Finance Forward MENA’s 2020 Edition Offers $70,000 to Tech Startups Helping Low-Income Earners

The newest edition of Village Capital’s Finance Forward MENA has been announced, in collaboration with MetLife Foundation and PayPal. The investment-readiness programme is targeting startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including Turkey, using tech to help low-income families manage day-to-day finances, specifically in light of the COVID-19 crisis, which has disproportionately impacted low-income earners.

Finance Forward is particularly encouraging applications from entrepreneurs building high-growth, scalable solutions to challenges of gender inequality, youth unemployment, digital identity for refugees, and lack of access to finance for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

The top two startups will receive a MetLife Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Grant of $70,000, access to Village Capital’s award-winning curriculum, one-on-one mentorship with an investment analyst, and access to a diverse and inclusive network of mentors and founders in the financial health and fintech sector.

Startups developing relevant products, with a focus on addressing inequity and giving financial agency to low and middle-income populations, can apply here. Applications open until May 28th.