In preparation for the 2009 Global Forum on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, infoDev is seeking 15-20 successful entrepreneurs working on innovations in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, tourism and sustainable energy / clean technology. Eligible candidates should be current or past beneficiaries of business incubators that are members of infoDev's Global Network of Business Incubators. Global Forum Innovators' stories will showcase innovative businesses that are emerging in developing countries, as well as draw attention to the challenges that entrepreneurs are facing in growing their businesses and how business incubators are helping them overcome these challenges.

Successful applicants will have their work highlighted at the 3rd infoDev Global Forum on Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Brazil in October 2009, through the launch of an infoDev collection of entrepreneur case studies. Additionally, the successful applicants' work will be highlighted on iDISC, infoDev’s incubation support center, which receives about 7,000 unique visitors from 161 countries and territories monthly, and on infoDev’s website which receives 11,000 unique visitors from 200 countries and territories monthly.

Upon timely submission of the completed application (available here), infoDev staff will carefully review entries, placing emphasis on:

• Demonstrated success – How has your business grown since its creation? What has been the impact on your local community? (e.g. new products and services and job creation)
• Innovation – Has your business provided exciting, new solutions to difficult issues or unmet needs in your community? Has your business customized an existing technology or product for use in your community?
• Leadership – How have your personal attributes contributed to the success of your business? What are the lessons you can share with other entrepreneurs?
• Incubation – How has your business benefited from a business incubator? How have you contributed to the incubator and/or to other businesses being incubated?
• Sustainable Future – How does your business help build a sustainable future in your community? (e.g. by developing new products and services for sectors such as agriculture, IT, tourism, renewable energy and/or by creating skilled jobs in the community, including for women and youth)

To complete the application, please click here and complete all required forms no later than April 13, 2009. Applicants will be notified of their standing 2 weeks after the application deadline.

Please direct any questions to Ms. Samiha Boulos - email: sboulos(at)worldbank(dot)org, using “Global Forum Innovator” as the subject line.