Young Nigerian entrepreneurs building scalable, technology-driven businesses can now apply for the GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026, a business support and funding programme offering selected entrepreneurs access to an accelerator, expert-led training, business growth support and up to ₦10 million in grant funding. The programme is looking for young founders aged 18 to 35 with innovative businesses that can solve meaningful problems, create jobs and scale. Applications close on September 28, 2026.
Programme Overview
• Programme: GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026
• Funding: Funded by Gosima Group and powered by SMFEST International
• Target: Young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18–35
• Business focus: Scalable, technology-enabled businesses
• Grant awards: Up to ₦10 million combined across the top three positions
• Additional opportunity: ₦90 million post-SMFEST equity funding opportunity
• Application deadline: September 28, 2026
• Application method: Online
• Cost: No application fee stated in the current announcement
What Is the GOSIMA Innovation Fund?
• The GOSIMA Innovation Fund is a programme funded by Gosima Group and powered by SMFEST International.
• Beyond the funding opportunity, selected entrepreneurs will go through an intensive business accelerator designed to strengthen their businesses and prepare them for growth and investment.
• Participants will receive access to intensive business acceleration, expert-led masterclasses, business growth support, pitch preparation, visibility and networking opportunities, and opportunities to pitch before leading experts.
• Selected entrepreneurs will also compete for the programme's grant awards.
Grant Funding
• The programme currently lists ₦10 million in total grant awards across the top three positions:
• Winner: ₦5 million
• 1st Runner-Up: ₦3 million
• 2nd Runner-Up: ₦2 million
• The ₦10 million figure therefore represents the combined value of the three listed awards, rather than a ₦10 million grant for each selected entrepreneur.
Additional Funding Opportunity
• Beyond the grant awards, the programme announcement says entrepreneurs will have access to a ₦90 million post-SMFEST equity funding opportunity.
• This is separate from the grant awards and is structured as an equity investment opportunity for businesses that meet the relevant requirements.
Who Can Apply?
• Young entrepreneurs aged 18–35
• Nigerian founders building innovative businesses
• Entrepreneurs developing scalable, tech-enabled businesses
• Founders addressing meaningful problems through their businesses
• Businesses with potential to create jobs and scale
• Applicants should have a business or venture that can demonstrate an innovative approach and a clear potential for growth.
What Kind of Businesses Are Eligible?
• The current call is focused on scalable, technology-enabled businesses.
• Applicants should therefore be able to clearly explain the problem their business solves, how their solution works, the market opportunity and how the business can grow.
• The programme announcement also highlights job creation and scalability as part of the qualities it is looking for in participating entrepreneurs.
What Selected Entrepreneurs Will Gain
• Business accelerator: An intensive programme focused on business growth and development.
• Masterclasses: Expert-led sessions covering relevant business and entrepreneurial topics.
• Growth support: Guidance to help participating businesses improve and prepare for expansion.
• Pitch preparation: Support for entrepreneurs preparing to present their businesses to experts and potential stakeholders.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, experts and other members of the SMFEST ecosystem.
• Pitch opportunity: Selected entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to present their businesses before leading experts.
How to Apply
• Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the official GOSIMA Innovation Fund application portal.
• Applicants should provide accurate information about their businesses and ensure they meet the age and business requirements before submitting their applications.
• Application deadline: September 28, 2026.
• The programme is funded by Gosima Group and powered by SMFEST International.
• Apply for the GOSIMA Innovation Fund.
Key Details
• Programme: GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026
• Target: Young Nigerian entrepreneurs
• Age: 18–35
• Business focus: Scalable, tech-enabled businesses
• Grant awards: Up to ₦10 million combined
• 1st place: ₦5 million
• 1st runner-up: ₦3 million
• 2nd runner-up: ₦2 million
• Additional opportunity: ₦90 million post-SMFEST equity funding opportunity
• Support: Accelerator, masterclasses, business growth support, pitch preparation and networking
• Application deadline: September 28, 2026
• Application: Online
• Cost: No application fee stated in the current announcement
The GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026 presents a structured opportunity for young Nigerian founders to access business acceleration, expert-led support, networking and grant awards. Interested entrepreneurs should review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the official portal before the September 28, 2026 deadline.