GCBC Accelerator
We want to identify, celebrate and support the most impactful and highest potential sustainable finance capacity building initiatives in and for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
The 2025 GCBC Accelerator is now closed for applications - thank you to all who applied. The selected initiatives will be announced in September at New York Climate Week.
We expect to be back with a call for applications for the 2026 Accelerator next year. Watch this space, and follow the GCBC on LinkedIn to stay informed.
Thematic Areas
Mobilising Sustainable Finance
Capacity building initiatives that unlock and mobilise sustainable finance, including improving project pipelines, capital markets, and country platforms.
Example of initiatives we’re looking for:
- Regional network facilitating education and peer-to-peer support for investors with track record of originating and developing transition projects
Building Climate Capabilities
Capacity building initiatives that help financial institutions and/or finance professionals understand and incorporate climate-related risks and opportunities in decision-making.
Example of initiatives we’re looking for:
- Train the trainer portal sharing materials for locally-tailored training by education institutions on climate risk and disclosures
Fostering Innovation
Anything innovative or impactful not captured in the first two categories -including capacity building approaches that leverage novel ideas, technologies, and approaches.
Example of initiatives we’re looking for:
- Development of a gamified e-learning program on sustainable finance in collaboration with university researchers
Eligibility Criteria
Open to organisations, partnerships, and specific programs
- Organisations: Groups dedicated to capacity building for capital mobilization, including NGOs, academic, professional and vocational education providers, trade associations, think tanks, financial institutions and private firms.
- Partnerships: Collaborations between multiple organisations on capacity-building efforts.
- Specific programs: Individual or recurring projects dedicated to addressing localized capacity building challenges.
Note: GCBC Founding and Observer Members may not apply individually, but are eligible to apply as part of partnerships.
Must be active in capacity building
Applicants must demonstrate how the solution enhances the capabilities of financial institutions and professionals.
Demonstrate engagement in sustainable finance
Applicants must demonstrate how the solution strengthens sustainable finance.
Operational focus on EMDEs
Applicants should be based in or have a very strong presence in EMDEs.
Judging Criteria
Demand-driven
Does the initiative meet clearly defined needs of EMDE end-users?
Inventiveness
Does the initiative incorporate creative and innovative, research-backed approaches?
Effectiveness of capacity building
Does the initiative demonstrate tangible improvements in the capabilities of financial institutions and/or finance professionals?
Sustainable impact
Does the initiative deliver long-term benefits with potential for scale?
Monitoring & evaluation
Does the initiative track progress, learn from results, and share insights?
What will selected initiatives receive?
Selected initiatives will be invited to join a bespoke accelerator programme offering a wide range of in-kind support that may include:
Tailored support for scaling
- Working with selected initiatives to identify and assess opportunities for taking their projects to the next level based on specific needs, goals, and contexts
- Expert advisory support to refine strategy, improve implementation, and navigate challenges
- Practical and operational support to scale and deliver capacity building, including at key climate moments (e.g. COPs, Regional Climate Weeks etc.)
Global recognition & visibility
- Opportunity to showcase their initiatives at key sustainable finance global events
- Featured on the GCBC’s communications channels
Partnerships & networking
- Facilitating peer-to-peer learning between winners, GCBC members, and other affiliates/contacts interested in supporting specific initiatives
- Invitations to future GCBC events and activations
- Potential to facilitate introductions and capacity building partnerships with GCBC members
Judges
Our judging panel of renowned global leaders in sustainability and capacity building will evaluate shortlisted submissions to identify initiatives demonstrating excellence. The panel will be chaired by Mary Schapiro, GCBC Chair.
Mary L. Schapiro
Chair of the GCBC
Amal Benaissa
Director, Sustainability Advocacy at Bank of Africa
Cacá Takahashi
Director at ANBIMA
Marla Garin-Alvarez
Vice President & Head, Sustainability Office, Compliance Group, BDO Unibank
Nana Li
Head of Sustainability & Stewardship, Asia-Pacific, Impax Asset Management
Nana Maidugu
Head, Sustainability and ESG, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
Olga Cantillo
Executive President of Latinex
Feedback or questions?
Please note that the Secretariat cannot provide feedback on individual applications.