March 31, 2026 · Women entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are building some of the region’s most compelling sustainability enterprises—from circular economyCircular Design & EconomyCircular economyAn economic model designed to keep materials in continuous use through maintenance, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling, decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.Read more in the Glossary → ventures to nature-based solutionsGlobal EssentialsNature-based solutions (NbS)Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges (e.g., using wetlands for flood control).Read more in the Glossary →—yet they remain systematically underserved when it comes to capital, networks, and leadership support. Less than 7% of global climate tech venture funding in Q1 2023 went to women founders, and that figure is likely even lower in Southeast Asia, where the data remains incomplete.
Despite these challenges, the research consistently links women-led businesses to stronger environmental and social outcomes. This is why programs like SHELeads exist. Run by the Nüshu Network, the community arm of Villgro Philippines, SHELeads is a virtual leadership program on its fifth cohort, designed to help women entrepreneurs build resilient enterprises and prepare for growth.
Thanks to Villgro Philippines, Sustina is offering one free scholarship slot to a woman founder from our network.
Who is this program for and who can apply?
SHELeads works through self-paced modules and live sessions covering leadership, gender, fundraising, imposter syndrome, personal branding, and investment readiness. Participants will receive one-on-one mentorship and join a peer community of founders across the region. Two cohorts are running this year, kicking off in April and September.
SHELeads is open to women-led or majority women-owned registered for-profit businesses, with founders based in South or Southeast Asia, who are planning to grow their ventures over the next 12 months and can commit to weekly sessions and peer discussions.
How to get the Sustina scholarship slot
Sustina has one free slot to give to a woman founder from our network. If you would like to be considered, reach out to us directly at editor@sustina.earth and tell us in 200 words or less how this slot would help you and your business. For others in the Sustina community, a partner rate of PHP 1,400, half the regular price of PHP 2,800 is also available.
The deadline for entries is April 5. To learn more about SHELeads and apply, visit the Nüshu Network’s website.
