Tag Archives: Business Grants

AFRICA’S BUSINESS HEROES PRIZE COMPETITION (1.5 MILLION USD IN GRANT FUNDING)

Application Deadline: April 28, 2026.

LOCATION: Rwanda

The Prize Competition is an annual initiative aimed at supporting and empowering entrepreneurs across Africa. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is dedicated to identifying, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are driving impact in their communities, tackling pressing challenges, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

ELIGIBILITY:

As an inclusive initiative, ABH welcomes applications from entrepreneurs:

Across all African countries, sectors, and age groups

With businesses that are formally registered, headquartered in Africa, and have a track record of at least three years.

In English and French

To be eligible for the ABH competition, you must meet the following criteria:

Founder or Co-founder—You must be the founder or co-founder of the business.

African Identity—You must be an African citizen or a direct descendant (child or grandchild) of an African citizen.

Business Presence in Africa—Your company must be registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in an African country.

Proven Market Traction—Your business must have at least three years of revenue and demonstrated market traction.

It is free to apply! You can create a free profile and begin your application here.

You can apply as many times as you like, but your business must show continuous growth and improvement each time you reapply. Just make sure that you are eligible based on the criteria each year. 

The Requirements of the Application:

Complete and submit ALL mandatory questions in the online ABH application.

Record and upload a video introduction of yourself that is a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds.

Nominate a reference who can provide details on your character, leadership, and achievements.

BENEFIT:

Learn about yourself & business

Receive invaluable feedback

Develop skills to tell your story

Join an entrepreneurship ecosystem

Access exclusive mentorship and training

Gain global recognition & exposure

Pitch to business legends and win your share of USD $1.5 million:

1st Prize Winner$300,000
2nd Prize Winner$250,000
3rd Prize Winner$150,000
Other Top 10 Finalists (7)$100,000
Training Opportunities$100,000
APPLY

2026 TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

Application Deadline: 1st March, 2026

LOCATION: Nigeria

Entrepreneurs from anywhere on the African continent—whether they are developing new concepts or already running ventures—are eligible to apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. The programme particularly welcomes startups that incorporate artificial intelligence or focus on environmentally sustainable solutions.

ELIGIBILITY:

Entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries are eligible to apply.

Open to businesses that are between 0 and 5 years old at the time of application. Businesses older than 5 years are not eligible.

Being an African entrepreneur, having a business idea or existing business operating in Africa, being 18 years or older, and meeting specific program requirements.

Students can apply if they meet the prorgramme eligibility criteria and have a business idea or an existing business. However, you must provide valid identification documents as required by the application process.

BENEFIT:

Gain access to $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital.

World-class business training

Expert mentorship, and access to networks and market opportunities

APPLY