Organization · Grant Maker

Shell LiveWIRE programme

Shell LiveWIRE is a global social investment initiative established by Royal Dutch Shell in 1982, focusing on training and equipping young entrepreneurs to combat youth unemployment and poverty. It operates in various countries, adapting its approach to local contexts.

Grant MakerGrantorCommunity

Overview

What Shell LiveWIRE programme does

What Shell LiveWIRE programme is

Shell LiveWIRE is a global social investment initiative established by Royal Dutch Shell in 1982, focusing on training and equipping young entrepreneurs to combat youth unemployment and poverty. It operates in various countries, adapting its approach to local contexts.

How it participates in the startup ecosystem

The current public profile supports grantor and community capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.

Operational profile

Organization status and context

Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.

Operational status
Active
Organization type
Grant Maker
Founded
Founded in 1982
Approximate age
About 44 years
Structured capabilities
Grantor · Community
Last reviewed
March 29, 2026

Official channels

Find Shell LiveWIRE programme elsewhere

Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.

Capability profile

Shell LiveWIRE programme as a grantor

Grant thesis

Shell LiveWIRE is dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs by providing training, mentorship, and resources to combat youth unemployment and poverty globally.

Focus narrative

Shell LiveWIRE invests in youth entrepreneurship by offering training, mentorship, and resources to help individuals aged 18-35 start and manage their own businesses. The program emphasizes innovation and sustainable practices across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and technology.

Value and support

Beyond funding, Shell LiveWIRE offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, fostering a supportive community for young entrepreneurs.

Grant economics

Dilutive
No
Nonprofit only
No

Availability

Application state
Accepting

Eligibility and fit

Stages
Pre-seed · Seed
Audience
Founders

Process and recipient context

Application process

To apply for Shell LiveWIRE programs, interested individuals can visit the Shell LiveWIRE website for more information. The application process includes participation in workshops and events designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills and business management.

Recipient context

Notable past participants include Hifz An-Najaah, who praised the program for its impact on his business startup journey, and LTS CROPCITY, who highlighted the networking opportunities provided by LiveWIRE.

Capability profile

Shell LiveWIRE programme as a community

Community overview

Shell LiveWIRE is a global social investment initiative established in 1982 by Royal Dutch Shell. It focuses on training and equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills to address high levels of youth unemployment and poverty. The program operates in various countries, including South Africa, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Italy, adapting its approach to local contexts and cultures.

Community focus

Shell LiveWIRE invests in youth entrepreneurship by providing training, mentorship, and resources to help young people start and manage their own businesses. The program targets individuals aged 18-35 and aims to foster innovation and sustainable business practices. It operates in sectors related to energy, agriculture, and technology, among others.

Member value

Members benefit from various programs and workshops that enhance their entrepreneurial skills, including business planning, leadership development, and access to mentorship and resources.

Membership

Pricing models
free

Format and cadence

Modality
in-person
Schedule
rolling-admissions
Commitment
light

Availability

Membership state
Accepting

Audience and fit

Audience
Students · Founders
Benefits
mentorship
Program types
community, course, and bootcamp
Selection criteria
open
Sectors
Energy
Regions
Africa · Asia · Europe · Global

Community activity

Events and activity

Recurring events include the Investors Pitch Day, where participants present their business ideas to potential investors, and the Shell LiveWIRE Business Awards, an annual competition recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and their business plans.

Common questions

What to know about Shell LiveWIRE programme

Upseed classifies Shell LiveWIRE programme under the Grant Maker organization type. Its current public profile includes grantor and community capabilities.

Next step

Keep comparing startup organizations

Return to the organization index or continue through a verified sector, place, peer, or program connected to this profile.

Source and update disclosure

Know what this page is based on

Source basis

Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.

Last reviewed

March 29, 2026

Known limits

Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.

Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.