Where ideas take root, business change begins.

Across North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf, business change starts from the ground up — in local realities, bold ideas, and the determination to build something that lasts.

Roots of Business Change will spend an entire year shining a light on entrepreneurs, initiatives and organisations helping shape stronger, more resilient and more forward-looking economies across the region.

From emerging businesses to community-driven initiatives, this campaign celebrates people and projects creating meaningful change where it matters most: on the ground.

Follow our content and pages to learn more about how the European Union is supporting economic development, startups and SMEs across the MENA region!

Be the change! Pitch your idea and win a chance to make it happen!

Roots of Business Change will also include in-person events in selected countries of the region - including a live idea pitching during which participants will have a chance to showcase their projects and win a cash prize.

👉 Apply now to take part in events near you, and take your idea one step further!

Who can apply?

Young Changemakers

You are young, enthusiastic full of ideas that you do not know how to express and where to share. This is YOUR platform. Whether your idea is just, well, an idea! Or whether you’ve already given it life, come and share it with us!

Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Early-stage or growing businesses linked to an EU-funded project and working to create economic opportunities, respond to local needs, or bring new ideas to life.

Civil Society Organisations and Initiatives

Registered non-profit organisations, local initiatives or community-based actors connected to an EU-funded project and supporting entrepreneurship, inclusion, skills, innovation or economic participation.

👉 Apply now and put your initiative in the spotlight.

Not sure you fit every box perfectly? Get in touch anyway. Change does not always come in expected forms — and even if your initiative does not fit in today, it may still take root as the campaign grows.