Apply to the 2025 Impact Challenge

Apply by July 14

•

Apply by July 14 •

Do you have a bold idea that could help protect our ocean and grow our economy?
We want to hear from you. Winners will receive access to a shared fund of up to $200,000, along with one year of tailored incubation and acceleration support through the VI Purpose Fund.

Timeline Highlights

  • June 1

    Applications Open

  • July 14

    Deadline for Initial Assessments

    Phase I of Application: Initial Assessment & Shortlisting

  • August 1

    Semi-Finalists Advance

  • September 1

    Semi-Finalists Submit Business Plan, Financial Forecast & Impact Projection

    Phase II of Application: Full Application & Finalist Selection

  • October 1

    Finalists Announced

  • Early November

    LIVE Pitch Event on Necker Island – Awardees Announced!

    Phase III of Application: Pitch Event, Awards & Acceleration

“We are looking for big ideas; ones that are solvable, measurable, and scalable.”

– Rick Kearney

Application Timeline

1

Phase I: Initial Assessment & Shortlisting

  • All submitted applications are screened for basic eligibility.

    June 1, 2025: Phase I of the application process opens. Applicants are invited to submit the Initial Assessment Form.

    July 14, 2025: Deadline to submit Initial Assessment Forms.

    August 1, 2025: Selected applicants are invited to advance to Phase II of the application process.

2

Phase II: Full Application & Finalist Selection

  • Eligible applicants submit a detailed business plan, financial forecast, and impact projection.

    Submissions are reviewed and scored using a weighted matrix by a Selection Committee made up of local and international experts in entrepreneurship, business, conservation, and impact investing.

    August 1, 2025: Phase II opens. Applicants will submit a detailed business plan, financial forecast, and impact projection. Templates will be provided.

    September 1, 2025: Deadline to submit Phase II Applications.

    September 2 – October 9, 2025: The Application Review & Selection Committee evaluates all Phase II submissions.

    October 10, 2025: The top 6–10 applicants are invited to advance to the final phase: an in-person Pitch Event before the Judging Panel.

3

Phase III: Pitch Event, Awards & Acceleration

  • Finalists present their ideas in-person at Necker Island to a Judging Panel that includes impact investors Sir Richard Branson and Rick Kearney.

    October 10 – November 1, 2025: Finalists receive business coaching, mentorship, and support to prepare for the Pitch Event.

    November 4, 2025: Finalists pitch their ideas in front of the Judging Panel at the Pitch Event.

    Winners are selected and announced by Unite BVI.

    November 2025 – November 2026: Awardees receive one full year of business incubation and acceleration support.

    November 2026: Awardee Impact Stories are showcased on a global platform, and opportunities for regional and international scaling are explored.

Need more guidance for your application?
Please check out our Application Support Page

Selection Process

what We Are Looking For

We are seeking business-based solutions that address environmental challenges affecting the health of our ocean, specifically within one of the following strategic impact areas:

  1. Sustainable Fisheries

  2. Eco-Tourism

  3. Coastal Resilience

  4. Eco-Waste Management

Our goal is to incubate and catalyze businesses that are true forces for good – ventures that drive both economic success and measurable environmental impact, while supporting the wellbeing of people and the protection of our planet.

How will finalists be selected?

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an Application Review and Selection Committee composed of both local and international experts with experience in entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, and impact investing.

Selection will be based on several key criteria, including purpose alignment, economic viability, feasibility, impact potential, and innovation. Your proposed solution should aim to deliver both economic success and measurable environmental impact.

  • Solvable – Addressing a clearly defined problem with a proven or well-founded solution

    Measurable – Delivering quantifiable environmental and economic outcomes

    Sustainable and Replicable/Scalable – Designed to endure over time and adaptable to other markets or regions

    Catalytic – Capable of sparking broader change, systemic improvement, or industry innovation

    Innovative – Bringing fresh thinking, creativity, or novel approaches to existing challenges

Join a bold new wave of innovation shaping the future of our ocean and economy.