational needs exacerbated by these factors, including support for Venezuelan immigrants. To date, the venture has raised $15,000 in capital to support its efforts.

Makaila Davis | United States

Angels Protection Inc.

Angels Protection is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to improving community health for marginalized and underresourced communities in Pennsylvania through vaccine clinics, opioid response outreach, and the Cribs for Kids Program. Angels Protection has reached over 10,000 individuals with vaccine clinics, leading to a significant reduction in vaccine-preventable diseases locally. Their Cribs for Kids Program has educated 1,500 parents, resulting in a 20% decrease in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) rates. With $90,000 in capital raised, Angels Protection continues its impactful mission to foster healthier lives and address critical health issues in the community.

María del Mar Salcedo | Colombia

From Crew Members to Captains

From Crew Members to Captains is a national training program in Colombia empowering vulnerable women who are mothers, heads of families, or caregivers through employability and entrepreneurship. The program offers flexible online courses focusing on wellbeing, digital literacy, and economic empowerment. To date, the venture has raised $20,000 in capital with 44.1% of graduates starting or strengthening their businesses, over 27% securing employment, and more than 60% increasing their income.

Mariana Valeria Montano | Mexico

Club de Conservación

Club de Conservación focuses on conserving natural resources and empowering rural communities in the Sonoran Desert. Through sustainable agroecological practices and empowering rural women with skills in agricultural waste management for income generation, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, support local economies, and promote gender equality. To date, the venture has raised $32,000 in capital, trained 50 women, educated 500 members on bats’ role in agave pollination, and mentored 30 students.

Mathanmi Hungyo | India

Recognize Rise And Empower Association

Recognize Rise and Empower Association (RREA) empowers marginalized communities through education, health, livelihood, sports, and research initiatives. RREA implements programs such as school fellowships, healthcare camps, sports development, and COVID-19 relief efforts. To date, the venture has raised over $95,000 in capital and donated books, trained teachers, set up mini libraries, held women’s health camps, equipped health centers, conducted sports programs, and provided pandemic relief, benefiting 10,000 families, 10 schools, 10 health centers, and 5,000 children.

Maudi Maadil | Phillippines

PEACESCAPES

PEACESCAPES is dedicated to reducing youth radicalization and countering violent extremism through strategic stakeholder engagement and research. With $30,000 in capital raised, the project aims to secure commitments from key stakeholders, including youth representatives, religious leaders, and government agencies, to address radical beliefs among youth. By focusing on education, economic empowerment, and peacebuilding, PEACESCAPES seeks to break the cycle of violence and serve as a model for other conflict-affected regions.

Melisa Manrique | Germany

My Migrant Mama

My Migrant Mama is a media house focused on transforming the migration narrative through content created by and for Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender migrants. With $26,000 in capital raised, the venture aims to highlight the experiences of migrant communities. Established in 2018, the venture’s bestselling book Mama Superstar celebrates migrant mothers and has reached over 30,000 families. In 2023, they launched “much cooler than yours” (MCTY), a non-profit producing video campaigns that address the experiences of migrant daughters and their caregivers.

Niwagaba Ivan | Uganda

Foundation for Youth Empowerment – FOYE

The FOYE Computer Skills Business Training Center, a project by Foundation for Youth Empowerment (FOYE) in Mbarara, Uganda, empowers disadvantaged youth through practical computer and entrepreneurship training. Addressing youth unemployment, the center offers three-month sessions in essential computer skills, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. Since 2020, FOYE has raised $40,000 in capital and trained around 500 young people, enhancing employability and economic empowerment in the Ankole sub-region.

Olamide Ayeni | Nigeria

Hopcyku

Hopcyku is dedicated to addressing waste pollution, poverty, economic disparity, and gender inequality. By upcycling waste materials like textiles, plastics, and tires, Hopcyku creates sustainable products and empowers communities with essential vocational skills. To date, they have raised $150,000 in capital. Diverted 255 tons of waste from dumpsites, sold over 10,000 upcycled products, and equipped more than 15,000 individuals, particularly women and girls, with valuable vocational and digital skills.

Peterkings Ayuk | Nigeria

Help the Less Privileged Foundation

Help the Less Privileged Foundation empowers refugee women and girls across Nigeria by providing skills training, mentorship, and starter kits to foster economic independence and resilience. Since its inception, the venture has raised $19,000 in capital, trained 375 participants, and provided 25 with starter kits to launch businesses. Additionally, 38 refugee-led businesses have received interest-free loans, boosting entrepreneurship and local economic growth.

