About this opportunity
The GOSIMA Innovation Fund is more than a cheque. Funded by GOSIMA Group and powered by SMFEST International, it wraps grant funding around an intensive business accelerator built to get young Nigerian founders investment ready.
Selected entrepreneurs move through expert led masterclasses, business growth support, pitch preparation and networking, and then compete before leading experts for the grant awards. The programme currently lists 10 million naira in combined grant awards across the top three placements: 5 million naira for the winner, 3 million naira for first runner up, and 2 million naira for second runner up. That 10 million naira is the shared pool, not 10 million naira each.
Beyond the awards, the announcement describes a separate 90 million naira post SMFEST equity funding opportunity for businesses that meet the relevant requirements, structured as an investment rather than a grant.
The call is aimed at founders aged eighteen to thirty five who are building scalable, technology enabled businesses and can clearly explain the problem they solve, their market and how they will grow. There is no application fee stated.
What you receive
- A share of a combined 10,000,000 NGN grant pool across the top three placements
- An intensive business accelerator programme
- Expert led masterclasses and business growth support
- Pitch preparation and a chance to present before leading experts
- Networking within the SMFEST ecosystem
- Access to a separate 90,000,000 NGN post programme equity funding opportunity
Who can apply
- Young entrepreneurs aged eighteen to thirty five
- Nigerian founders building innovative businesses
- Scalable, technology enabled businesses
- A venture that solves a meaningful problem and shows clear potential for growth
- Businesses with the potential to create jobs and scale
Who should not apply
- The current call is focused on scalable, technology enabled businesses, so ventures outside that fit are not targeted
Documents to prepare
- Accurate information about your business and how it meets the age and business requirements
How to apply
- Open the official GOSIMA Innovation Fund application portal
- Enter accurate details about your business and confirm you meet the age and business criteria
- Submit before the deadline on 28 September 2026
Selection process
- Applicants are reviewed for innovation, scalability and job creation potential
- Selected entrepreneurs join the accelerator and compete for the grant awards
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Does every winner get 10 million naira?
No. The 10 million naira is the combined value of the three awards, with 5 million naira going to the winner.
Is the equity funding a grant?
No. The 90 million naira post SMFEST opportunity is an equity investment for businesses that meet the requirements, separate from the grant awards.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
