Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 by ACCESS Development Services

The Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 is an initiative by ACCESS Development Services, operating on behalf of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It provides grant funding for enterprises working in agroecology value chains to launch or grow sustainable, high-impact business projects.

The program targets Producer Organization Enterprises (POEs) like FPOs, cooperatives, and formalized collectives, as well as Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) that are registered for profit. Grants range from ₹100 lakhs to ₹200 lakhs (up to ₹2 crore) per selected enterprise. Qualifying businesses must be involved in agroecology-aligned models focusing on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, value addition, post-harvest handling, renewable energy, soil health, or other ecosystem-supporting practices.

The GAP Fund aims to strengthen agroecology-based production systems, help scale innovations, improve producer livelihoods, and build enterprises that contribute to sustainable food systems. Apart from funding, selected recipients receive technical assistance, ecosystem support, visibility, and access to investor networks within the GAP Fund community.

• Grants up to ₹2 crore (₹100–200 lakhs) for agroecology businesses.
• Open to Producer Organization Enterprises (POEs) and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) pan-India.
• Eligible applicants must have 2 years of operation, ₹2 crore minimum turnover, and audited financials.
• Mandatory 30% co-funding from the applicant.
• NGOs cannot apply but may support eligible entities.
• Successful applicants get technical assistance, investor connections, and ecosystem support.

Eligibility for GAP Fund – Challenge Round 6 is as follows:

1. Producer Organization Enterprises (POEs):

• FPOs/FPCs, Producer Organizations/Companies, Producer Groups, Cooperatives, Federations of SHGs, and formalized women’s, youth, or vulnerable-group collectives are eligible.

2. Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs):

• Registered for-profit enterprises, including startups and individual entrepreneurs, that are linked to agroecology value chains.

General Conditions:

• The entity must be registered and operational for at least 2 years.
• It must have a minimum annual turnover of ₹2 crore based on audited financial statements from the last 2 years.
• At least 30% co-funding from the applicant (whether from own sources or other investors) is mandatory.
• The proposed business must follow agroecological principles and impact at least 1,000 small and marginal producers.
• NGOs may support applicants but cannot be the applying entity.
• Applications are open nationwide (pan-India).

Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 by ACCESS Development Services is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 by ACCESS Development Services closed on 17 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The GAP Fund – Challenge Round 6 provides:

• Grants of ₹100 lakhs to ₹200 lakhs (up to ₹2 crore) per enterprise, conditional on at least 30% co-funding by the applicant.
• Non-dilutive capital – no equity stake is taken; it is a pure grant.
• Technical assistance to support project implementation.
• Ecosystem support including mentoring, networking, and visibility opportunities.
• Investor connect through the GAP Fund's community and impact-investor network.
• Support for start-up, expansion, or scaling of agroecology-aligned business models.

Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 by ACCESS Development Services is offered by ACCESS Development Services, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by ACCESS Development Services as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Stage I – Concept Note Stage

• Applicants submit concept notes through the official Google Form.
• A virtual briefing session provides clarity on grant objectives and agroecological principles.
• Preliminary screening and shortlisting is conducted.

Stage II – Full Proposal Stage

• Shortlisted candidates submit detailed proposals and business plans.
• A virtual pre-proposal meeting allows for clarifications.
• The Fund Manager and Investment Committee review proposals and shortlist 8–10 finalists.

Stage III – Final Selection

• Finalists present in-person to a panel of impact investors and experts.
• The top 2–3 enterprises are selected for grant awards.

Before you apply to Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 by ACCESS Development Services, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund – Challenge Round 6 by ACCESS Development Services is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.