Precious Azuonwu | Nigeria

Bankable Wisdom

Bankable Wisdom empowers young Africans with affordable, accessible tech education through online courses and strategic partnerships, aiming to bridge the digital skills gap and unlock global opportunities. Since November 2022, the venture has grown its user base from 5,000 to 75,000 across 30 African countries, including 36,000 in Nigeria. With over 10,000 course completions , Bankable Wisdom excels in delivering high-quality learning experiences. To date, the venture has raised $150,000 in revenue and forged partnerships with global fintech companies.

Rebecca Aime | Uganda

Patapia

Patapia is a social impact venture dedicated to empowering refugee women by providing low-interest micro-credit, mobile banking access, tailored business training, and community support systems. Since its inception in 2020, Patapia has raised $180,000 in capital and trained over 1,500 refugee women in Kampala and the Rwamwanja refugee settlement, financing 1,000 of them to start businesses, 96% of which are still operating. The average monthly revenue for these women has increased from $14 to $100, enabling 95% to provide for their families without relying on aid.

Sarah Imran | Pakistan

Dhaani

Dhaani is a social enterprise blending traditional Pakistani artisanship with contemporary design to create unique handmade products for a global audience. By providing a platform for skilled women artisans in Jhelum, Pakistan, Dhaani generates sustainable employment opportunities, enabling financial independence and inclusion in the formal economy. The venture is currently preparing for its first exhibition in Ohio and has raised $8,000 in capital to support its mission of preserving cultural heritage and advancing economic opportunities for marginalized women.

Sarah Jael Cortez | Philippines

TERPCAP

TERPCAP is an accessible communications provider dedicated to breaking down communication barriers for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals through on-demand sign language interpretation, training, and accessibility consulting. TERPCAP has raised $16,000 in capital, served over 30 organizations, trained over 1,000 professionals in Filipino Sign Language, and conducted over 100 workshops on disability inclusion. This has led to a 25% increase in employment rates among Deaf individuals using their services.

Tahir Ud Din | Pakistan

Nan Cafe Private Ltd.

Nan Cafe Private Limited is dedicated to women’s economic and social empowerment in Pakistan. The venture has directly employed 10 people and indirectly supported 20 more, focusing on enhancing enterprise development skills and financial literacy. With substantial experience in the economic development sector, including roles with the Aga Khan Development Network and the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tahir has significantly impacted the economic stability of 300 families. Nan Cafe has raised $45,000 in capital to support its operations and training programs.

Tendo Racheal | Uganda

Social Media Marketing for Persons with Albinism in Uganda

The Social Media Marketing Workshop for Persons with Albinism in Uganda empowers persons with albinism (PWAs) with essential digital marketing skills to scale their businesses online. Targeting economic exclusion, the workshop spans Kampala and Wakiso districts, covering social media marketing, ad promotion, influencer marketing, campaign development, and content creation. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has created employment opportunities for 20 PWAs and enabled 13 out of 15 participants in a 2023 digital safety training to run successful online businesses.

Vandana Kumari Pandey | India

Rang Kaarwaan

Rang Kaarwaan focuses on fostering gender equity and nurturing empathetic leaders in rural India through education, arts-based interventions, and leadership training. Their Rang Shaalaa Program and Prangan Learning Center enhance socio-emotional learning, critical thinking, and life skills among children, while also empowering women and youth through leadership opportunities. To date, the venture has raised roughly $30,000 in capital, directly impacted 4,500 community members through long-term engagement, and reached 8,000 people through short-term programs.

Victoria de Souza | Brazil

Ubuntu Hub

Ubuntu Hub is dedicated to bridging the gap between vulnerable individuals and the technology sector, aiming to help them secure good jobs and fostering diversity within companies. Through mentoring, education, and a job-matching platform, Ubuntu Hub works to include diverse individuals in the job market, enhancing their income prospects and helping companies achieve their ESG goals. Since its inception, Ubuntu Hub has raised $500,000 in capital and provided 120 hours of coding and soft skills training, weekly mentoring, real product development, and mental health sessions.

The Western Union Foundation is a separate charitable corporation from The Western Union Company that receives support from The Western Union Company, its employees, agents, consumers, and business partners. Watson Institute is the leading accelerator for next-generation entrepreneurs. Watson Institute shares Western Union Foundation’s belief that education is the surest pathway to economic opportunity. To date, the Western Union Foundation Fellowship has supported 78 Fellows and 2,216 earlier-stage entrepreneurs the Fellows impacted through the Basecamps they lead.