To address the high burden of malnutrition an ambitious re-imagining of food system solutions is needed; pulling in novel solutions and partners that respond to a rapidly transforming food environment. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can serve as a powerful catalyst and vehicle for harnessing innovative solutions that address local food system constraints. Not only do SMEs occupy critical positions along agri-food value chains as input suppliers, off-takers, processors, distributors, retailers or otherwise, at a global level they feed the vast majority of individuals who procure their food in the open market. With up to 80% of food consumed being purchased in the open market, SMEs contribute a significant amount to the total food consumed globally. But the growth of these SMEs is highly constrained by lack of access to finance, and as such agri-food SMEs remain largely untapped for developing and scaling up market-based solutions that can improve the consumption of safe and nutritious food.

Launched in 2018, the SUN Pitch Competition aims to challenge and support SMEs to identify, adopt and scale up disruptive and commercially viable innovations that can improve the availability of safe, nutritious, and affordable foods, especially to vulnerable populations. Through the SUN Pitch Competition, SBN provides targeted technical assistance to finalists to strengthen their investment readiness and nutritional impact of their business ahead of showcasing their business to potential investors. To date, over 1000 SMEs have applied to the SUN Pitch Competition from over 24 countries across Africa and Asia.

How Does It Work?

• SUN Pitch competitions are run by our national SBN networks to surface, support and promote innovative SMEs that respond to unique local food system issues.
• Periodically, Global SUN Pitch Competitions are organised to provide an opportunity for national winners to connect with peers from across the globe and promote their business to international investors.