Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant

Geographic Scope: Global focus on natural diamond-producing countries including:

• Africa: Botswana, DR Congo, Guinea, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
• Asia: India
• North America: Canada (Northwest Territories expansion in 2024)

Focus Areas:

• Support for entrepreneurs in communities where natural diamonds are mined, cut, and polished
• Industries supported include agriculture, education, electronics, energy, and other sustainable business sectors
• Emphasis on job creation and positive community impact

Program Details:

• Partnership with United People Global (UPG) for implementation
• Finalists receive mentorship through UPG Biashara Learning Journey and UPG Biashara Action Journey
• 2022: $100,000 total distributed to 10 entrepreneurs
• 2024: 25 finalists from 7 countries competed
• 2025: 20 finalists from 7 countries competing

Key Contact:

• Executive Director: Nancy Orem Lyman
• Phone: (212) 359-4219 or (914) 319-9141
• Email: [email protected]

About the Organization:
Diamonds Do Good is a not-for-profit organization inspired in 2006 by Nelson Mandela to tell the world about the positive impact of natural diamonds and support communities where diamonds are sourced. The organization creates meaningful change through its grants program and shares stories of real impact on real people.

Application Process

Selection Process:

1. Entrepreneurs submit applications to UPG Biashara program
2. Large applicant pool (1,400+ applications received in 2022)
3. 20-25 finalists selected for final round
4. Finalists participate in "Shark Tank"-style pitches to compete for Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant
5. Winners announced annually

Support Provided:

• Financial awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000
• Access to UPG Biashara Learning Journey for skill development
• Ongoing mentorship through UPG Biashara Action Journey
• Business expertise and guidance

Application Partner: United People Global (UPG)

• Initial applications go through UPG Biashara program
• UPG screens and selects finalists
• Diamonds Do Good makes final selection decisions

Timeline Example (2024):

• Finalists announced in July 2024
• Winners announced July 17, 2024
• Announcement event: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm CEST (10:00 am - 11:30 am EDT)

Timeline Example (2025):

• News of 20 finalists from 7 countries (August 1, 2025)
• Winners announcement expected in coming months